#Overcame fear of challenges #A lifelong foreign friend #Found enjoyment and purpose in life

|
I had a consultation before my language study in Cebu. We had many conversations, but this one line stuck with me the most. "You have a lot on your mind, but you haven''t tried those things yet, so it''s important to just give them a try," something like that haha. I agreed with that, so I decided to take a gap year to give it a shot this time.
Study English in Cebu, Philippines without stress and while having fun — that''s it! Mo O-yeong — a gap year participant''s review |
I''m an ordinary college student with a lot of worries and thoughts about my career!

Hello~ I''m Mo O-yeong, a third-year university student. If I were to describe myself, I''m just an ordinary college student. Personally, I think I''m introverted. I dislike taking the lead or making plans, but I also don''t like spending time without any plan. I have a lot of random thoughts; sometimes I''m realistic, and other times I''m a dreamer.
I had a consultation before my language study in Cebu. We had many conversations, but this one line stuck with me the most: "You have a lot on your mind, but you haven''t tried those things yet, so it''s important to just give them a try." hahaI agreed with that opinion, so I decided to take a gap year to try it this time. I made a plan with the consultant, and because they gave objective and useful feedback, deciding on a project went smoothly.
*Always dreaming of new challenges but finding it difficult to start alone due to fear of new environments, Mo O-yeong decided on a project with a professional consultant through consulting and resolved to start a gap year.If you''re dreaming of a new start but find it hard to begin alone— I strongly recommend 1:1 consulting with a gap year specialist!
A definite way to change your life: gap year 1:1 consulting
When I left behind the thoughts and fears that were holding me back and started the challenge, the best experience of my life began!
The part I most wanted to change was to get rid of my fear of new environments.I wasn''t afraid of foreign environments, but I often scared myself in advance when it came to interacting with foreigners. I think I used to stop myself there every time. This time I wanted to change that.
And my biggest goal was, ''Let''s make foreign friends I can keep in touch with consistently in my life!'' I also aimed to enjoy traveling alone, start conversations with strangers, negotiate abroad, try domestic flights in a foreign country, and other new challenges during my Cebu language study!

It was my first experience going abroad alone, and I wasn''t confident in my English, so I actually thought about it a lot even on the day I made the decision. Through consulting I had already decided early on that I should do this project, but it felt like another internal battle with my heart and courage over whether I could really do it.I wasn''t too worried about the environment, but since the project was primarily English classes, I was very concerned about whether I could adapt well to the classes. Also, because I''m introverted, I was even more worried.
At first I worried a lot about whether I could complete this project safely and whether two months would be too long, but once I put those thoughts aside and actually started, I realized they were all pointless. Rather, the two months felt short, and I really didn''t think about Korea at all haha.During this time of acting, experiencing, and realizing things, I personally felt a lot. I think it was the most rewarding vacation of my life.
The burden of the new environment gradually decreased and I began to enjoy it. I also became more comfortable expressing myself.
Above all, the best part was that my friends and teachers were all really great, no matter what anyone says.I mostly hung out with Japanese friends; they were all so caring and kind, and had fun personalities, so I really enjoyed it. In the first class I was a bit nervous about studying, classes, and teachers, but later it felt like meeting fun friends, older sisters, and older brothers. So I really wanted to attend every class every day.
Meeting so many people and not thinking situations were difficult made the burden of the new environment gradually lessen, and I began to enjoy it. I also became more comfortable expressing myself.On my way home at the end, I received messages from friends, and I was so grateful and moved by friends who honestly told me what they liked.
The activities we did and the trips we took were all great, but those were just extras—the biggest advantage was being able to make friends from abroad. It was simply wonderful to comfortably interact with people from other countries.
For someone like me who had many worries and concerns about trying something new, choosing a language study program was a really good decision. Since you share time by taking classes, there were many more common topics to talk about, and it was nice to get a lot of help by asking local teachers about local travel. People have different likes and dislikes about studying, but in my case I enjoyed it so much that I tried to attend most classes. Once I started, I didn''t want to miss classes later.
During the two months I was able to travel almost every weekend.YeAt first it was hard to suggest plans or start conversations, but when I thought about it from the other person''s perspective I realized I also came here alone and would be happy if someone invited me to travel or hang out first—other people feel the same. I think people just like it when someone reaches out.At first I approached it thinking I had grand goals and would work hard, but later I think I just relaxed and enjoyed life in the Philippines.
# My boring life gained my own fun and purpose. It''s a waste not to try.

Before joining the gap year project I couldn''t find much enjoyment in my days, but now I feel like I''ve regained the strength to work hard at something again.And I''ve come to feel that time is precious.In the past I just worked part-time and thought, ''Everyone goes to university and studies so I should too,'' but now I feel I should try more diverse things while I''m young, even if only for a day.I''m still awkward, but I think I can say my life now has its own fun and purpose.
Using English directly through conversations made speaking English fun, and I realized on my own—rather than because someone told me—that I need to study English. I especially felt that you should travel as much as you can while you can. I think you can find joy in trying new things.
# Cebu, Philippines language study — this is my daily routine!

