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#Freed myself from a fixed mindset and experienced growth #Cross-country U.S. travel and diverse cultural experiences #Gratitude for unforgettable memories and personal growth
I loved being able to travel all across the United States and experience various cultures firsthand! Having successfully completed my cross-country trip across the U.S., I feel very different from who I was before I left. It was an experience that really helped me break out of the boxed-in life I had been living! :)
A vivid account of a special U.S. cross-country trip with young people from around the world! Choi Hyein — Gap Year participant (22 / university student)
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# I''m Choi Hyein, and I went on about a one-month cross-country trip in the U.S.!
Hello! I''m 22-year-old student on leave, Choi Hyein, who went on a two-month U.S. cross-country trip through Gap Year.
I took a leave from school and studied language in Toronto, but it felt like such a shame to return after spending a whole year just studying there. So, thinking this might be my last chance...Wanting to make the most of my time, I looked for U.S. trips and found a Gap Year project offering a one-month cross-country U.S. trip, so I applied and joined.
* For Choi Hyein, who wanted a new challenge and a unique cross-country U.S. trip...Daily 1:1 personalized missions that challenged preconceived notions, offered new experiences and special trips were provided, and a Gap Year Note was also given to reflect on oneself and make plans.
# The goal of this U.S. cross-country trip was to grow by traveling alone!
Through this trans-American trip, my goal was to grow a bit more by traveling solo!
Although I initially joined the U.S. trip alone, during the journey I met and became close with many international friends! I was also happy to meet Australian friends for the first time!
# In Las Vegas, we went to see a circus!
On the first day, I took the bus to Las Vegas with the international friends who would be joining the cross-country project!
On the second day, we stayed in and enjoyed a hotel-cation, then went to see Cirque du Soleil in the evening — it was so great! heheThus the last night in Las Vegas passed, and the next day we departed for the much-anticipated Grand Canyon.
We rode the bus hard and arrived at the Grand Canyon around 5 PM.When I first saw the Grand Canyon upon arrival, I understood what it feels like to be overwhelmed.I had preferred the sea to the mountains, but I found myself walking without even realizing it.
# At the Grand Canyon, I sat right next to the pilot for the helicopter tour!
On the morning of the second day at the Grand Canyon, we went to take a helicopter ride.Because I''m small, I was able to sit right next to the pilot! :) So I could comfortably look straight ahead and take in the Grand Canyon without turning my head.It was just rocks and desert, but it was so, so wonderful!
After the helicopter tour ended, we went around the Grand Canyon in earnest. We took photos and ate ice cream, and as I walked and sorted out my thoughts, quite a bit of time passed. So we rested at the lodging and then went out again with friends to see the sunset.Watching the Grand Canyon''s sunset while drinking a beer at that moment made me feel so happy. hehe
# The central U.S. city Memphis felt like a city of blues and music from the very first impression!
The next destination on the cross-country trip day was Amarillo.
We arrived in Amarillo late and went straight out to dinner; maybe because it was Texas, dinner was steak. The restaurant even had a challenge program to eat a giant steak — two foreign friends who joined me tried it but failed.Still, watching the people cheering in that moment, and finding myself cheering along, remains a fond memory!
And the next city! Memphis felt like a city of blues and music from the very first impression.
On the second day in Memphis, I took a tour of the mansion where Elvis Presley lived.Wow... it really felt like the epitome of extravagance. Seeing Elvis Presley’s private plane there made that impression even stronger. To be honest I don’t know many singers from that era, but the fact that I know Elvis Presley seems to prove his greatness.
Another place that made me sure Memphis was a great city was a restaurant where I had dinner.It was a pretty ordinary restaurant, but its unique atmosphere and the owner’s wit were so lovely. An impromptu band playing there also added to the experience haha.
# In Miami I enjoyed a Halloween party with foreign friends!
I kept traveling, and after some time I arrived in Miami.In Miami we did a city tour, rested briefly at the hotel, and then prepared a full-fledged Halloween party with friends.Since I had travel plans in Europe after the U.S. cross-country trip, I didn’t buy a costume and created the Halloween vibe with makeup. I carefully drew veins on my face, which gave a pretty convincing Halloween look, and we went to enjoy the party!
# In Washington D.C. I finally went to a Korean restaurant!
After a few days I arrived in Washington D.C. I had been there with my mom six years earlier, so while doing the city tour on the first day, memories from that time surfaced.
The next day I had free time, and I finally stopped by a Korean restaurant to eat duruchigi (spicy stir-fry), then went to the Hoonion Museum. With about two hours left, I also visited the Smithsonian American Museum.I had been to this place before so memories came back, but the exhibits had changed. I spent two fulfilling hours viewing them and then returned to the hotel.
Actually, that day was the last day with a party for the cross-country project, but I wanted to be alone,so I bought blueberries and two cans of beer at a nearby market and drank beer alone at the hotel while watching the Korean show "New Journey to the West." It was a moment when I felt complete happiness.After touring so intensely that my feet were burning, I got hungry and went to another Korean restaurant to eat sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew). I ate somewhat absentmindedly, but the happiness of being able to eat Korean food was wonderful. The next day I arrived in the final city, New York, and now at the airport preparing to head to London, I’m doing the final mission of the cross-country gap year project.
# Through this gap year I was able to break my own mold
While doing the cross-country trip, I realized I had been living too rigidly.So during the trip, whether outwardly or inwardly, I was able to ease my own corset to some extent, and each night, by listening to the thoughts of foreign friends from various backgrounds and cultures, I think I was able to organize my own thoughts as well.
It was nice that the foreign friends I met while traveling often approached me first, and traveling together naturally made it easy to become close!
Now, sitting at the airport, I am quite different from the me before I set off on the cross-country trip.I felt relieved to have completed the cross-country trip without any issues, and also felt sad to part ways with the friends I had become close to. As time passed, socializing and talking with others became so much fun. I’m grateful to have gained another unforgettable memory like this!
# My tips for preparing a cross-country trip across the U.S.!
For English, watching TV shows on Netflix and practicing conversation with foreigners should help!
Also, travel insurance is essential, and for the rest, I think if you prepare according to the list sent during the gap year orientation before joining the cross-country trip, you’ll be fine. Bring insect repellent, and since you’ll be traveling by bus, be sure to bring a neck pillow!
My gap year was
Experience ★★★★★
: I was able to travel to and experience many American cities I had never been to!
Learning ★★★★
: I definitely feel like my ear for English has improved! Haha
Safety ★★★★★
: Accommodations were mainly hotels, and we spent most of the time with a guide, so it felt safe!
Leisure ★★★★★
: The program was quite packed during free time and the tours with friends.
Hye-in Choi''s gap yearU.S. cross-country travel projectAre you curious??
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