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#Overcame fear of English, gained confidence #Bartending skills, related certifications #Need for new experiences and healing
The hardest part was English. The Australian accent and the technical terms that came up during class were especially difficult. While wondering how to overcome it and searching online, I found a group where I could comfortably practice and learn conversational English through language exchange, and I joined. As a result, it helped a lot with improving my English skills, and I also made friends in the group and sometimes went out with them on weekends.
- Bartending School! Their 5 secrets popular in Australia / Shin In-ho, Gap Year Tribe ''Gapper'' |
Language
English level before participatingA little everyday conversation
English level upon returningA little everyday conversation
At the time of participationSomewhat difficult
My personal language tip!
To participate in class, above all you need listening skills that can keep up with the local speaking speed.
Accommodation
Type of accommodationShared room
My personal accommodation tip!
I tried both the private accommodation and a shared room, and staying in the private accommodation was a bit more enjoyable. The experience of living with foreign friends became a precious memory for me.
Meals
Meal arrangementSelf-catered
My personal meal tip!
Cooking at home rather than eating out can significantly reduce costs.
Q.Were you originally very interested in bartending/barista work?
I just liked coffeeto that extentThat was it. I hadn''t done part-time work in the related field, nor did I have a barista certificate or professional knowledge.
Q.So wasn''t it difficult to take classes in an unfamiliar field while in a new environment?
I signed up for a two-week course, and the first week wasbartending, the remaining week was baristaI took the course.
Among them, bartending was honestly a field I wasn''t interested in, so I didn''t work hard at it. In the end, I couldn''t obtain the certification at the final stage.
However, I was very interested in the barista field, so I participated in the classes very diligently. If there was something I didn''t understand during class, I would go to the library to study. As a result, I was able to obtain the barista certificate.
ⓒKoreaGapyear
Q.How was the program''s structure and organization?
At first I didn''t know, but I learned while talking with friends who were taking the same classes. That educational institution...systemis famous for being well organized, so local Australians and students from Europe also come to attend classes and obtain certificates...a place people come tothat''s what they said.
Q.How are the classes conducted?
In the morning we have theory classes, and in the afternoon we do practical training.
Because the classes are conducted in English, there are occasionally parts that are difficult to understand, but the barista course...interestis a field I was very interested in, so I focused and had a good understanding of the classes.
Q.Do you think there would be any problem participating even without prior knowledge or experience in related fields?
Most of the academy''s students, in terms of bartending or barista experience,were first-timers.They were beginners. I heard that because job hunting is tough in Australia, many people try to get certifications just because they''re interested in coffee or alcohol.
ⓒKoreaGapyear
Q.How did you usually spend your free time?
When classes finished at 5 PM I mostly walked around downtown or exercised. And twice a week I joined language exchange meetings I found locally to practice English conversation. On weekends I went to Melbourne to people-watch, listen to music, and just spent my time leisurely.
After all the classes were finished, I traveled to the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island.
I remember marveling at the massive landscapes nature had created on the Great Ocean Road.
Q.What was the hardest part during your gap year?
The hardest thing was English. The Australian accent and the technical terms that came up in class were especially difficult.
How should I overcome it?While worrying and searching the internet, I found and joined a group where I could comfortably practice and learn English conversation through language exchange. As a result, it helped a lot with improving my English skills, and I made friends in the group, so we would hang out together on weekends.
ⓒKoreaGapyear
Q.So, when was the most rewarding moment for you?
Until then I had drunk fancy cocktails and coffee, but I''d never made them myself, so being able to try that was a goodexperience— and the fact that it was such an experience. Also, at first I was bad at making coffee and worried a lot; I did a lot of practice outside of class, and being able to make the most beautiful latte on the final exam was the most rewarding moment.
Q.Who would you recommend bartending school to?
People who need new experiences, some downtime, and healing through nature.
Q.What are your plans for the future?
During winter break, I want to gain practical experience through an internship and have various experiences. Based on that, I''ll decide whether to return to school next semester or take another leave of absence to gain more diverse experiences.
Q.What does a gap year mean to you?
It''s the first step.
Originally I only had the desire to go abroad. If it weren''t for KoreaGapyear, I would probably still just be thinking about it and worrying.This opportunity was the first step that allowed me to live abroad alone and gain diverse experiences.
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
