Belief in my dreams; discovered new opportunities, Gap Year Stay in Paris, France — Review

#My confidence in myself became stronger. #Gained belief in my dreams and new opportunities. #Experienced the freedom of Paris and made cherished memories.

Author: Yoon Hye-rin
Country / City: Europe/France/Paris
Views : 3399

Seeing Paris''s sense of freedom greatly strengthened my confidence in myself. For me, Paris was a place where, even if something was a bit different or peculiar, it would be understood and accepted. I thought that even if I painted, I would paint that way. My belief in myself influenced my dreams. My small idea—that I would paint modestly lived yet powerful works—gave me the belief that it could truly become my future.

- France, Paris, gap year stay / Yun Yerin, gap year participant / 8-week gap year

People and the environment—everything was new.

I don''t know where to start. A lot happened over the two months. It was special because both the people and the environment were new. Not everything was good. Since it involved dealing with people and tangled relationships, many things didn''t go as I intended, and there were difficult times. However, there were also relationships with staff who supported and relied on each other, so we could overcome the hard times.

By talking with many people and sharing experiences, I was able to think about what kind of person suits me and how to build relationships with people who don''t. To someone like me, who—because of my major—had maintained a fairly closed social circle, it gave a greatexperiencegave me.

My confidence in myself also solidified a lot.

I think it was a great fortune to be able to live in Paris for two months. There was a place as comfortable as home, and if I wanted to see the Eiffel Tower I could go out and see it at any time. I would endlessly watch the waves of the Seine and, in the process, talk with locals. I hunted down inexpensive but delicious set-course restaurants and wandered wherever my feet took me. Grateful from time to time that the things I had dreamed of were unfolding into reality, I tried to enjoy that time as much as possible.

Seeing Paris''s freedom greatly strengthened my confidence in myself. For me, Paris was a place where, even if something was a bit different or peculiar, it would be understood and accepted. I thought that even if I painted, I would paint that way. My belief in myself influenced my dreams.I will paint works that live simply but possess strong power.That small thought of mine—that I would do that—gave me the belief that it could really become my future.

Even during the gap year stay I planned, bit by bit, the trips I would take afterward. I love planning things very concretely and in detail, so I enjoyed comparing good places myself and booking accommodations and trains.

Various things filled my time to the brim.

I adapted quickly to the new things, and the longer I lived there the more attached I became than I expected. I grew fond of the aunt who had seemed unfamiliar. I think I''ll miss the staff I worked with and those who finished earlier and left. The garden where we grew tomatoes to pick and eat, the front yard I used every morning like my own, the small table in the living room where we sat and chatted with guests each night, and the scent of coffee that quietly filled the living room every morning—all of these will become memories and yearnings.

Perhaps even the difficult times will all become memories. That''s why as I write this I feel wistful and unsettled. Two months can be short or long, but compared to the time I spent in Korea, it felt quite long.Various things filled my time to the brim..

Now, leaving those cherished times behind, I travel. I am now walking toward an even more unfamiliar and difficult path, but my confidence in myself seems to give me strength even in such situations. I hope those who will participate in gap year stays in the future have experiences as good as—or better than—mine.

Preparation Tip

If you plan to travel after your gap year,bring a laptop.I strongly recommend bringing one. Having your own computer is useful when making reservations or looking things up. Even if there is a computer available, it''s shared, so it has limitations—so even more reason to bring your own!

Accommodation Tip

It''s a space very different from the places I''ve lived so far. I think it would be the first time for anyone in such an environment. Since it''s a shared facility, you need to be considerate and sometimes ask guests for understanding. Remember that it''s not just your own space.

Meal Tip

I usually eat with almost no seasoning, so the side dishes or soup the aunt made were a bit salty at first. However, that''s something you can talk to the aunt or the owner about and it can be changed, so don''t worry too much!