¡Hola! A Spanish Learning Adventure in Barcelona
Through this gap year project, I was able to feel that the world is truly wide and people live their lives finding happiness through their own standards.
Hello, Im O-in, a gap year participant and I studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain.
After graduating from college, I worked at a company related to my major and am currently on leave. In the past when I ran without rest, if someone asked me what I was doing I had no answer. I looked back on the past when I just ran without thinking and applied for a Spanish language course to reorganize my direction of life.
I wanted to broaden my perspective
The goal was to extend my perspective of the world and live freely without being conscious of others. I wanted to see and feel a lot in a new environment through the Spanish language program.
I was worried about communicating in English before leaving the country but the consultation with Korea Gap Year was a success. So I studied English step by step to be able to communicate with friends I would meet and I also looked into the Spanish culture in advance. :)
My standard in happiness has changed.
After joining a language course in Spain, I came to truly realize how huge the world is and how people everywhere pursue happiness in their own unique ways. While these standards of happiness vary greatly, life in Korea often feels guided by a more structured path.
It was a time of great awareness that I should not just live my life by a set of rules. To pursue happiness by living my life enjoying it more than worrying about graduating from college, getting a job, getting married, and having children.
I was able to experience several cultures.
I was able to meet many friends from different countries. As we talked and shared our lives, I was able to learn a lot about their uniques cultures. It was a very helpful time to learn about cultures different from our own.
Another unique charm of language training is that you can experience the vivid culture firsthand through interactions with local friends.
I was able to look at it with a positive attitude!
During the time I was taking classes, the classmates would change frequently. It was confusing at first as my friends were temporary.
Because of the Spanish language program I adapted very quickly so I was able to have a better understanding of having new friends and keeping precious memories. My gap year was a very valuable experience as it allowed me to deepen my perspective of the world.
My daily routine
On weekdays, I took classes from 9 am to 1 pm. I found a good balance between spending time with my language friends and for myself during the month I stayed in Barcelona.
After class, I had lunch with my classmates or went sightseeing in Barcelona. I became close to French, German, and American friends and spent a lot of time with them.
I also had time to think about myself and spent time alone exploring every inch of Barcelona. I used to think that the joy of traveling was sharing memories with others but in reality I could be happy enough even when I was enjoying it alone.
Experience ★★★★★
Going to a language school gave me the opportunity to interact with people from around the world as it was a new experience for me.
Learning ★★★★★
I enjoyed interacting with my language school friends, learning new cultures, and learning Spanish.
Evironment ★★★★★
It was very helpful to meet new friends in the after-school program offered by the language program.
Safety ★★★★★
It was safe as I stayed for a month.
Leisure ★★★★★
It was nice that classes ended at 1 pm so I could enjoy the afternoon sightseeing.
¡Hola! A Spanish Learning Adventure in Barcelona
Through this gap year project, I was able to feel that the world is truly wide and people live their lives finding happiness through their own standards.
Hello, Im O-in, a gap year participant and I studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain.
After graduating from college, I worked at a company related to my major and am currently on leave. In the past when I ran without rest, if someone asked me what I was doing I had no answer. I looked back on the past when I just ran without thinking and applied for a Spanish language course to reorganize my direction of life.
I wanted to broaden my perspective
The goal was to extend my perspective of the world and live freely without being conscious of others. I wanted to see and feel a lot in a new environment through the Spanish language program.
I was worried about communicating in English before leaving the country but the consultation with Korea Gap Year was a success. So I studied English step by step to be able to communicate with friends I would meet and I also looked into the Spanish culture in advance. :)
My standard in happiness has changed.
After joining a language course in Spain, I came to truly realize how huge the world is and how people everywhere pursue happiness in their own unique ways. While these standards of happiness vary greatly, life in Korea often feels guided by a more structured path.
It was a time of great awareness that I should not just live my life by a set of rules. To pursue happiness by living my life enjoying it more than worrying about graduating from college, getting a job, getting married, and having children.
I was able to experience several cultures.
I was able to meet many friends from different countries. As we talked and shared our lives, I was able to learn a lot about their uniques cultures. It was a very helpful time to learn about cultures different from our own.
Another unique charm of language training is that you can experience the vivid culture firsthand through interactions with local friends.
I was able to look at it with a positive attitude!
During the time I was taking classes, the classmates would change frequently. It was confusing at first as my friends were temporary.
Because of the Spanish language program I adapted very quickly so I was able to have a better understanding of having new friends and keeping precious memories. My gap year was a very valuable experience as it allowed me to deepen my perspective of the world.
My daily routine
On weekdays, I took classes from 9 am to 1 pm. I found a good balance between spending time with my language friends and for myself during the month I stayed in Barcelona.
After class, I had lunch with my classmates or went sightseeing in Barcelona. I became close to French, German, and American friends and spent a lot of time with them.
I also had time to think about myself and spent time alone exploring every inch of Barcelona. I used to think that the joy of traveling was sharing memories with others but in reality I could be happy enough even when I was enjoying it alone.
Experience ★★★★★
Going to a language school gave me the opportunity to interact with people from around the world as it was a new experience for me.
Learning ★★★★★
I enjoyed interacting with my language school friends, learning new cultures, and learning Spanish.
Evironment ★★★★★
It was very helpful to meet new friends in the after-school program offered by the language program.
Safety ★★★★★
It was safe as I stayed for a month.
Leisure ★★★★★
It was nice that classes ended at 1 pm so I could enjoy the afternoon sightseeing.