Projects
|
FAQ
|
Announcements
#A more proactive personality, a positive mindset #Indirect experiences, valuable connections #The reassurance that it's okay to take things slowly
I learned about Korea Gap Year in September, when I was about to graduate and was deep in worry about job hunting and my career path. I went to the website and, while browsing the gap year programs, saw "France, Paris — I Want to Live There." Even though I majored in French language and literature, I had never been to France before, and thinking this might be my last chance I applied immediately. Fortunately, I was able to go to France.
Because I was busy preparing for graduation, I packed in just a few hours without any plan for how I would spend my time in France, got on the plane, and arrived a day later. Jet-lagged and tired, the owner I first met scared me a little by describing the experiences I would have as staff, and I felt overwhelmed wondering how long it would take to adjust to this unfamiliar situation. That evening I unpacked and awkwardly just sat on the bed.
But all those many early worries turned out to be unfounded. I adapted more quickly than I expected, and the owner was a very warm person who took great care of us. His manner of speaking wasn’t very affectionate, so I thought he was indifferent, but he is deeply kind and very considerate of the staff. Also, the aunt’s cooking was so, so delicious that I gained weight day by day. I grew very close with the staff I lived with, sharing our worries and going out together in our free time, making precious memories.
© Korea Gap Year
My personality brightened day by day and I became more proactive. When meeting new people, I used to only show light friendliness with the idea of staying easygoing. I thought it was better to have narrow but deep relationships. So at first I think I treated guests in a formal, businesslike way. But as time went by I began to bring up topics first and listen to guests’ concerns. Meeting new people became a source of joy.
The greatest thing I gained from the gap year program was the "vicarious experiences" gained through meeting wonderful people. It was meeting people of various ages and professions, hearing their travel stories and life stories, and connecting and empathizing with peers my own age. I had been anxious, feeling pressured that I had to start preparing for employment right after graduation and that being twenty-six was already late, but during the gap year that thinking changed. I became convinced that even if I go a bit more slowly and leisurely, I will definitely reach my goal if it’s clear. I saw that there are so many wonderful people in the world.
© Korea Gap Year
I applied simply because I really wanted to go to France and live there, but I had far more varied experiences and made better memories than I expected. If I had only traveled to Paris as a tourist, I probably would have just visited the sights and taken pictures, but with two months of time and travel tips from many people, each moment in Paris came with twice the emotion. I wandered alleyways not in guidebooks, watched Parisians passing by, and drank coffee at cafes that were settings for my favorite films. I found happiness in small things.
I will never forget the Christmas and New Year I spent with guests in Paris. If someone asked me whether I think it was good that I joined the gap year program, I would answer without hesitation: it was a good decision. "I Want to Live There" is not a simple trip, so of course you must carry out the tasks given to you earnestly. At first that may feel difficult, but the sense of accomplishment when you do the work well is truly great.During the gap year I received postcards from guests thanking me several times, which made me proud and touched. Enjoying life in Paris after faithfully doing my assigned work felt even more fulfilling and enjoyable.
I''m still thinking about it. I want to apply for another gap year program. I still can''t believe that I spent a chapter of my youth in France, even weeks later. It will remain an excitement for the rest of my life.
© Korea Gap Year
What I wanted to change through the gap year or the goals of the gap year While staying in France my goals were "to use the French I majored in a lot" and "to meet many people."
The best thing about the gap year My graduation was delayed due to taking a leave of absence, extra semesters, and deferring completion, so I felt anxious and a bit like I was escaping reality by going to France. But meeting many people there made me realize that I wasn’t too old.
People I met through the gap year program The owner is truly a wonderful person. At first I thought he was stiff, but he liked joking around and took good care of us. He cooked a lot and was what you might call tsundere. A friend named Eunyoung, who worked with me during the gap year, is also a precious connection. There are guests I still keep in touch with. I met many good people.
© Korea Gap Year
Places I came to know during the gap year I didn’t set strict plans about where to go. Before starting the gap year I only vaguely thought about places that might be nice to visit, and in Paris I chose destinations day by day depending on the weather and my mood.
Because I like films I sometimes went to places that appear in movies; alone and quietly, I went to the location that was the setting for "Before Sunset"Shakespeare and Companybookstores orLe Pleur (cafe name)I liked the days when I visited cafes and spent time.
What was my gap year like?
① Experience ★★★★☆ I had many experiences that would have been difficult if it weren''t for a gap year.
② Learning ★★★★★ It was a great time meeting diverse people and listening to many stories.
③ Environment ★★★★☆ When you live with many people, it can''t always be comfortable.
④ Safety ★★★★☆ During my gap year there was a major terrorist attack in Paris, but the place where I stayed was safe.
⑤Leisure ★★★★☆ Satisfaction with leisure will vary depending on how actively you engage in it.
|
