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#Improved English skills; the joy of socializing with others #Trust and confidence; diverse foreign friends #What it means that someone waited for me
During the consulting process, I felt frustrated with myself for not being able to open up, and at the same time thought, ''The consultant must be disappointed in me and will give up soon.'' Contrary to my expectations, they kept scheduling meetings, and after several sessions a sense of trust developed; I became convinced this was my last chance in life and applied for the project they recommended. The fact that someone waited for me consistently was itself the first beginning of my change.
-Study English enjoyably without stress — that''s it! / Kim Hyojeong, Gap Year Family Gapper / 12-week gap year |
Currently, in South Korea,Each year 60,000 middle and high school students drop out, 346,000 people in their 20s are idle because they lack dreams, and the one-year turnover rate after employment has entered the 40% range,75% of university students are not satisfied with college life, and more than 80% of office workers say they do not feel happy.Many people tell others to dream, but to solve this problem that lacks practical methods and support,we aim to introduce the ''gap year'' to South Korea as well.''Gap year''refers to a period for setting the direction for the future by taking a break from or balancing study and work and engaging in various activities such as volunteering, travel, internships, education, and startups,and it is a culture encouraged in the United States, Europe, Japan, and other countries.
#The First Step of My Change: The Fact That Someone Waited for Me Unconditionally
While worrying about my major and career path, I received gap year consulting.During the consulting process, I felt frustrated with myself for not being able to open up, and at the same time thought, ''The consultant must be disappointed in me and will give up soon.'' Contrary to my expectations, they kept scheduling meetings, and after several sessions a sense of trust developed; I became convinced this was my last chance in life and applied for the project they recommended.The fact that someone waited for me consistently was itself the first beginning of my change.
#My Preparations Before Departure
I''d been abroad a few times, but never stayed long-term, so packing was the most difficult part. Other than that, I wasn''t particularly worried.And the PhilippinesI looked up general information about life there. It was especially helpful—from language-study methods to which books to buy to read in the Philippines.
#During the Gap YearI wanted to learn English through interacting with people.
My goal was to socialize a lot and improve my English-speaking skills.So whenever someone invited me to go somewhere or asked me to join, I went out to hang out with my friends. Thanks to my batchmate, within a week of arriving in the Philippines I was already going out; sometimes I played for several days in a row and then ended up sick and bedridden for a week.Later, socializing became so enjoyable and fulfilling that on days I spent alone I felt inexplicably down.
At first I stammered when speaking English, but before long I became more fluent.However, I wanted to change courses for various reasons to receive instruction that suited me better, but due to the institution''s circumstances,I couldn''t switch. So later studying English sometimes felt more boring than I had expected.
#My Daily Routine in the Philippines
The ESL course consists of 4 hours of one-on-one lessons, 2 hours of small-group classes, and 2 hours of large-group classes per day. A personal timetable is assigned at first, but you can change to your preferred teachers and subjects. After classes I would buy dinner outside, go to the supermarket, or swim in the academy''s pool.
Every Wednesday the teachers hold an outdoor Zumba class that all teachers and students can participate in. There are also monthly events like karaoke contests, Halloween festivals, bingo games, and inter-section competitions. The last week of every month there is a comprehensive exam called the progress test.
#My Other School Days — Life at the Language Academy
Life at the language academy felt like another school experience. My actual school days were just repeating home and school, and being tied down by studying for the college entrance exam made them very gloomy and bleak. But in the Philippines I lived in a 24-hour dorm with peers, we worried over learning English together, joked around and played, and I could even go on trips.Life at the language school was very dynamic but fun, and I was able to fill the emptiness inside me by laughing and playing like a child.
Everyone I met and spent time with in the Philippines was wonderful without exception. I was especially impressed by the energetic language school teachers who loved singing and dancing. I''m always grateful for the luck of meeting such great people and I always miss my friends.
Tips for those planning to study at a language school in the Philippines
It''s best to apply for a course suitable to your level.In my case I had only ESL for three months, and later I wasn''t motivated to study English, so toward the end of the period I did lose some enthusiasm for life in the Philippines.
Since you may spend up to 10 hours a day in English classes, the course you take is a very important part of your overall life. If you try to change courses on the spot, you''ll likely be unable to because of reserved spots, so it''s better to decide in advance.
Besides the language-related aspects, to tell you a little about the Philippines,If you like active activities, going to Oslob or Bohol is fun; if you want to swim and relax peacefully, it''s good to visit Camotes Island.There is plenty to eat and shop for in the city, and although I had to give it up because I didn''t have time, you can actually experience pistol shooting.
My gap year was..
Experience★★★★★
I was able to make many foreign friends and, hanging out with them, had a variety of experiences.
Learning ★★★☆☆
I was able to start speaking English, and thanks to foreign friends I also learned simple Japanese and Chinese.
Environment★★★★☆
The language school isn''t as heavily air-polluted as the roads, but be careful with the indoor air conditioning.
Safety★★★★☆
Mactan Island is relatively safe, so it''s generally fine to ride a jeepney alone on a weekend afternoon.
Leisure★★★★☆
Although the city center is a bit far, you can enjoy movies, popular restaurants, karaoke, and more at affordable prices.
<Clean Comment Campaign>
We at GapYear love our 100 Gappers!
Even if the activities or experiences of gappers during their gap year differ from your expectations,malicious comments are not allowed.!:(
To protect the dignity and rights of the gappers,indiscriminate malicious comments about gappers
will not only be managed and deleted internally,but will also be actively and forcefully responded to,We plan to take such actions.
