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#Became more diligent and overcame fears #Experience of farm life, personal growth #Touched by the host family's thoughtfulness
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I was able to enjoy my choice through a farm stay in Hokkaido, Japan! Originally, I was a very timid person and afraid of many things, but thanks to the host family's kindness and the comfort of many friends, I was able to overcome my fears!
A Hokkaido farm stay full of diverse nature and delicious food! Kim Narae, Korea GapYear Participant (28 years old)
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# Hello. This is Kim Narae, 28 years old, participating in my second gap year.
Hello. My name is Kim Narae, 28 years old, and this is my second time participating in a gap year. Four years ago, I went on a gap year to Paris, France, where I stayed for two months, so I wasn’t worried about staying abroad for a long time.
When I applied for the gap year, I was particularly drawn to the idea of a little forest, and around the same time, I made a Japanese friend and wanted to learn more about Japanese culture. That's when I discovered the Hokkaido farm stay program and decided to apply.
What captivated me most was the idea that the meals are made from crops harvested right on the farm!
# The biggest desire I had was to get away from the space I had been living in.
It’s true that I applied because I made a Japanese friend and became interested in Japanese culture, but the real reason was that I wanted to get away from the space I had been living in.
My gap year was confirmed in March, but suddenly, my dog, who had been with me through my life, passed away, and I was left with a wound regarding space. So, I always tried to get away from home. Traveling with my host family, I had less time to feel sad. The simple phrase of “Are you okay?” from them was a great comfort!
# Thanks to a regular routine and healthy meals, I became more diligent!
After helping with breakfast, I started working with the others. There was tea time and a break in both the morning and afternoon!
Waking up early and helping with breakfast, I became fascinated by my host family’s diligence and sincerity, and I also started trying to live more diligently. Seeing my host use the vacuum cleaner every day, I also started vacuuming and wiping the floors. It became a habit during the 30 days, and now that I’m back in Korea, I still try to wake up early and clean!
# My goal was to enjoy it rather than just challenge myself!
I used to be a very fearful and anxious person, so I tried various challenges and made efforts to overcome them. But this time, my goal was not to challenge myself, but to simply enjoy my own choices.
When I first arrived in Hokkaido, I caught a cold and felt weak and sick, so it was hard to enjoy myself. But still, with the determination of 'Let's try doing what I can! Let’s speak the foreign languages I know!' I started speaking up. I began with a few words, actively helping with what I could do well, and through that, I found myself enjoying the experience!
By accepting the reality I was in and gradually working on what I could do, I ended up enjoying myself.
# Through this project, I met a lot of great people!
The local workers on the farm were so kind and considerate. Whenever I made a mistake, they would always say "It's okay." Their thoughtfulness often warmed my heart.
And the host family members were very considerate people. Watching them prepare various meals every day made me set a goal that when I return to Korea, I want to treat my family and friends to delicious meals. Just being with them, I felt so much love and care, and it made me smile a lot!
Also, thanks to a Korean sister who appeared in my last week of the gap year, I was able to create even more diverse memories. She brought a projector, and every evening we watched movies in my room using the projector haha. Thanks to this romantic sister, my gap year was even happier!
# My Tips for Preparing for a Gap Year Stay in Hokkaido, Japan!
- Language
: I only knew a bit of everyday conversation, but that was enough. I wasn't very good at either Japanese or English, but I tried to speak whatever I could, and as a result, I was able to talk with locals on various topics. Language is about being proactive! I believe you improve by speaking out!
- Accommodation
: I lived in a homestay with a local family. The host family used the first floor, and the volunteers stayed in private rooms on the second floor, separated by gender. Since private rooms are provided, I was able to try out various things during the month!
- Meals
: The host family prepares the meals. Since the ingredients are harvested from the farm, they are fresh. They always ask if there’s anything you can’t eat or if there’s food you don’t like, and they are always considerate.
- What to bring
: Since you can live in a private room, it would be good to bring things you’d like to do during the month from Korea. For example, I brought books to read for the month, a canvas, paints, a journal, and more. Items that allow you to enjoy cultural activities, like a projector, are also great!
My Hokkaido Farmstay Gap Year!
Experience ★★★★★
: Every meal was different, and seeing the host family’s hard work starting from early in the morning gave me healthy motivation and allowed me to learn many good things. Together, we created my days!
Learning ★★★★★
: The host family members are extremely considerate. Whenever I made a mistake or found something difficult, they always reassured me, saying "It’s okay," and frequently said "Thank you," and "You worked hard." Over the month, I was able to become more diligent and a better person by learning from their hard work, sincerity, professionalism, and thoughtfulness.
Environment ★★★★★
Safety ★★★★★
Since it’s a rural area, as long as you don’t walk around at night, it’s safe.
Leisure ★★★★★
During the four weekends, my host family always took me out. We did various leisure activities like hot springs, horseback riding, village festivals, and trips to nearby places. Thanks to them always asking, "Would you like to join?" I was able to have many different experiences!
