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#Understanding differences; growth in self-reliance #The joy of learning new things; confidence in living abroad #Took time to reflect on myself
First,through this project I learned about the joy of discovering new things.In areas other than the place where I live, everything changes.The menu when eatingto the paving blocks on the roadside, everything is different. I think being able to notice these differences was a great realization. I also think that finding these differences personally had a very positive influence on me.
-A safe and pleasant place to live! Learn English in Vancouver, Canada / 4-week gap year |
Currently, South Korea is, 60,000 middle and high school students drop out each year, 346,000 people in their 20s have no dreams and just hang around, and the turnover rate within one year after employment has entered the 40% range,75% of university students are not satisfied with college life, and more than 80% of office workers do not feel happy.Many people tell them to dream, but to solve this problem that lacks practical methods and help, we want to introduce the ''gap year'' to South Korea.
*What is a gap year? A gap year refers to a period during which one interrupts or combines studies and, through various activities such as travel, volunteering, internships, and education,searches for one''s dreams and aptitudes. *Learn English in Vancouver? Elementaryschool — English that has accompanied us from elementary school through middle and high school.We''ve been together for a long time, but it''s still a long way, right?Now let''s learn English properly! Canada is a country with globally safe living and an excellent residential environment. Low crime rates and strict gun regulations can provide a safe environment for students who want to take a gap year. Also, in Canada,you can study with a standardized North American English pronunciation! Go to Canada now!! |
# Through a gap year, I wanted to experience living on my ownindirectly.
(The photos are local Vancouver photos for illustration and were not taken by participants.)
I attended an international school, finished 11th grade, and took a one-year leave of absence. During the leave, I wanted to gain overseas experience, and I found and applied for a ''gap year''.Through this gap year, I wanted to indirectly experience living on my own.I wanted to experience this in advance because I am considering studying abroad or even living overseas in the future.
#First, through this project I learned about the joy of discovering new things..
(The photos are not taken by the participant; they are local Vancouver photos provided for reference.)
First, through this project I learned about the joy of discovering new things.When you''re in an area that isn''t the place where you live, everything is different.From the menu when eating to the paving stones on the street, everything is different. Being able to notice these differences felt like a big realization. I think seeking out these differences had a very positive personal impact. That said, Vancouver wasn''t especially great or terribly bad. It just felt ordinary.
To briefly describe a typical day: after morning classes at the language school I had free time, so I would travel around freely or chat with friends. Because Vancouver gets dark quickly and isn''t completely free of things like drugs, I tried to return home early, eat dinner at my homestay, write in my diary, and go to sleep.By repeating this routine I ended up sleeping more and felt that my independence had grown.
Because I can speak Japanese, I was able to interact with Japanese people and I still keep in touch with them. Through these exchanges I felt I gained a bit of confidence about living abroad.
# My Vancouver travel recommendations
(The photos are not taken by the participant; they are local Vancouver photos provided for reference.)
(1) Harbour Centre Tower Observation Deck
: Going at 4 PM lets you see it both with and without sunlight, and all the places worth visiting are listed, which I liked. If I had visited this first, I think my travel route would have been more varied.
(2) Cloud 9
: It''s a hotel restaurant but not expensive, and above all it''s unique because it''s a rotating restaurant. Like an observation deck you can see everything, and it slowly rotates, so I recommend it.
(The photos are not taken by the participant; they are local Vancouver photos provided for reference.)
(3) Victoria
: If you have free time on the weekend, I recommend taking the ferry to Victoria, another city. Although there''s mainly the Provincial Parliament Square to see, you can sense that the scale of travel between cities is quite large. You can see it in a day, but ferry times are fixed, so it''s important to check bus and ferry schedules—be sure to know them. Also, there are buses there, but the transportation system is different so you need to prepare separate fare money.
By the way, Seattle is also close enough to visit, but I haven''t been.
# My gap year tips
(The photos are not taken by the participant They are local Vancouver photos provided for reference.)
(Language)
The English classes themselves were easier than expected, so you can attend without pressure. Also, I was placed in a higher-level class from the start, so it wasn''t easy to become close with students who had already been there for months. Even in higher classes, conversation practice is the same. Personally, it seems better to go to a lower level and spend time interacting with international students.
(Accommodation)
Each homestay differs a bit, but mine felt like a shared house so it wasn''t a problem at all. However, homestays can vary, so if you have complaints, raise them, and if you have a bad experience it''s important to write a review saying so for the next people.
(Meals)
Lunch was provided as a packed lunch and dinner was given, but sometimes I ate lunch at a local restaurant and ate the packed lunch in the morning.
(What to bring)
It''s good to have a phone, and because it''s close to the U.S., buying a U.S. SIM is convenient. Personally, since transportation like buses can be complicated, I think you''ll need a pocket Wi‑Fi or a SIM.
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Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
