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#Increased confidence and self-esteem; overcame concern about others' perceptions. #International friends; experience of Japanese culture. #Realization that every experience is valuable.
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The gap year I applied for might have been a way to escape during the toughest times, but now, I am filled with excitement, wondering what other worlds are out there as I plan for another gap year.I am so grateful for the people I met through the gap year, the family members and volunteers I encountered during the projects. I will never forget this summer when I was 22. Thank you!
- Dived into the charm of green! Gap year stay at a farm in Hokkaido, Japan Jo Hee-jin, Korea GapYear Traveler / 8 weeks of gap year |
# It was exciting and seemed like it would be fun.
I first learned about the gap year through my older sister’s recommendation. After receiving counseling, the desire to go somewhere kept growing. As I searched, I became interested in minimalism and rural living, and that’s when I discovered the farm stay in Hokkaido, Japan.
I participated because I love nature and the unique atmosphere and sensibility of Japan.
I usually lack confidence and have rarely spent time with strangers. So I was excited and thought it would be fun.So I wanted to gain confidence and make friends with people from other countries without hesitation.
Through this gap year, I wanted to build confidence and self-esteem. I no longer wanted to be swayed by what others say and wanted to have confidence in what I do and what I want to do.
# Everything was new and fun.
When I first arrived in Hokkaido, the scenery was so beautiful. The clouds and small villages I had only seen in Japanese anime made me excited. As soon as I arrived, I spent a day in Sapporo, and the next morning I went to Shirataki, but I missed the train and ended up getting off at the next station. However, Akito said it was fine and told me to wait there. Then, with a great smile, he gave me
my first greeting.
I still remember that first meeting. It was a countryside village, even more rural than I expected. But it felt a little different from the countryside in Korea. There were countless mountains around, and in the distance, there were dairy cows in the fields.Everything was new and interesting.The first time I met Yoko-san, I was surprised by her cooking skills.
I had tried Japanese food in Korea before, but this was my first time having a real Japanese home-cooked meal, and it was so delicious. I felt like I might gain weight. Though she is small in stature, she is like a wonder woman.
Farming work turned out to be harder and less fun than I had imagined. By 9 PM, I would fall asleep, and I didn’t even realize how the time passed. On weekends, I went nearby to see waterfalls, zoos, and flower gardens. That’s when I really felt like I was in a different country.
As time passed, I met new people. At first, it was awkward working and living with people from other countries, and I couldn’t even start a conversation.I just asked basic things like, “Where is this?” and “Would you like to eat?” When I lacked confidence and felt a little overwhelmed, Yoko-san helped me a lot. She would start conversations and even help me with my English studies.
# I was able to take photos with the volunteers, have conversations, and also build my confidence.
If it weren’t for Yoko-san, living in Japan would have been 100 times harder.
During that time, I was able to take photos with the volunteers, have conversations, and gain confidence. There were many difficulties with the language. I wasn’t good at Japanese, and I wasn’t good at English either, so I had a lot of worries. It was hard because I couldn’t properly express the emotions I wanted to convey.
So, there were some tough times. But since I couldn’t spend my time here like this, I made an effort to study again and try to have conversations. I also met some friends, most of them were Japanese. However, since they could speak English too, I was able to have simple conversations and we became close. We even traveled together and went to a festival wearing yukata.
# I even started humming while working.
So, I made some friends, and gradually, life here started to get more enjoyable.
I was able to hum a little tune while working. At first, it was tough, but as time passed, I became used to it, or maybe it was because I had gotten used to it by now, but it wasn't very difficult anymore. I even had enough leisure to do other things after work.
So, I went for a bike ride to explore the surroundings. Honestly, the surroundings were mostly fields and mountains, but if I went a little further, there was a small town. There was a train station, and kids were going home after school. I was walking around by myself, and I really thought it was a good decision to come here.
Riding my bike while listening to music, it wasn't a particularly meaningful activity, but I feel like I was able to think a lot at that time. If I were in Korea, I would have woken up when the sun went down, eaten, watched movies until late, and lived a life that felt meaningless. Of course, I thought I was having fun in my own way, but coming here, doing a bit of productive and meaningful work, waking up in the morning, sleeping at night, living a regular life, and feeling like I had regained my health.
# Even though it's been just two months, I've become so attached.
Whenever I went on a trip on my day off, Yoko-san would always see me off at the bus terminal.
