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#Doubts resolved, self-acceptance #English proficiency, forming connections #Warm atmosphere, unforgettable connections
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I started the project harboring doubts like, "Isn''t this kind of thing only advantageous for extroverted people?" and "If you''re timid, isn''t it the same no matter where you go?" But after starting the project, those doubts began to change one by one. They turned into the belief, "It''s okay to have doubts. Even so, if you try, things can change," and I realized many things. I want to tell others, "Do what you want to do, what you can do—go and do as much as you can."
Study English in Cebu, Philippines while enjoying yourself without stress— that''s it! Review by gapper Kim Young-jun |
Like the book "Travel Is the Best Education," I also learned a great deal through travel.
Hello! I''m Kim Young-jun, a 24-year-old gapper. I went straight to language training in Cebu, Philippines right after finishing my military service!Until then, I was exhausted from constant comparisons with others, feelings of inferiority, and insecurity.I was trudging through college life as if being dragged along, and amid fierce competition the habit of tearing myself down had, at some point, become all too natural.I felt overwhelmed about what to do in the future, so I thought I''d just give it a try and...I received gap year consulting. That became the turning point that shaped who I am today.
I remember a book I once read in the library. It was..."Travel Is the Best Education"After reading that book, I think I came to feel, ''I also want to leave someday.''After receiving gap year consulting and speaking with the director, the program recommended to me was language training in Cebu, Philippines.I chose it not only to improve my English skills but also because I wanted to develop my ability to express myself and build relationships.
Honestly, before leaving I had lots of worries. From whether I''d adapt to the basics of daily life, to whether I''d get along with friends, to ''what if I get caught up in something bad?'' I fretted alone, but now I feel I could go anywhere by myself. And wherever you go people live there, so you can quickly become familiar and adapt. Humans are adaptable creatures, right?!~~~ Above all, the result was extremely satisfying because I experienced that no one there hated me and everyone treated me with encouragement and respect.
* For Kim Young-jun, who wanted to turn meaningless time into varied experiences, through a unique consultation he decided on a project with a professional consultant and resolved to start a gap year.If you dream of a new start but find it difficult to begin on your own, I highly recommend 1:1 consulting with a gap year specialist!
A sure way to change my life: gap year 1:1 consulting
# Play freely and express yourself fully 😃
Before going to Cebu, I set two definite goals: have as much fun as possible and honestly express my emotions. I especially think I achieved the "have as much fun as possible" goal 100%.
# Moments when I opened my heart in a strange place, and connections I''ll never forget
When I first arrived in Cebu and attended classes, I was very shy and, because of my timid personality, had many worries.But surprisingly, friends approached me first to say hello, and in that warm atmosphere where they gave love and support unconditionally, I was able to open my heart quickly. I wrote letters to my friends before graduation, and I was truly moved that even more friends wrote letters to me.I learned from my former roommate, who gave me the belief that I could overcome things on my own even without others, and many foreign friends cheered me on, making me realize that people aren''t necessarily bad.. Lastly, I believe I was able to spend the three months meaningfully thanks to good friends and teachers.
In particular, my roommates and the multinational friends I took group classes with seem to be indispensable to my gap year experience. Thanks to a roommate I met early on at the language school who taught me various tips and know‑how, I was able to adapt much more quickly, and with my group class friends I shared a wide range of experiences: Philippine amusement parks, trips to other islands, scuba diving, skydiving, snorkeling with whale sharks, trying exotic foods, and even a down perm.It was a grateful time meeting friends I will truly never forget. :)
# Do what you want, what you can — do as much as possible!
To those reading this who are wondering whether to take a gap year or not, there''s something I really want to tell you.I, too, had many doubts before I went. I started the project harboring doubts like, "Isn''t this only advantageous to extroverted people?" and "If you''re shy, wouldn''t it be the same wherever you go?" But after starting the project, those doubts began to change one by one.They changed into the belief, "It''s okay to have doubts. Still, if you try, things can change," and I realized many things. I want to say, "Do what you want and what you can — go and do as much as possible." And I want to tell you to write in your diary as much as you can.
# Three months in Cebu where I laughed and played freely as my true self
I went to Cebu for language study with the goals of "expressing my feelings honestly" and "having a blast." There I met various foreign friends, and I had moments where I wondered, "Have I ever had this much fun in my life?" I did everything I wanted and hung out with friends as much as possible, and realized that I, too, can be someone who enjoys myself this much.
I was especially deeply moved by friends who genuinely cheered me on.Everyone was such good people, and I felt ashamed of my pre‑departure self who was full of doubts.MeBeing respected and treated with love as I am by friends, I felt warmth deep in my heart. Meeting friends of various nationalities who cheered me on unconditionally broke down the stereotypes I had one by one, and by doing various activities together my confidence in myself naturally grew.
Thus, as I finished those unforgettable three months in Cebu, my perspective widened considerably, and I gained experiences that money can''t buy. Moreover, I felt that this project had a big impact on gaining confidence in relationships and reinforcing that I am a valuable person. Being able to successfully complete my first trip abroad with the help of the gap year program made it a very meaningful and precious time for me.
# Philippine Cebu language study — here''s my daily routine!
I usually woke up at 7:30 a.m., had a light brunch, showered and finished getting ready, then started my first class at 8:50. Mornings consisted of three classes in total, and I ate lunch around 12. The afternoon classes began at 1:05, and I took a total of five classes. Sometimes I participated in events held by the language school (zumba dance, basketball, graduation, etc.), and I spent the remaining time freely on personal activities!
# My personal tips for preparing for a Cebu, Philippines language study gap year!
I think I prepared for departure as thoroughly as I could.Not only did I take care of the basics, but I also went to the library to find and read travel books for reference, and prepared each item one by one—an international driver''s license, multiple debit cards, a diary, and writing instruments.Could that be it? I still vividly remember the consultant saying during the pre-departure video call, "You seem to be worrying too much, so go and relax," haha.
# My Cebu, Philippines language-study gap year!
Experience★★★★★
: I give 5 stars because I had an unforgettable experience during the gap year. I''m extremely satisfied because I can confidently say that most people won''t forget it! An opportunity to communicate with friends from other countries!
Learning★★★★★
:Over the substantial three-month period, I gained many lessons both internally and externally.
Environment★★★★
:Because of the great (foreign) friends, teachers, managers, local people, etc., and the awe-inspiring natural environment, I became so fond of the Philippines that I didn''t want to go back to Korea.It was great to have a Korean grocery store and a Korean restaurant.
Safety★★★★
: Contrary to my thinking that the Philippines was dangerous, for me it went by so safely that the word "safety" didn''t even come to mind.
Leisure ★★★★★
: I''m extremely satisfied with the leisure — it made me wonder if I''ll ever again have a chance in life to spend three months abroad. Especially for recreational activities, I strongly recommend it.
Kim Young-junvisited byCebu, Philippines language study program Want to know more?!
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