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#My sense of self became stronger #A resolve to live by giving to others #Met wonderful people and felt motivated
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I wanted to go to Montpellier to satisfy my craving for international travel and enjoy this time before becoming a full-fledged member of society! During my gap year, meeting many people motivated me to grow and develop further, I vowed to live by giving to others as much as I have received from them :)
One-month stay in Montpellier, France — a small town loved by Europeans! Hyun Geum-hee, gapper (25 / university student) / 2-week overseas volunteer gap year |
Hello. I''m a 25-year-old university student who wanted to travel abroad before becoming a true member of society!
Hello. I''m 25-year-old Hyun Geum-hee, living on Jeju Island.
Originally, I tend to travel abroad whenever I have the chance, and I was planning a trip with a friend. Then I learned about the gap year project, and since our intended destination was Paris, the Montpellier one-month program in France caught my eye.I thought that going through the gap year program would make for a more meaningful experience than just traveling by ourselves.So I ended up going to Montpellier,I wanted to go there to satisfy my craving for travel while enjoying this time before becoming a true member of society!
# This is how a day in Montpellier went by.
We only took the French class in the morning, so we ate breakfast at 8 a.m. and attended class from 9 to 12. After that, we would review the French we learned that day or rest, then go home and have dinner around 7 p.m. On nights when we ate out, we returned around 9 or 10 p.m.
In the weekday afternoons after morning classes, we sometimes toured Montpellier.Montpellier''s city center is so beautiful that wandering through its alleys felt like a trip in itself.I''m sure you''ll be satisfied no matter where you go when you visit. We also used weekdays and weekends to travel to Barcelona and Avignon, which were both wonderful!
# I''m grateful to the many people who helped me.
Through the gap year project, I met many locals and Koreans and received a lot of help.I was deeply moved in those moments and vowed to be someone who gives as much as I received on this trip.Also, living in an unfamiliar environment,I discovered sides of myself I didn''t know and had moments of certainty about who I am.I still have many shortcomings, but it was a motivating time to become a better person.
And what I remember most is undoubtedly the time spent taking classes at the language school with students from many countries.The teacher in charge was very kind and fun, and I was grateful that the classmates who took the class with me helped me a lot.Because I came through the gap year program, I was able to make such special memories.
# It was a time when I got to know myself better.
Through the gap year project, I hoped it would be an opportunity to discover a new side of myself in an unfamiliar environment and to learn more about myself by reflecting on the past.Before leaving, I approached it more as placing a comma in my life rather than attaching an enormous meaning to it.
But while staying in Montpellier, I met many wonderful and good people, soI also gained a lot of motivation to grow and further develop.And as the vague self-belief I had crumbled and then re-solidified during the project,my sense of self became stronger.
# Tips for preparing to live in Montpellier for one month!
- Language
: French is used. Before joining the project I only studied the alphabet and basic greetings, but I was able to complete the classes without incident. The teacher was very kind, and you can use a dictionary and a translator during class!
- Accommodation & Meals
: I stayed in a homestay which was very comfortable and the host was very kind. It was located in a residential area and not far from the language school, so it was perfect for walking. For an extra fee you can get meals provided. If you want to experience local home-cooked food, it might not be a bad option! For eating out there are many restaurants in Montpellier, so you can check Google Maps and go to places with high ratings~!
- What to bring
: There shouldn''t be major issues if you prepare belongings while referring to the orientation materials given by Gap Year; and if you pack clothes comparing Korea''s temperatures with the local temperatures, you probably won''t have trouble with the weather.
My Montpellier one-month Gap Year was!
Experience ★★★★★
: First of all, living with a local family through a homestay was a very special experience for me, and the classes I took at the language school were also very enjoyable.
Learning ★★★★
: Although it was a short period of two weeks, thanks to the kind teachers and students, I was able to enjoyably learn French.
Environment ★★★★★
: Montpellier truly lives up to its reputation as a university city with many students from various countries. And the weather was mostly clear and pleasant.
Safety ★★★★★
: France, perhaps because people eat dinner late, there were many people on the streets even at late hours, so it felt safe.
Leisure ★★★★
: In Montpellier, the weather was pleasant and the parks were well developed, making it very good for spending relaxed leisure time.
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