It was my first time traveling alone, and I was quite anxious. Seeing my worried face, she reassured me by writing down the things I needed on paper and telling me to contact her if anything happened. Then she watched me go, and Nono followed the bus.
I still can't forget the way things were. Although it was a short two months, I became so deeply attached. In those two months, there were so many things that happened. It was tough at times, fun at others, and there were moments when I wanted to go back. But I overcame all of it, and just when things started to get fun and familiar, it was time to go back.
In September, it was the potato harvest season, so we spent busy days. Akito-san worked day and night, so much that it was hard to even see his face. I really admired his dedication. So, I helped with the potato harvest until the very end.
# Truly, everything about this place is so precious and meaningful.
On the last night, we had a party together. It was with all of my favorite foods... it didn't feel real. After dinner, I gave a letter to Yoko-san. Then Yoko-san also brought something out. It was a letter written on paper made from a photo we had taken together a long time ago. When I received it, I felt like it was really over, and I almost started to cry. Everything here has been so precious to me. Whether it was good or bad, I think all of the memories will become good memories in the future. It might even already be happening, but these people are truly precious to me, and I feel like I've made unforgettable memories and experiences.
Before going to Hokkaido, I had a lot of doubts, but those doubts seem insignificant now because I had such good people around me and unforgettable experiences. Now that I’m back in Korea, everything feels like a dream. But as I write this, I start to recall those moments and think about them again.
Through this gap year, not much has changed, but I feel like I've learned to see the world from a slightly different perspective. I’m not sure if I've gained the confidence I wanted or if I’ve changed as I planned, but when I think about what I’m trying to do now and the thoughts I have, and when I still keep in touch with those friends from back then,I think there’s at least some change in me.
# My Personal Gap Year TIP
(Language)
For languages like Japanese, I first ask the meaning in English and then write down the Japanese I think I'll need in a notepad. Watching Japanese dramas or movies is very helpful, and it's also important to listen to conversations often.
For English, while it's helpful to use translation tools, I also try writing sentences myself and then compare them with translation tools. I also write down essential daily conversations, idioms, and vocabulary from TV shows, movies, and YouTube videos in my notepad. It's best to write them down where you can easily access them whenever you need them.
(Accommodation)
Since this is a homestay, it might feel a bit inconvenient, but the rooms are private, and in common areas like the living room, bathroom, and kitchen, it's important to be more comfortable and help with cleaning up and tidying. If everyone steps up to do their part, there won't be any difficulties.
(Meals)
There was no discomfort at all when it came to meals, and since meals were provided every time, my role was just to help clean up and assist with food preparation. If you can cook something yourself, it would be nice to offer it to others as well.
(Packing list )
You'll need a lot of socks, and comfortable clothing like workout wear or T-shirts are essential. It's also a good idea to bring few outfits for when you go out over the weekend, but overall, casual clothing is best. Since there’s big difference in temperature, make sure to pack a variety of clothes, including short-sleeves, and sweatshirts.
(For Future Participants)
There were times when I questioned why I came here and whether I should be doing all this. But when I thought back to the reasons I wanted to come here in the first place, I tried to think positively. By doing this work, I’m helping these people, and in turn, I feel a sense of pride.
I wouldn’t say I came here to gain something major. Rather, it’s just nice to experience life in nature, without any particular thoughts or plans.
# I wouldn’t have experienced the emotions I felt if it wasn’t for the gap year.
I met so many people during my time with the host family, the volunteers I worked with, and the brothers and sisters I met at the guesthouse. They were all wonderful people, and I received so much help from them during my stay. I am truly grateful.
There are so many things I realized through this gap year.First of all, I realized that there are so many people in the world who are living their lives diligently, each in their own way.If I hadn’t come here, I wouldn’t have realized how vast this world is and how many amazing people are living such great lives..
Because of this, I no longer think it’s natural to just go to university and follow the "safe" and "prescribed" path. This path is not the only right one.I’ve come to understand that just because others do something, doesn’t mean I have to do it too. My perspective has expanded a bit. The feelings I’ve experienced would not have been possible without this gap year.
I feel like my mind has broadened. I always had a sense of urgency about the future, but now I feel like it’s okay to take things slow and do more of the things I enjoy. There is no right or wrong path—I believe that if I do what makes me happy, that is the right path for me.
The gap year I applied for may have initially been an escape from difficult times, but now, I’m thinking about starting another gap year, full of excitement and curiosity about what other worlds are out there.
I’m so grateful for all the people I met during this gap year, and for the family members and volunteers I met during the project. Thank you, everyone!
