Toshiaki Ono (20s), working professional (tax accountant), second study stay in the Philippines
Please tell us about your usual work and, if you use English, in what situations.
Daily emails in English with clients.
How were the lessons and teachers?
With the Speech Workshop, Final Presentation and more, it was packed and tough. Presentation content differs by each person’s interests and industry, so there’s no template, and arranging everything including the structure was especially hard. It’s best to discuss your topic with your teacher.
They helped me enthusiastically, practicing my presentation early in the morning or after class, which I appreciated. On my second stay, the syllabus was arranged around what I wanted to learn, so it was very educational and I enjoyed the classes.
Have the lessons been useful in your current or future work?
I can now converse smoothly with foreign colleagues.
I can proceed with confidence when contacting overseas clients.
Through the classes, I grew to the point where conversing in English feels normal. Having gained the “Bahala Na” (it’ll work out, it’s OK) mentality, I can get through anything positively even after returning to Japan.
Did you notice anything in the Philippines?
Politeness matters — just like in Japan.
Filipinos aren’t friendly to everyone; seniority by age is strict, and calling elders by a title (Sir/Ms.) is a must. Lessons are one-on-one, so getting close to your teacher makes classes more fun. Actively invite them to lunch or dinner to build rapport. Even teachers are shy at first, so speak up first yourself. In the hot season, use Grab to get around — if you push yourself, you’ll get sick.
What did you enjoy, find surprising or learn in the Philippines or Manila? Any recommendations for future students?
- Jeepneys (cheap, crowded, air pollution)
- Pakikisama (togetherness) — going along with others so as not to stand out in society; similar to the Japanese mentality.
- Hiya — behavior of being unable to admit one’s ignorance or mistakes (sometimes translated as “shy”)
- You might find your life partner
Now that you’ve finished, what goals, challenges and plans do you see?
I’ll keep studying English.
As long as I’m in Japan, chances to speak English are limited. Speaking doesn’t improve unless you speak, so I want to come back to Grandline.
If you want to master business English efficiently, please see the details of studying in the Philippines.