In my case I had eight classes a day. In the morning the first class started at 8:00; each class was 45 minutes with a 5-minute break. All morning classes were one-on-one, and after lunch I had four group classes.
Classes ended around 5 PM, and after that we could go out. Once I got used to life in the Philippines, I usually ate dinner out and typically went on trips on weekends haha.
# My tips for preparing a Cebu, Philippines language study gap year!

First of all, don''t worry if you can''t speak English well.If you''re worried about one-on-one classes, don''t be. The teachers enjoy free talking,and trying various kinds of conversation can be a good experience. Even though I''m not great at English, I also preferred free talking.
Don''t think adapting will be too difficult!At first English didn''t come out of my mouth so it was hard to get close to people, and I didn''t know much about daily life so I needed a lot of help for the first one to two weeks. After that I got help and hung out with many people—I can''t mention all the names, but friends who were already students like Taiwanese friends, Japanese friends, friends I met later, and my teachers all helped. In particular, my roommates were all so kind and considerate that I had no difficulties living in the accommodation. I also received a lot of help from the local student manager and learned many tips about living in the Philippines.

Above all, time goes by really fast. I strongly recommend doing your best to have fun. When it was time to leave I felt every day had been too precious.I definitely recommend doing Kawasan canyoning. I can confidently say it''s the most fun activity in Cebu. Lastly, there''s a restaurant called Top of Cebu—I''d recommend making a weekday reservation, getting a good seat, and having dinner there. The night view was really beautiful.
# My Cebu, Philippines language study gap year is!

Experience ★★★★★
: Just going abroad and living alone for a long period is an experience that can''t be compared to others.
Learning ★★★★
: If you want a particular English course, consider additional consultation! It helped me learn expressions and conversation.
Environment★★★★
: It''s a bit less comfortable than Korea, but the Philippines was really nice.
Safety★★★★★
: I was personally very worried about safety, but I had no concerns about crime or pickpocketing at all, and other teenagers also walked around on their own easily and it felt safe.
Leisure ★★★★
: Since time to go out on weekends is limited, you have to enjoy your weekends!!
MoO-yeonghas been to Cebu, Philippines language-study programWant more information?!
Click the banner belowplease!
▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼

|
I had a consultation before my language study in Cebu. We had many conversations, but this one line stuck with me the most. "You have a lot on your mind, but you haven''t tried those things yet, so it''s important to just give them a try," something like that haha. I agreed with that, so I decided to take a gap year to give it a shot this time.
Study English in Cebu, Philippines without stress and while having fun — that''s it! Mo O-yeong — a gap year participant''s review |
I''m an ordinary college student with a lot of worries and thoughts about my career!

Hello~ I''m Mo O-yeong, a third-year university student. If I were to describe myself, I''m just an ordinary college student. Personally, I think I''m introverted. I dislike taking the lead or making plans, but I also don''t like spending time without any plan. I have a lot of random thoughts; sometimes I''m realistic, and other times I''m a dreamer.
I had a consultation before my language study in Cebu. We had many conversations, but this one line stuck with me the most: "You have a lot on your mind, but you haven''t tried those things yet, so it''s important to just give them a try." hahaI agreed with that opinion, so I decided to take a gap year to try it this time. I made a plan with the consultant, and because they gave objective and useful feedback, deciding on a project went smoothly.
*Always dreaming of new challenges but finding it difficult to start alone due to fear of new environments, Mo O-yeong decided on a project with a professional consultant through consulting and resolved to start a gap year.If you''re dreaming of a new start but find it hard to begin alone— I strongly recommend 1:1 consulting with a gap year specialist!
A definite way to change your life: gap year 1:1 consulting
When I left behind the thoughts and fears that were holding me back and started the challenge, the best experience of my life began!
The part I most wanted to change was to get rid of my fear of new environments.I wasn''t afraid of foreign environments, but I often scared myself in advance when it came to interacting with foreigners. I think I used to stop myself there every time. This time I wanted to change that.
And my biggest goal was, ''Let''s make foreign friends I can keep in touch with consistently in my life!'' I also aimed to enjoy traveling alone, start conversations with strangers, negotiate abroad, try domestic flights in a foreign country, and other new challenges during my Cebu language study!

