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#Expressing myself honestly; not being conscious of others' views #A new language, culture, and relationships #The importance of freedom and happiness
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Strongly recommended by Korea Gap Year participant Kim Young-jun 👏👏👏
Study English in Cebu, Philippines stress-free and enjoyably — that''s it!Recharge with warm love while spending time with children in Hanoi, Vietnam |
Before enlisting in the military, I felt a lot of doubts about my studies while attending university. The anxiety that ''if I keep studying like this, won''t I just end up drifting through to graduation?'' grew stronger. So, rather than following the path everyone else takes, I made the big decision to take a one-year leave of absence and reorganize my life.
When I first arrived in Cebu, Philippines, it felt unfamiliar and awkward, but as time went on I was able to get around and live freely like a local. Activities like hopping tours, scuba diving, and skydiving were all first-time challenges for me, and thanks to them every day felt new and happy. Skydiving in particular was so scary as the plane climbed higher that I even thought, ''Should I just give up the money and ask to get off?'' but the thrill when I finally succeeded was still vivid.
I was also greatly influenced by the friends I met in Cebu. Thanks to a friend who always approached and cared for others first, I decided I should be the one to take the first step, and I actually made an effort. I still feel proud remembering that we planned our route the day before and even debated lunch options to go make keyrings together. In particular, the handwritten letters my friends left before they left contained a warm feeling of accepting me as I am, which moved me deeply and made me value myself more.
To be honest, because I felt satisfied that I had enjoyed Cebu enough, I hesitated before going to the Vietnam volunteer program. I wondered, ''Do I really need to go again? Will it be as fun as Cebu?'' But the moment I met the children, those worries vanished instantly.
"Teacher~ teacher~" — when the children came up to me first and held my hand, and after class they begged me not to leave, I felt an indescribable happiness and warmth.
Through these two gap years I became able to express myself more honestly and enjoy life. It was probably the most free and exciting time of my life. But it wasn''t just playing around — it''s not an exaggeration to say I gained more in those six months than I did in two years of university.
In Korea I always lived thinking ''don''t stand out,'' but abroad I showed myself as I was, and through the experience of being respected for that I came to know my true self. I also felt the importance of language deeply, so I plan to start studying Japanese and Spanish. Next year I''m preparing for an exchange program.
I used to compare myself to others and feel inferior, but now I care less about others'' gazes and my confidence has grown significantly. The six-month gap year was an irreplaceable, precious time that changed the direction of my life.
|
Strongly recommended by Korea Gap Year participant Kim Young-jun 👏👏👏
Study English in Cebu, Philippines stress-free and enjoyably — that''s it!Recharge with warm love while spending time with children in Hanoi, Vietnam |
Before enlisting in the military, I felt a lot of doubts about my studies while attending university. The anxiety that ''if I keep studying like this, won''t I just end up drifting through to graduation?'' grew stronger. So, rather than following the path everyone else takes, I made the big decision to take a one-year leave of absence and reorganize my life.
When I first arrived in Cebu, Philippines, it felt unfamiliar and awkward, but as time went on I was able to get around and live freely like a local. Activities like hopping tours, scuba diving, and skydiving were all first-time challenges for me, and thanks to them every day felt new and happy. Skydiving in particular was so scary as the plane climbed higher that I even thought, ''Should I just give up the money and ask to get off?'' but the thrill when I finally succeeded was still vivid.
I was also greatly influenced by the friends I met in Cebu. Thanks to a friend who always approached and cared for others first, I decided I should be the one to take the first step, and I actually made an effort. I still feel proud remembering that we planned our route the day before and even debated lunch options to go make keyrings together. In particular, the handwritten letters my friends left before they left contained a warm feeling of accepting me as I am, which moved me deeply and made me value myself more.
To be honest, because I felt satisfied that I had enjoyed Cebu enough, I hesitated before going to the Vietnam volunteer program. I wondered, ''Do I really need to go again? Will it be as fun as Cebu?'' But the moment I met the children, those worries vanished instantly.
"Teacher~ teacher~" — when the children came up to me first and held my hand, and after class they begged me not to leave, I felt an indescribable happiness and warmth.
Through these two gap years I became able to express myself more honestly and enjoy life. It was probably the most free and exciting time of my life. But it wasn''t just playing around — it''s not an exaggeration to say I gained more in those six months than I did in two years of university.
In Korea I always lived thinking ''don''t stand out,'' but abroad I showed myself as I was, and through the experience of being respected for that I came to know my true self. I also felt the importance of language deeply, so I plan to start studying Japanese and Spanish. Next year I''m preparing for an exchange program.
I used to compare myself to others and feel inferior, but now I care less about others'' gazes and my confidence has grown significantly. The six-month gap year was an irreplaceable, precious time that changed the direction of my life.
What makes this project special
