Make sure to spend plenty of time alone.People apply for a gap year for various reasons. It''s nice to hang out with the staff friends, but the time spent alone in a foreign country (not Korea) is what you''ll think about most when you return to Korea later. -Paris gap year stay / Inari gap year family gapper / 8-week gap year |
# After being worn down by people while working, I grew increasingly unable to trust others; getting such a precious connection makes me happy.
In early 2016, I went through many things and experienced a very difficult period in my life.While spending my days lethargically, I learned about the gap year project, and since the recruitment period was coming up soon,I decided to participate. I wasn''t young, and most of the participants were university students, so I worried about what would happen if it didn''t work out.I was worried, but I was accepted anyway.
I originally wanted to go in the summer, but circumstances made me go in October. Now I''m really glad I went in October. I was able to make precious connections.After being worn down by people while working, I grew increasingly unable to trust others; getting such a precious connection makes me happy.
My goal for this gap year isto learn what kind of person I am through communal living and to experience the various people who come to the accommodation.And to experience aspects of Paris I couldn''t when I traveled last year, or to feel a new side of Paris.
# My perspective has changed a little.
By having various experiences at the accommodation and talking about many things with the staff I worked with, my perspective broadened a bit.Also, before participating, when I read other gappers'' reviews I was secretly worried about troubles with the owner, but I got along with the owner much better than I expected. I think everyone just understands things differently and issues can be resolved through conversation.
And during the gap year experience, there''s something I definitely want to tell future participants.During the 70 days, I grew much more attached than I expected to the aunt, the owner, and the staff I worked with, and felt sad when leaving. So when it was time to travel, I didn''t want to go, and it was hard, so I returned to Korea early.
I think it''s not a bad idea to travel before joining a gap year. Especially during the probationary period, learning the work is hard and you''ll strongly want to go out. SoI recommend traveling in advance and then doing the gap year.
# Listening to various people''s stories gave me the motivation to put things into practice.
The staff room is a space used by several people. I think you need to be considerate of others. Please keep that in mind when applying. You can''t operate 100% as you did in Korea.
Make sure to spend plenty of time alone.People apply for a gap year for various reasons. It''s nice to hang out with the staff friends, but the time spent alone in a foreign country (not Korea) is what you''ll think about most when you return to Korea later.
Also, I hope you''ll bring books. I didn''t bring books because they were heavy, but I really regretted it later. So I borrowed books from a younger staff member I worked with or bought e-books to read.
Lastly, I recommend that Nabigo users take the time to explore Île-de-Paris as well. During the 70-day period there''s plenty of time to visit places besides Paris.
Through this gap year I felt, ''Wherever you go, places where people live are all the same.''Seventy days can feel short or long.During this period The best thing about the Paris gap year stay seems to be that if you continue to be on the same wavelength with someone during this time, you may find someone you want to keep in your life for a long time.
Before doing the gap year, I could never really follow through on things I wanted to do,but listening to the stories of various people motivated me to put things into practice. And the gap year made me certain about what I want to do.
#My personal Europe travel tip
After finishing the gap year activities, I traveled to England - the Czech Republic - Chamonix (Mont Blanc) - Modena (Italy).People often go to Switzerland for the Alps, but be sure tovisit Chamonix (Mont Blanc).I recommend you go.
Chamonix (Mont Blanc) is located in France, in the border area with Switzerland and Italy. So I went to Chamonix via Geneva. There is no direct route, so you have to use transportation at least twice, but I really hope you go. It''s a very beautiful place.
#My personal gap year tip
(Language)
If you''ve learned French or want to learn it, I recommend brushing it up before coming.
(Accommodation)
It''s shared accommodation used by many people. Being considerate of others is most important. For those going in winter, I recommend an electric blanket.
(Food)
Try a variety of French foods. Rather than relying on blogs for recommendations, use Google to find places.
(What to bring)
Bringing a carry-on suitcase isn''t a bad idea: after the project you might travel and, if your outbound city is Paris, it can save low-cost airline baggage fees; also your luggage may grow during the 70 days.
Or you can buy one at a large supermarket near the accommodation. (If you''ll be traveling with a travel bag or carry-on, I recommend bringing 100ml empty bottles.)
For women, it''s a good idea to buy sheet masks in Korea and bring them. I didn''t see many sold there, and if they are available they''re much more expensive than in Korea. Also, shower products and basic cosmetics (shampoo/body wash/toner, etc.) are cheap at French pharmacies—brands that are expensive in Korea are inexpensive there. Rather than carrying them heavily, buying them locally isn''t a bad option. Even if you bring some from Korea, you''ll likely end up buying at least once.
(Pro tip)
Reading reviews from past gappers, it comes up that you can''t just enjoy life in Paris. I also
went because I wanted to try living there, but it felt neither like living nor like being a traveler—more like a long-term traveler.
If you have plans before going, make sure you accomplish them.And I hope you spend plenty of time alone.My relationship with the staff I work with was good, butI think that having time to myself in a foreign country,will be what I remember most when I return to Korea.
Also, since I work as a staff member, I can''t choose guests as I please. Sothere won''t only be good times during the project, and you may go through things that make you feel bad.You may experience them. In such cases, don''t bottle it up aloneI strongly recommend communicating and talking with the people you''re working with, including the boss.
My gap year is
Experience★★★★★
I think meeting a variety of people itself is the best experience.
Learning★★★★★
For the same reason as ''Experience''.
Environment★★★★☆
The meals my aunt made were very delicious.
Safety★★★★☆
Everyone is just living their lives.
Leisure★★★★☆
It''s up to the participant. I didn''t follow my plan properly, so I give it 3.5 points.
