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#Increased self-confidence through self-expression #Precious connections and memories with good people #The fulfillment of gaining the greatest treasure: people
The greatest treasure I gained from studying English in the Philippines was ''people.'' We helped each other study English, traveled together, and made many precious memories! And through my gap-year goal of ''expressing myself,'' my self-esteem improved a lot! Thank you.
Study English enjoyably without stress — that''s it! Im Hwa-jin, Gap-Year participant (22)
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# I went to Cebu, Philippines for language training to experience new things abroad and to have time to reflect on myself.
Hello :) I''m Im Hwa-jin, a university student.
I wanted to experience new things abroad and learn more about myself while studying English, so I took a one-year leave from university and went on a gap-year language program in Cebu, Philippines.
*For Im Hwa-jin, who wanted time to take on new challenges and to reflect and grow regarding her future,She was given daily customized one-on-one personal missions to try different challenges and improve her English skills, as well as opportunities to consider the direction of her life, and she was also provided with a gap-year notebook to reflect on herself and make plans.
# Until I departed for the Philippines, I prepared by reading language-study reviews on the Gap Year blog and website.
Before departing for Cebu, I prepared by looking up Cebu language-study reviews on the Korea Gap Year blog and website and collecting information about the Philippines.I also prepared for the language program with the expectation I''d do well while filling out the gap-year notebook provided by Gap Year, which contained a curriculum to help me better understand myself.
AndI had no worries about staying abroad for a long period.Because I''ve wanted to live away from Korea for a long time! But before leaving I had some small worries about how to board the plane alone and how to get around once I arrived...But when I actually faced them, I felt that everything solved itself after all :)
# My goal for going on a gap-year language study in Cebu was ''expressing myself.''
My goal for going to Cebu on a gap-year language program was ''expressing myself.''So while living at the local language school in Cebu, I sometimes suggested the direction of classes to my teachers, or took the initiative to present in class rather than being too shy to do so, and gradually began to express myself.
# I think ''people'' are the greatest treasure I gained from this gap year!
What I especially liked about this Cebu language-study project was meeting so many wonderful people. When I went, there were many working adults older than me. In Korea, the age gap would make it hard to maintain such close relationships, but we traveled together, grew close, and helped each other study English, forming good relationships.
And I also met friendly foreign friends whom I still keep in touch with.I truly think that people are the biggest treasure I gained from this project!
Among them, the Korean older sisters and Taiwanese friends remain especially memorable. I traveled a lot with the Korean sisters near Cebu, and even though I was much younger they took good care of me :) Also, many Taiwanese friends enrolled in the local language school at that time, so we would all go to eat together and go to cafes after class, which remain fond memories.
# And I think my self-esteem has increased a lot through this time!
Through my time in the Philippines this time, my self-esteem has increased a lot.I used to think the Philippines was more underdeveloped than other countries, but I feel so proud of myself for having gone there and handled everything successfully on my own. I''m proud of myself for having had many experiences, grown, and done well there!! :)
And a tip for those who will participate in a gap year:We went on a language study trip together for the purpose of a gap year that helps us grow, but the friends who came through other language schools mostly spend their time solely focused on studying English.
So you can often see them getting stressed because of English.HaBut since our purpose isn''t only to improve skills, I hope you won''t be stressed about ''grades''.Let''s think about why we came here!!
# What is the daily schedule for language study in Cebu, Philippines?
I traveled to Boracay, Siargao, and Bohol.I recommend 2 nights and 3 days for Boracay. I went for 1 night and 2 days and it was too short. And the sea there is truly stunning!!
And stay in Siargao as long as you can >< Even if you don''t surf, it''s a really great place! I went to Bohol because I really wanted to see the tarsiers. It was less moving than I expected compared to other places, but I think Bohol has its own charm.
Ah! And I went to all places without a guide. Bargaining locally without a guide is much cheaper. I also rented a car in Bohol locally haha. At tourist spots there are people to haggle with everywhere, so don''t worry and go. You can save a lot on travel expenses.
# My tips for preparing for language study in Cebu!
- Language
: Here, talking a lot with the local teachers helps improve your English skills. Also, if you have a specific way you want to study English, actively tell your teacher. The teacher will take that into account and teach accordingly (for example, conversation-focused or grammar-focused). The friends you study with at the school are not very accustomed to English. So don''t be afraid to speak in English — just try anytime!
- Accommodation/meals
: Meals can be eaten at the cafeteria on the first floor of the language school. Meals rotate among Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Western dishes. The taste is average. It''s good to bring gochujang, gim (seaweed), or cup noodles to eat. The school shop sells them, but they''re more expensive than in Korea, so bring them if you can :) Also, next to the school there are Western-style and vegetarian restaurants, so you can eat nearby without going far.
- What to bring
: Only pack what you really need!! Don''t bring too many English study books. I only brought one grammar book, but I didn''t even open it once lol.
My gap year!
Experience★★★★★
: I traveled around the Philippines by plane, saw and ate many things, and experienced a lot of new things.
Also, I spent precious time communicating in English with so many foreign friends!
Learning★★★★★
: In Cebu, Philippines, the living environment was very different from Korea, so I think I experienced and learned something in every moment.
Leisure★★★★★
: I traveled to Boracay, Siargao, and Bohol. Among them, Boracay and Siargao are the most memorable.
I highly recommend it. The Philippines really has such beautiful seas. Boracay has many tourists, but I will never forget the sunset sailing there. If you want to go somewhere without tourists, I recommend Siargao. It seems there are some foreigners who live here for a while. It''s a really relaxing island.
Im Hwajinwho visitedCebu, Philippines language study programWant to know more information?!
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