It was my first experience going abroad alone, and I wasn''t confident in my English, so I actually thought about it a lot even on the day I made the decision. Through consulting I had already decided early on that I should do this project, but it felt like another internal battle with my heart and courage over whether I could really do it.I wasn''t too worried about the environment, but since the project was primarily English classes, I was very concerned about whether I could adapt well to the classes. Also, because I''m introverted, I was even more worried.
At first I worried a lot about whether I could complete this project safely and whether two months would be too long, but once I put those thoughts aside and actually started, I realized they were all pointless. Rather, the two months felt short, and I really didn''t think about Korea at all haha.During this time of acting, experiencing, and realizing things, I personally felt a lot. I think it was the most rewarding vacation of my life.
The burden of the new environment gradually decreased and I began to enjoy it. I also became more comfortable expressing myself.
Above all, the best part was that my friends and teachers were all really great, no matter what anyone says.I mostly hung out with Japanese friends; they were all so caring and kind, and had fun personalities, so I really enjoyed it. In the first class I was a bit nervous about studying, classes, and teachers, but later it felt like meeting fun friends, older sisters, and older brothers. So I really wanted to attend every class every day.
Meeting so many people and not thinking situations were difficult made the burden of the new environment gradually lessen, and I began to enjoy it. I also became more comfortable expressing myself.On my way home at the end, I received messages from friends, and I was so grateful and moved by friends who honestly told me what they liked.
The activities we did and the trips we took were all great, but those were just extras—the biggest advantage was being able to make friends from abroad. It was simply wonderful to comfortably interact with people from other countries.
For someone like me who had many worries and concerns about trying something new, choosing a language study program was a really good decision. Since you share time by taking classes, there were many more common topics to talk about, and it was nice to get a lot of help by asking local teachers about local travel. People have different likes and dislikes about studying, but in my case I enjoyed it so much that I tried to attend most classes. Once I started, I didn''t want to miss classes later.
During the two months I was able to travel almost every weekend.YeAt first it was hard to suggest plans or start conversations, but when I thought about it from the other person''s perspective I realized I also came here alone and would be happy if someone invited me to travel or hang out first—other people feel the same. I think people just like it when someone reaches out.At first I approached it thinking I had grand goals and would work hard, but later I think I just relaxed and enjoyed life in the Philippines.
# My boring life gained my own fun and purpose. It''s a waste not to try.

Before joining the gap year project I couldn''t find much enjoyment in my days, but now I feel like I''ve regained the strength to work hard at something again.And I''ve come to feel that time is precious.In the past I just worked part-time and thought, ''Everyone goes to university and studies so I should too,'' but now I feel I should try more diverse things while I''m young, even if only for a day.I''m still awkward, but I think I can say my life now has its own fun and purpose.
Using English directly through conversations made speaking English fun, and I realized on my own—rather than because someone told me—that I need to study English. I especially felt that you should travel as much as you can while you can. I think you can find joy in trying new things.
# Cebu, Philippines language study — this is my daily routine!

In my case I had eight classes a day. In the morning the first class started at 8:00; each class was 45 minutes with a 5-minute break. All morning classes were one-on-one, and after lunch I had four group classes.
Classes ended around 5 PM, and after that we could go out. Once I got used to life in the Philippines, I usually ate dinner out and typically went on trips on weekends haha.
# My tips for preparing a Cebu, Philippines language study gap year!

First of all, don''t worry if you can''t speak English well.If you''re worried about one-on-one classes, don''t be. The teachers enjoy free talking,and trying various kinds of conversation can be a good experience. Even though I''m not great at English, I also preferred free talking.
Don''t think adapting will be too difficult!At first English didn''t come out of my mouth so it was hard to get close to people, and I didn''t know much about daily life so I needed a lot of help for the first one to two weeks. After that I got help and hung out with many people—I can''t mention all the names, but friends who were already students like Taiwanese friends, Japanese friends, friends I met later, and my teachers all helped. In particular, my roommates were all so kind and considerate that I had no difficulties living in the accommodation. I also received a lot of help from the local student manager and learned many tips about living in the Philippines.

Above all, time goes by really fast. I strongly recommend doing your best to have fun. When it was time to leave I felt every day had been too precious.I definitely recommend doing Kawasan canyoning. I can confidently say it''s the most fun activity in Cebu. Lastly, there''s a restaurant called Top of Cebu—I''d recommend making a weekday reservation, getting a good seat, and having dinner there. The night view was really beautiful.
# My Cebu, Philippines language study gap year is!

Experience ★★★★★
: Just going abroad and living alone for a long period is an experience that can''t be compared to others.
Learning ★★★★
: If you want a particular English course, consider additional consultation! It helped me learn expressions and conversation.
Environment★★★★
: It''s a bit less comfortable than Korea, but the Philippines was really nice.
Safety★★★★★
: I was personally very worried about safety, but I had no concerns about crime or pickpocketing at all, and other teenagers also walked around on their own easily and it felt safe.
Leisure ★★★★
: Since time to go out on weekends is limited, you have to enjoy your weekends!!
MoO-yeonghas been to Cebu, Philippines language-study programWant more information?!
Click the banner belowplease!
▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼
What makes this project special