I have enjoyed traveling since my student days and have visited many different countries. At that time, I could not speak English at all, so I managed various situations using body language and a phrasebook. After starting work, I traveled less frequently, but I still went on trips regularly. However, as I got older, my work became busier, and for several years I did not have the opportunity to go abroad.
In that situation, I began to wonder if I would continue working nonstop for the rest of my life. As I approached the milestone of turning 30, I decided to challenge myself to go on a working holiday, an opportunity that can only be pursued in one’s twenties.
As mentioned earlier, my language ability at the time was so limited that I had to rely on a phrasebook to communicate while traveling abroad. Therefore, it was clear that I needed to have at least a basic level of English before challenging myself with a working holiday. While considering how I should study English, I decided to enroll at WALES in Baguio, Philippines.
I chose the Philippines because, compared with other countries, it is easily accessible from Japan, and the cost of living is not too high, which was one of the deciding factors. Baguio is known as one of the safest areas in the Philippines, and although the country is located in the tropics, Baguio has a very comfortable climate, with maximum temperatures of around 20 to 25°C. I felt that this environment would allow me to focus on my studies, so I decided to go to Baguio.
Compared with other schools located in and around Baguio, WALES has a smaller number of students, and I felt that this would allow for more attentive and personalized classes. I also thought that it would be easier to build deeper relationships with both fellow students and teachers. In addition, I learned that students of a wide range of ages are enrolled, which made me feel that I could absorb diverse knowledge and ways of thinking.
Another deciding factor was that WALES is located close to the center of Baguio, making it a very convenient place to study.
Both the one-on-one and group classes had a very good atmosphere. Because the groups were small, the environment felt close and it was easy to ask questions. In the individual lessons, I felt that the teachers were attentive to the students, as they consulted with me about how to proceed and regularly checked my understanding.
Regarding group classes, there was a discussion class, which I hadn’t experienced much before. I was required to express my own opinions, which was very challenging at first, but I believe my ability to express myself improved greatly. It was also a very interesting experience to see how different people’s ways of thinking were, depending on their country of origin.
I chose a shared room type, so I lived in a room with seven people. My bedroom was shared by three people, but it was comfortable and didn’t feel particularly cramped. During my two-month stay, my roommates changed several times, and each time someone of a different nationality moved in. This provided a great opportunity for cultural exchange and helped improve my language skills, so I never felt bored.
As for the facilities, regular cleaning was provided, so the environment was very clean. However, there were occasional power outages, and during those times, there was no hot water.
The teachers were very knowledgeable and experienced, and when they saw me looking confused, they would teach me using various approaches. We also regularly discussed how to proceed with the lessons, so the classes were tailored to how we wanted to move forward together. Because of this, I believe my English skills improved significantly.
They always made sure to create a friendly and approachable environment. After class, they would share not only English tips but also recommendations for restaurants and tourist spots, teaching me many things beyond just the lessons.
They served a lot of Korean dishes like kimchi, but they were not too spicy and tasted delicious. Occasionally, Japanese food such as curry was also offered. Since the menu changed daily, I never got tired of the meals.
In each class, there were many opportunities to actively express my own opinions and thoughts rather than just passively receiving information. Because of this, I believe my communication skills, especially speaking, improved significantly regardless of the content. During and after classes, multinational students often gathered to chat casually, which also helped me sharpen my English skills. Additionally, just by constantly listening to and understanding the teachers, my listening ability improved.
Since I lived with multinational students outside of class as well, I was always in an environment where English was used. On the other hand, when it came to expanding my range of expression, I often felt a barrier due to a lack of basic vocabulary.
WALES has a small class size, which makes it easy for both teachers and students to build close and meaningful relationships beyond formal boundaries. Their attentive support regarding how to proceed with lessons was especially helpful during the initial adjustment period. Sharing meals together after class and going on weekend trips were also very valuable experiences. Additionally, when any issues arose, such as health problems, they provided dedicated support, which gave me a great sense of security.
Baguio itself is a very comfortable area, neither too hot nor too cold, and it has excellent safety. However, if you visit during the rainy season, even in August, temperatures can drop below 20°C, so it can feel a bit chilly and requires some caution. Although access from Japan is not very convenient, you can study in an environment blessed with nature.
