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#Changed perspective on life; overcame indecisiveness #Encounters with diverse people; a relaxed pace of life in Paris #Passion and attitude matter more than age
I did an internship before taking a gap year. While working as an intern I had no time for myself, and as my mental space gradually disappeared, I learned a lot professionally but felt empty. I felt no satisfaction with my life and did not love myself. So I felt I needed time solely for myself and applied for a gap year.
- Paris, France, gap-year stay / Go Eun-kyung, gap-year participant (gapper) / 8-week gap year |
#I needed time just for myself.
Before taking a gap year I tried to fit myself to society''s quantitative standards. As part of that, I did an internship before the gap year. While working as an intern I had no time for myself, and as my mental composure gradually disappeared, I learned a lot professionally but felt empty.I felt no satisfaction with my own life and did not love myself.So I felt I needed time solely for myself and applied for a gap year.
#Being with many people ended up changing me.
I thought the gap year would be time to spend alone and reflect only on myself, but it was actually the opposite. I was always with many people. That, rather, changed me.Meeting and listening to a variety of people who would have been difficult to meet in Korea changed my perspective on people and life.The older sisters and brothers who had gone through the worries I had in the past each overcame that period admirably, and they made me feel, even a little, that the end of worrying is not endless comparison and competition but one''s own standards and self-satisfaction.
Of course I also spent a lot of time alone. I like walking, so I often walked along the Seine and the Canal Saint-Martin. Wherever water flows there are people. If you sit while walking and watch people, you can feel their leisure. Also, in Paris the bicycle rental system is well organized, so I recommend renting a bike. There is a deposit so it can feel burdensome, but as long as you return the bike properly it''s not a big problem.
#A memorable art teacher
I tried to remember each guest and spend time with them. If there''s one person I remember most, it''s an art teacher who came to Belgium to exhibit.She had won the grand prize in an art competition in Korea and taught at a famous arts high school.She taught students. Before fully devoting herself to making artworks she also lectured at a university, and by ordinary people''s standards she had been quite successful.She was someone who, by ordinary standards, had been sufficiently successful.
She could certainly have traveled comfortably and stayed in a nice hotel,but despite that she stayed in a guesthouse to interact with young people and gain energy.She was very open,and many young people followed her. Seeing her I learned that passion and attitude matter more than age.I was able to learn that.
#Places in Paris I liked
The square on the École Militaire side where you can see the Eiffel Tower.I spent a lot of time there too; when I first saw the Eiffel Tower it was so beautiful that I went there four times a week. I like it because many tourists of various nationalities come and it''s always lively.
If I had to recommend places, I''d say the Canal Saint-Martin and Shakespeare and Company.The Canal Saint-Martin has parks nearby and pubs and cafés frequented by young people, and there are more locals than tourists, so it''s a good place to spend time quietly. Shakespeare and Company is the bookstore featured in Before Sunset: the first floor is a bookstore, and the second floor has a space to read and a piano.
On the second floor they sometimes hold events like conversations with authors and someone might play the piano. In my case I brought books to read, wrote in my diary or wrote postcards. It''s near the Seine and Notre-Dame Cathedral, so I recommend stopping by while taking a walk.
★Tip for gap year participants!★
In my case I joined suddenly after changing plans during a trip around Europe, so I couldn''t bring the preparations I had thought of when applying for the gap year, like a personal laptop or some basic conversational phrases. That remains something I regret.
There is a shared computer at the guesthouse, but it''s limited for personal use, so...I recommend bringing a laptop.It seems necessary for planning the trip or keeping records.Also, since France uses French, learning basic conversational phrases would be good for a smooth trip.I think basic French would also help in making local friends.
My gap year was..
Experience★★★★★
I was able to completely break away from everyday life and have many different experiences.
Learning★★★★☆
Through conversations with a variety of people and observing Parisians, I was able to learn many perspectives on life.
Environment★★★☆☆
I was satisfied except that it was somewhat far from the station.
Safety★★★★☆
There haven''t been any major safety issues.
Leisure★★★★☆
It probably depends on the type of hobby.
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