During the consulting process, I felt frustrated with myself for not being able to open up, and at the same time thought, ''The consultant must be disappointed in me and will give up soon.'' Contrary to my expectations, they kept scheduling meetings, and after several sessions a sense of trust developed; I became convinced this was my last chance in life and applied for the project they recommended. The fact that someone waited for me consistently was itself the first beginning of my change.
-Study English enjoyably without stress — that''s it! / Kim Hyojeong, Gap Year Family Gapper / 12-week gap year |
Currently, in South Korea,Each year 60,000 middle and high school students drop out, 346,000 people in their 20s are idle because they lack dreams, and the one-year turnover rate after employment has entered the 40% range,75% of university students are not satisfied with college life, and more than 80% of office workers say they do not feel happy.Many people tell others to dream, but to solve this problem that lacks practical methods and support,we aim to introduce the ''gap year'' to South Korea as well.''Gap year''refers to a period for setting the direction for the future by taking a break from or balancing study and work and engaging in various activities such as volunteering, travel, internships, education, and startups,and it is a culture encouraged in the United States, Europe, Japan, and other countries.
#The First Step of My Change: The Fact That Someone Waited for Me Unconditionally
While worrying about my major and career path, I received gap year consulting.During the consulting process, I felt frustrated with myself for not being able to open up, and at the same time thought, ''The consultant must be disappointed in me and will give up soon.'' Contrary to my expectations, they kept scheduling meetings, and after several sessions a sense of trust developed; I became convinced this was my last chance in life and applied for the project they recommended.The fact that someone waited for me consistently was itself the first beginning of my change.
#My Preparations Before Departure
I''d been abroad a few times, but never stayed long-term, so packing was the most difficult part. Other than that, I wasn''t particularly worried.And the PhilippinesI looked up general information about life there. It was especially helpful—from language-study methods to which books to buy to read in the Philippines.
#During the Gap YearI wanted to learn English through interacting with people.
My goal was to socialize a lot and improve my English-speaking skills.So whenever someone invited me to go somewhere or asked me to join, I went out to hang out with my friends. Thanks to my batchmate, within a week of arriving in the Philippines I was already going out; sometimes I played for several days in a row and then ended up sick and bedridden for a week.Later, socializing became so enjoyable and fulfilling that on days I spent alone I felt inexplicably down.
At first I stammered when speaking English, but before long I became more fluent.However, I wanted to change courses for various reasons to receive instruction that suited me better, but due to the institution''s circumstances,I couldn''t switch. So later studying English sometimes felt more boring than I had expected.
#My Daily Routine in the Philippines
The ESL course consists of 4 hours of one-on-one lessons, 2 hours of small-group classes, and 2 hours of large-group classes per day. A personal timetable is assigned at first, but you can change to your preferred teachers and subjects. After classes I would buy dinner outside, go to the supermarket, or swim in the academy''s pool.
Every Wednesday the teachers hold an outdoor Zumba class that all teachers and students can participate in. There are also monthly events like karaoke contests, Halloween festivals, bingo games, and inter-section competitions. The last week of every month there is a comprehensive exam called the progress test.
#My Other School Days — Life at the Language Academy
Life at the language academy felt like another school experience. My actual school days were just repeating home and school, and being tied down by studying for the college entrance exam made them very gloomy and bleak. But in the Philippines I lived in a 24-hour dorm with peers, we worried over learning English together, joked around and played, and I could even go on trips.Life at the language school was very dynamic but fun, and I was able to fill the emptiness inside me by laughing and playing like a child.
Everyone I met and spent time with in the Philippines was wonderful without exception. I was especially impressed by the energetic language school teachers who loved singing and dancing. I''m always grateful for the luck of meeting such great people and I always miss my friends.
Tips for those planning to study at a language school in the Philippines
It''s best to apply for a course suitable to your level.In my case I had only ESL for three months, and later I wasn''t motivated to study English, so toward the end of the period I did lose some enthusiasm for life in the Philippines.
Since you may spend up to 10 hours a day in English classes, the course you take is a very important part of your overall life. If you try to change courses on the spot, you''ll likely be unable to because of reserved spots, so it''s better to decide in advance.
Besides the language-related aspects, to tell you a little about the Philippines,If you like active activities, going to Oslob or Bohol is fun; if you want to swim and relax peacefully, it''s good to visit Camotes Island.There is plenty to eat and shop for in the city, and although I had to give it up because I didn''t have time, you can actually experience pistol shooting.
My gap year was..
Experience★★★★★
I was able to make many foreign friends and, hanging out with them, had a variety of experiences.
Learning ★★★☆☆
I was able to start speaking English, and thanks to foreign friends I also learned simple Japanese and Chinese.
Environment★★★★☆
The language school isn''t as heavily air-polluted as the roads, but be careful with the indoor air conditioning.
Safety★★★★☆
Mactan Island is relatively safe, so it''s generally fine to ride a jeepney alone on a weekend afternoon.
Leisure★★★★☆
Although the city center is a bit far, you can enjoy movies, popular restaurants, karaoke, and more at affordable prices.
<Clean Comment Campaign>
We at GapYear love our 100 Gappers!
Even if the activities or experiences of gappers during their gap year differ from your expectations,malicious comments are not allowed.!:(
To protect the dignity and rights of the gappers,indiscriminate malicious comments about gappers
will not only be managed and deleted internally,but will also be actively and forcefully responded to,We plan to take such actions.
What makes this project special
