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#Learned how to love myself and became more positive #Gained healthy self-reflection and precious connections #A sense of pride in myself and a positive mindset
Before, I didn''t place much importance on taking time for self-reflection, and it was difficult to take time to carefully get to know myself, but now I have enough rest and time to think, I''ve come to realize that time for contemplation is one of the ways I can love myself.
Learn classic English cheaply in London, UK! Jo Suyeon, gap year gapper (22, university student) / 6-week gap year |
# As a second-year university student, I boldly took a semester off and went to London for language study!
Hello! I''m 22-year-old Jo Suyeon, who finished my second year of university and boldly took a semester off to have a gap year through language study in London and traveling Europe. Before I went on the trip,I had very low self-esteem and didn''t know myself well, but during this gap year I had plenty of time to observe and get to know myself.During the language study period in London, I was able to have time for healthy self-reflection through ample rest and various cultural experiences.
* For Jo Suyeon, who wanted to improve her English and have time for self-reflection, daily tailored 1:1 personal missions that challenged her previous thinking and supported new experiences and English improvement were provided, and a gap-year notebook to reflect and make plans was also provided.
# I wanted to stay in one city for a long time to experience the atmosphere, air, and feel of that country!
Actually, I''d wanted to travel in Europe for a while, and rather than a trip that hops between many countries in a short time, I wanted to stay in one place for at least two weeks to really get to know the country''s atmosphere, air, and feel.
I happened to want to learn English in an English-speaking country, soI started my European trip in London and, wanting to stay there a long time even if it meant skipping some other countries,I found the Gap Year UK, London language study project.
# What preparations did you make before departing for London?
I often met with the friend accompanying me to make a list of things we wanted to do during the gap year, creating goals, and I worked hard to draft a budget to have an efficient trip and study-abroad period.
Because it wasn''t a short trip, I was really worried since there was no framework for how much I should prepare or research. It was decided that I would go, but since I''d never lived in the UK or even been there, the only things I had prepared were a plane ticket to London and a cheap suitcase. But once I actually arrived, that''s when it hit me that I was in London.
# Through this gap year, I was able to have plenty of time to get to know myself.
Of course improving my English was a goal while studying in London, but in additionI wanted to be sure to carry out goals like finding more than 20 of my own strengths, discovering what I like, and praising myself once a day!
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As a result,At 22, during a time when nothing was set for my future, I had enough time to learn about myself.Above all, I was so proud of myself. In the unfamiliar city of London, I enjoyed the things I like to my heart''s content, increasing the times and places I love day by day, and learned how to love myself. Through healthy self-reflection I got to know myself, and I noticed that my way of comforting and encouraging myself has changed a bit more positively than before.
Previously I didn''t place much importance on taking time for self-reflection or had difficulty taking time to carefully examine myself, but now I''ve realized that having enough rest, time to think, and time for contemplation is one of the ways I can love myself.Above all, making an effort to think positively was the driving force that helped me complete this London language-study gap year safely and in good health.
# A day in London on site!
On weekdays I attended a language school, so to make it for the 8:45 start I got up at 6:30, finished getting ready, and left my accommodation at 8:00.I took the Tube to the school, and after about three hours of class it would be 12:00. From then on it was entirely my own time.After having lunch, I wandered around various parts of London, sightseeing.
London is safe, so I sometimes stayed out late, but usually I tried to be back home by around 8. Once home I’d have dinner or rest to recharge, or chat with friends in the accommodation until 10, then go to bed around 11.On weekends I used the mornings to go for early walks, visit areas near London, go to morning markets, or enjoy delicious food with friends—fully enjoying that time.
# Memorable moments?
I had a friend who accompanied me. Although I had known this friend for a long time,during this London language-study and trip we had honest conversations, acknowledged our differences, grew closer, and became more comfortable with each other.
I also loved going to pubs with the international friends I lived with in the residence, celebrating someone’s birthday, and having the chance to try foods from countries I hadn’t tasted before.
# To those hesitating about studying English in London!
Staying for a long time in an unfamiliar foreign place can be tiring. Still, to live each day meaningfully and valuably, you need to try new experiences and challenges every day. If you’re hesitating now, apply for this program first and make a list of things you’ve wanted to do for a long time. It’s okay if the list isn’t long. Later, checking them off and seeing a high achievement rate will double your pride and sense of accomplishment.Don’t be afraid—take the challenge! It will be a precious time that won’t come again!
# My London recommendations
If you like parks, I recommend Greenwich Park, Regent’s Park, and Primrose Hill.I recommend visiting Greenwich Park on a weekday to see the wide, empty green space. If the sun is out on the weekend, I recommend enjoying a picnic in Regent’s Park, and I highly recommend going to Primrose Hill to watch the sunset.
When you want to experience London as it is with no plans, just buy a Travelcard (zones 1–2)and hop on any bus—aimlessly enjoying London from the front seat on the top deck is also great.If you find a place you like, you can get off anytime and walk; if you then decide where you want to go, just change to another bus at the nearest stop.
I also strongly recommend watching a musical early in the morning using day seats.Here, productions that might only be performed a few times a year in Korea are put on almost daily—about ten famous shows. Especially since you can see them for around 30,000–50,000 won, it’s a great opportunity to enrich your cultural life. After the musical ends, if it’s past 10 PM, I recommend crossing London Bridge and walking to Tower Bridge to enjoy London’s night view!
# My tips for preparing for a London language-study!
- Language
Study as many English words as possible, and try to catch even small words in everyday conversations—these two things are really important!
- Accommodation
If you’re not going with a friend, choose a single room rather than a double; if sharing a bathroom with others isn’t a big problem for you, this facility was very good and I highly recommend it!
- Meals
: If you don''t often seek out Korean food, London has good sandwiches and salads, so you can have a simple and easy meal.
- What to bring
: Travel insurance is required, and it''s good to know your phone''s IMEI (unique phone identifier) in case you lose it. The rest was thoroughly prepared by the gap year staff, so I could come comfortably!
My gap year is
Experience ★★★★★
Learning ★★★★
Environment ★★★★★
Safety ★★★★★
Leisure ★★★★★
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
