MICHELLE_3-Month Journey of Learning and Growth at CIJ Academy

July 06, 2025

🇵🇭 My 3-Month Journey of Learning and Growth at CIJ Academy

From initial anxiety to growing confidence every day

I began my 3-month English learning journey at CIJ Academy & School in Cebu, Philippines, carrying both excitement and anxiety: Will I be able to study well? Will I be able to adapt? But now, as the journey is nearing its end, I realize this was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

📚 Every Day Here Is a True Learning Experience

I enrolled in the Sparta 5 course, which means from Sunday evening to Friday afternoon, there was barely any time to slack off. A typical day for me included:

5 one-on-one classes, 1 small group class and 1 group class with a native English teacher

Vocabulary tests every morning and pattern sentence checks every evening
Night self-study in the library, open until 1 AM

I used to think learning English was dry and boring. But through interactive and fun classes, like guessing words from English descriptions, I gradually started to enjoy learning. Especially studying alongside classmates of similar levels—we supported and encouraged one another every day.

👩‍🏫 CIJ Teachers – Daily Source of Energy and Motivation

I met so many amazing teachers, each with their own personality and teaching style:

Angelika – sharp & perfectionist
Gregory – a good singer, down-to-earth
Yen – unique and energetic
Ejojen – well-known & intelligent
Jhen – gentle and elegant

...and many others who always greeted us with a smile and incredible patience.

They weren’t just teachers—they were friends and mentors who inspired me. Thanks to them, I overcame my fear of making mistakes in English. Now I can confidently communicate, order food, book rides, and ask for directions – all in English.

🏡 Dormitory Life – Comfortable, Clean, and Full of Bonding

I shared a twin room with Sunny, who only studied for two weeks but left a strong impression. We quickly became close, supporting each other in both studies and daily life.

The room was well-equipped: a wardrobe, study desk, and clean, spacious bathroom. The school also offered laundry and cleaning services twice a week—super convenient, letting me focus entirely on studying.

🌴 Every Weekend Was a New Adventure

After five intense weekdays, weekends were time for a well-deserved break. Cebu is full of picture-perfect destinations:

El Mar Resort – Crystal-clear waters, breathtaking sunsets like watercolor paintings, starry nights, friendly staff, and free shuttle service. I’ve stayed here many times, each visit bringing a different feeling.

Virgin Island & Bantayan – A true beach paradise: peaceful, untouched, and perfect for relaxing or watching the sunrise.
Kawasan Canyoneering – An unforgettable adventure! I jumped off high cliffs into turquoise water, drank water by accident while learning to swim 😅, and even got a cramp in the water. A little pain, a little fear, but so thrilling!

Getting around was easy—just catch a bus or tricycle (three-wheeled motorcycle) from CIJ. Prices were reasonable and the locals were friendly.

🍕 Living Real Life in English

Every Friday night, instead of eating at school, I’d go out. One of my favorite spots was Angel’s Pizza at SM Consolacion. It wasn’t just about eating—it was a chance to practice English:

"What do you want?"
"I want one slice of pepperoni pizza and an iced Americano."
"For take-out or dine-in?"

I ordered, paid, and chatted in English—and afterward, I’d write down all the new vocabulary I learned that day. These real-life English moments were invaluable.

🎉 Beyond the Classroom – A Life Full of Activities

CIJ isn’t just a school – it’s a place to experience life:
- Zumba every Thursday – relieving stress, sweating it out, and laughing with friends
- English-subtitled movie nights every Friday
- Moonlit BBQ party in May
- Sports like badminton, basketball, volleyball, swimming, golf...

I got to try so many things for the first time—learning to swim, dancing, and playing sports with international friends

👫 Friendship – The Greatest Gift

At CIJ, I met friends from Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan... from elementary students to university students, parents, and even retirees.

Despite our age differences, we shared the same goal – learning English and pushing our limits. Every chat, shared meal, and group study session became unforgettable memories.

🧠 I Didn't Just Learn English – I Learned How to Live

After 3 months, what changed was not just my English skills. I learned:

How to study effectively
How to collaborate in a team
How to step out of my comfort zone
Most importantly, how to live with purpose and discipline

💙 Cherishing the Final Days

Only two weeks left before I leave CIJ. I’ll miss:

The 24/7 library – where I “camped” for three months
Meals in the school cafeteria
The teachers’ smiles
The starry night skies
Waking up every morning with a clear learning goal

I came here full of worries, but I’m leaving with pride and deep gratitude.

💬 Still Unsure? Choose CIJ.

CIJ is not just a place to learn English – it’s a place that can change your mindset, your habits, and your life.
If you’re considering studying English in the Philippines, go for CIJ. You won’t regret it – I promise.