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#Becoming free from others' judgment #Local English learning and cherished friendships #An unforgettable time of true learning
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I really enjoyed my trip to London before starting my job. I wanted to make the most of the month, and it was wonderful! It was great to learn English directly in the UK, and I learned so much from the friends I traveled with! I think this will remain one of the most unforgettable moments of my life!
Learn classic English affordably in London, UK! Review from a Working Professional ( Korea GapYear Participant) |
# Hello! I’m participating in my first gap year English study program in London!
Hello~ This is my first time participating in the London short-term language study gap year project!
I participated in a gap year program about 8-9 years ago to attend a job interview, and it left me with great memories, so I decided to try the gap year again. ^^ Actually, this is my second time participating, but this is the first time for a big project like the English language study in London~!
* For participants who wanted to have proper time for a new type of travel and English study before entering the workplace, activities that allow you to enjoy a new journey, customized 1:1 personal missions to improve your English skills, and a gap year notebook to reflect and plan were provided every day.
>> Gap Year Mission Direct Link
# I wanted to spend the last month before entering the company doing things I truly wanted to try!
After my next job was confirmed, I had a month of free time. At first, I thought about just going backpacking, but I felt like it wouldn't be fun.
Then, I thought, what do I really want to do..? After some reflection, I realized that I wanted to learn English locally and meet foreign friends! That was my dream.^^ And 8–9 years ago, I had a mock job interview through a gap year program. It was incredibly helpful, and I had a great image of gap years, so even after 8–9 years, I still remembered it. That's why I decided to look into gap years again, and I joined a language study program in London, UK!
# What preparation did I need before leaving for London, UK?
Actually, I was working at my previous company until the day before I left, so I didn't have much time to prepare... But thanks to the gap year coordinator, who carefully helped me with everything I needed, I was able to prepare well and go safely! :)
Since middle school, I’ve enjoyed traveling around Europe and even spent 12 days alone in New York! That’s why I was really looking forward to the time I would spend abroad during my short-term language study in London!
# My goal during this gap year was to work hard and try to speak more than two sentences in English!
I really like English, but for some reason, I couldn’t speak more than two sentences... So, my goal during the one month of language study in London was to study hard and try to speak at least two sentences!
Also, since I was going on a gap year, I needed to practice letting go of my usual self. I tend to be pretty cool, but I care about what others think, so I wanted to change that a bit during this opportunity!
# I was really happy because I was able to learn real, local English in London!
What I loved about participating in the short-term English study abroad gap year project in London was that I was able to learn real English in the UK! Unlike the traditional Korean teaching style (sitting quietly, listening to the teacher, and taking notes..), the foreign-style teaching approach (actively participating, asking lots of questions, and talking with partners) really helped me improve my English!
I was also really touched by something that happened. One day, I caught such a bad cold that I had to visit the hospital because I wasn't feeling well. I missed school three times... During that time, the gap year coordinator was very concerned about me and communicated well with the school regarding my attendance, which allowed me to complete the program successfully. I was really touched at that moment!! I just want to say thank you once again!! :)
# Things I learned while staying with foreign friends in London!
I learned something from the foreign friends I spent time with during my short-term language course in London. They don’t worry about others and only think about themselves first. Living with friends like them, over time, I feel like I learned a lot about how to take better care of myself from them!
Among them, there is a group called the crazy london members. They are the friends I was invited to a WhatsApp group with. We were in different classes at the language school, but after just one experience at a pub/club, we became very close. We share funny photos in the group and chat a lotㅋㅋ Thanks to these friends, my time in London was so much fun. Honestly, I already miss themㅠㅠ
Also, during my short-term language course in London, I deliberately didn’t try to meet any other Koreans. I thought that if I relied on Koreans, I wouldn’t improve my English. But that was just my misconception.
There was a Korean sister who stayed with me in the dormitory, and even when I caught a cold, she took such good care of me and really listened deeply to my thoughts... She was really kind. She even wrote me a letter on the day I was leaving for Korea, and I was deeply moved...ㅠㅠ Thank you so much, unni!!ㅠㅠ
# To those thinking about a gap year English study program in London!
I strongly recommend participating in a gap year! Everything you experience abroad will become a valuable experience that will be a big part of your life!
Things you hesitated to try or were afraid of back in Korea... try them all through your gap year experience! I’m sure there’s nothing greater than experience. I gained precious friendships, improved my English, had a chance to reflect on myself, and more during the one month I spent in London, truly hitting the jackpot!!
# My Recommended London Travel Spots!
In the mornings, I finished my classes and mostly did sightseeing in the afternoons, but... I didn’t visit many of the famous places that others recommended. It was just fun going anywhere with my friends... the time spent together was more precious! Hehe.
Hmm... If I were to share a tip, for those of you joining a short-term language program or gap year project in London, I’d recommend doing sightseeing during weekdays and visiting nearby areas or other countries on weekends!
Oh! And there’s something else I remember. I took a one-day class at Jamie Oliver's cookery school in London, made pasta with some British people, and it’s a memory that really stays with me~! I’d recommend trying activities you’ve wanted to do, like cooking classes or yoga classes, while you’re there ^^
# My London Language Study Gap Year Preparation Tips!
- Language
: The advice from the manager Mike at my language school in London was the most memorable! "Don't be SHY!!" He told me not to be embarrassed, to ask a lot of questions, and to keep speaking even if it's just a little English! Also, make sure to find the class that suits you! The manager changed my class based on my personality, and I was able to enjoy classes with active teachers and students!
- Accommodation
: The gap year coordinator recommended a dormitory over a homestay because I would have more chances to talk to foreign friends! It was truly an excellent choice! Every day, I cooked meals with friends from various nationalities in the dorm, and eating together helped me improve my English! Moreover, the dorm was very close to the school, so after class, I could easily go sightseeing around the city. It was really great! :)
- Meals
: Although the cost of living is high in the UK, food at supermarkets is quite affordable! So, I often went grocery shopping with my friends and cooked meals in the shared kitchen of the dorm. It was much more memorable, and I saved money to go shopping! Haha!
- Things to Prepare
: Since most water in Europe is hard water, it’s a good idea to bring a travel shower filter! You must also sign up for travel insurance. I visited the hospital when I caught a cold, and if I didn’t have insurance, it would have been a huge burden!
My Gap Year
Experience ★★★★★
: Before starting work, I decided to take a short-term language course in London for a month to gain more efficient experience, and it was such a great choice! The friendships I built with foreign friends... I will never forget those moments!
Learning ★★★★★
: British English is so clear and it really sticks in your ear. It was such an attractive way of speaking, and I will never forget the active gestures and passionate classes of my language school teachers! :)
Safety ★★★★
: London in the UK is actually one of the safer cities in Europe!
Leisure ★★★★
: On weekdays, after classes, I would go sightseeing around the city, and on weekends, I visited nearby areas or other regions (like Paris) to enjoy a more relaxed sightseeing experience during my free time!
If you're curious about the UK language course in London for under 1 million won per month that a working professional participant attended,
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Capturing the growth journeys
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