Through language study in the Philippines, I was able to have various experiences and improve my English skills.! The biggest advantage was having one-on-one classes every day, and thanks to that my skills seem to have improved quickly haha. Through the gap year, I was able to stop worrying about what others think and gradually become someone who takes on challenges! A gap year even for working people! Excited to study English in Cebu, Philippines — study-leave edition. Jeon Jeong-mi — gap-year participant (26 / working professional) |
# I wanted to get away from work, have time to myself, and improve my English through language study in the Philippines!
Hello! I''m Jeon Jeong-mi, 26. I took a short leave from my job and participated in a Korean gap-year project for working professionals — a language study program in Cebu, Philippines.
My main goal was to focus on studying English during the Philippines program and develop conversational skills so I could basically make friends with foreigners wherever I go,I wanted to live in Cebu for three months, share a room with friends from other countries, and try various experiences.
Also, I wanted to step away from the daily flood of social media, news, and work, and fill my own time with good thoughts and new things.
* For Jeon Jeong-mi, who wanted to properly improve her English and have a complete rest,she was provided with relaxing activities, customized daily one-on-one personal missions for English improvement and life planning, and a gap-year notebook to reflect on herself and make plans.
# I chose the Philippines language program because of the advantage of being able to have one-on-one classes every day.
Before going to the Philippines program, I had almost beginner-level conversational English, soI chose the Cebu language program in the Philippines where the biggest advantage is being able to have daily one-on-one lessons.
Also, after starting work I thought I''d rarely have the chance to stay abroad for a long time, so I was full of anticipation just at the thought of going overseas.I guess I felt that my daily life needed some kind of change.
# I think I learned how to make today a happy day amid repetitive and familiar routines!
Breaking away from a routine filled with work, family, and friends, and choosing and deciding how to spend my time completely without anyone interfering,I realized that I like this kind of time and that when I''m alone I want to spend my time like this.
In the end, I think I learned how to make today happy in a repetitive, familiar routine and to feel meaning even in small things.
# If a moment comes in the future when I need to be brave, I think I will recall my time in the Philippines!
While studying in the Philippines and taking a gap year, I had various experiences, and everything was a series of choices following big and small hesitations and fears. I found myself making bold choices little by little without worrying about others, and I felt that I was becoming braver little by little.When moments come in the future that require courage, I think I will remember these times.
And I''ll also long remember the days spent in neighborhoods where Filipinos greeted me with smiling faces saying "Hello!" wherever I went on the street.
# The people I met during my language study in the Philippines!
Most of the Filipino teachers I met in one‑on‑one classes at a local Cebu language school were in their twenties like me, and spending two hours together every day for three months meant we connected over our concerns and grew very close, so even months later we''re still in contact.
Talking in English, I felt for the first time that I could really connect with someone, and it was amazing to hear how, despite coming from a distant country with a different environment, climate, and education, we shared many relatable experiences. It allowed me to view my past and future from a new perspective.
# My recommended places to visit in the Philippines!
1. Siargao (surfing)
Siargao, about a 50‑minute flight from Cebu, is an island with the famous surfing spot Cloud 9 where international surfing competitions are held every year! During the days I traveled there I hardly met any Asian travelers, let alone Koreans; most were surfers from Europe and the Americas!!!
I think it was my first time experiencing such tall, powerful waves in Siargao’s sea. It’s an ideal environment for surfing, but stores, taxis, Wi‑Fi, and water purification facilities are scarce — it’s a wild destination you should be prepared for. There are few places like this in the Philippines, so it left a strong impression on me.I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn surfing or has already surfed a few times!
2. Moalboal (snorkeling, scuba diving)
The sea in Moalboal was the best! You can swim with sea turtles and endless schools of sardines — it’s an unforgettable destination. Around Pescador Island is great just for snorkeling. There are many fascinating, beautiful fish and the color of the water itself is special, so I really recommend it! Beyond the sea, Moalboal has lots of colorful motorbikes and a quaint, cozy town feel. It’s perfect for a relaxed month‑long stay!
# My tips for studying English in the Philippines!
- Language
: The local Philippine institutions’ education system was more thorough and systematic than I expected; classes were divided into reading, speaking, writing, and listening so you could learn by level. The teaching method seems effective for people at beginner to intermediate conversational levels to improve their skills.
- Accommodation
: Housekeeping can be requested once a week in advance; they lift the bed and clean the room thoroughly, even removing grime from the bathroom floor, so I was satisfied! Each time they change the pillowcase, bed sheets, and blanket, but the blanket is more like a very thin piece of cloth than a thick duvet, so depending on your preference (it’s not cold) bringing a simple personal blanket is a good idea. I stayed in a triple room and met roommates from Korea, China, Japan, and Taiwan.
- Meals
: Three meals a day are provided in the dormitory of the local Philippine language school, and since most students are Korean, Chinese, or Japanese there was always kimchi and Korean side dishes often, so I enjoyed the food!
- What to bring
: The dormitory and school are in the same building, and since you may go to resorts on weekends, flip‑flops or sandals were all I needed. Also, as mentioned above, the accommodation only provides a cloth‑thin blanket, so bring a personal blanket and pillow if you prefer. Most other items can be easily purchased at nearby local stores.
My gap year is
Experience ★★★★
: Using every weekend I could enjoy inexpensive vacations, get scuba diving certifications, and try various marine sports I hadn''t before — it was great!
Learning ★★★★
: My main goal was to improve my English, and the biggest advantage was being able to have daily one‑on‑one lessons. I was especially able to focus on improving my speaking, and it was an effective time for studying English.
Environment ★★★
: The on-site language school''s accommodation was quite comfortable; I didn''t have major issues.
Safety ★★
Leisure ★★★★
: I loved being able to enjoy the Philippines'' beautiful islands every weekend. I also fell in love with the sea! :)
Attended by Ms. Jeon Jeong-mi Philippines (Cebu) Working Professionals Language Training ProjectWant more information?!
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