🇵🇭 My Three-Month Study Abroad Experience at Philinter in the Philippines

Foreword

In early September, I chose to go to the Philippines alone to begin a three-month study abroad experience; I had just wrapped up a work project, and the idea that had been stirring in my heart throughout the project finally found its moment to take flight. I carefully reviewed various reviews and recommendations on Xiaohongshu and ultimately chose Philinter for its expertise in IELTS instruction, making it the final destination for my international study journey.

Afterward, I focused on applying for the visa endorsement. As a permanent resident of Anhui, the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai was the best option. The night before the interview, the noise at the hotel prevented me from getting a good night’s rest, and as I arrived at the appointment feeling a bit tired, I couldn’t help but feel a little anxious. I explained my study abroad plans to the visa officer in my broken spoken English, but fortunately, the communication went exceptionally smoothly, and the visa was processed quickly.

Exploring Campus Life and My First Impressions of Cebu

On August 30, I boarded the 3:15 p.m. flight from Hong Kong to Cebu. The azure sky accompanied me the entire way; the immigration process went more smoothly than I had expected, with the staff being friendly, and the entry concerns I had originally worried about were easily resolved. This instantly eased my nervousness as a first-time visitor to a foreign country, as if the city had long been waiting with open arms for my arrival.

Once I left the airport, I opted out of the school’s pickup service and chose to hail a ride using the Grab app—it was seven or eight times cheaper than the service provided by the school, offering excellent value for money. As the car weaved through unfamiliar streets, the rich tropical atmosphere washed over me—a blend of floral scents and the bustling energy of the city—instantly immersing me in a foreign setting. At that very moment, my English-learning journey officially began.

Transformation and Growth Under “Spartan-Style” Training

The Philinter campus is tucked away in a small alley; if it weren’t for the eye-catching school emblem at the entrance, I would have thought I’d wandered into some kind of “park.” After registering my personal information at the security desk, the Chinese manager in charge of the China region (who was actually a student at the school) greeted me and helped me check in, which made me feel much less awkward and lost as a newcomer.

My dorm room was on the third floor, near the corner of the building and right next to the emergency exit, making it very convenient to get around. The academic building was just a two-minute walk from the dormitory, making the daily commute effortless. The only drawback was a church located behind the campus; the noise from its activities over the course of three months caused considerable disturbance to our rest, especially for those of us living on the side closest to the church. Although the school administration actively communicated and coordinated with the church, the results were less than satisfactory.

During my first week at school, I spent my time exploring with classmates who spoke the same language—communication without language barriers always brought an inexplicable sense of security. As the course progressed, this “comfort zone” was completely shattered. Students who chose the IELTS Intensive program were all in “Spartan mode”: Four consecutive classes starting at 8:50 a.m., followed by classes from 1:50 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with only a 5-minute break between each class, and evening study sessions lasting until 9:00 p.m. The fast-paced schedule left me almost no room to slack off, but it also forced me to quickly get into study mode.

I was especially fortunate to meet a group of incredibly kind teachers who consistently maintained a high level of enthusiasm for teaching. I used to be a typical “I-person”—even a bit socially anxious—and preferred to listen quietly in class. But in this long-term, immersive English environment, the teachers actively encouraged everyone to speak up, from simple greetings to themed discussions, and I gradually overcame my fear of speaking English. Over the course of three months, not only did my English skills improve by leaps and bounds, but I, an “I” person, gradually began to transform into an “E” person. Thanks to Philinter for helping me overcome my “social anxiety”—I’ve turned into a “social powerhouse”!

Unlocking the History and Charm of Cebu

Even during my relaxing weekends, I never stopped exploring. Cebu’s charm extends far beyond the resort-like atmosphere of blue seas and skies; the city’s old town harbors a rich historical heritage. On my very first weekend, my friends and I tried a new mode of transportation to travel from Lapu-Lapu to Cebu. The moment we stepped into the old town, it felt as though we’d been transported back 500 years to the Age of Discovery when the Spanish first landed there.

🏰 Fort San Pedro: We then stopped at Fort San Pedro. Built in 1565, this oldest military fortress in the Philippines bears the marks of time on its walls, having witnessed the tumultuous years of colonial history and national resistance;

✝️ Magellan’s Cross: More than 500 years ago, explorers brought it ashore here, paving the way for the spread of Christianity in the Philippines. Today, the cross still stands tall, serving as a spiritual landmark of the city;

⛪ Shrine of the Holy Child: We also visited the Shrine of the Holy Child, the oldest Catholic church in the Philippines, which houses the precious “Statue of the Holy Child Jesus.” The profound atmosphere of faith brought a sense of inner calm and allowed us to deeply appreciate the local cultural heritage.

My Birthday in Cebu

The study abroad experience was filled with joy and touching moments. On my birthday, after a simple dinner, Jennifer suddenly asked to borrow a lighter from the kitchen. At first, I didn’t realize she was preparing for my birthday—she had secretly arranged two cakes for me. This unexpected surprise filled my heart with emotion. Her new roommate, though she had only just met me, went out of her way to capture every precious moment with her camera. This kindness from a foreign land made this birthday especially meaningful and added a warm touch to my memories of the study abroad program.

Precious Friendships in a Foreign Land

During those brief three months, we heard gossip and post-meal chatter from students of various nationalities, and I also made friends from different countries through various opportunities both in and out of class. Safia left a deep impression on me. When she was about to leave, we took a photo together, and on the back of the photo, she deliberately left a letter for our close friends—every word brimming with the joy of our time together and sincere blessings.