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Don't Stress About English Anymore! Learn English While Having Fun in Cebu! Part 1 — Gap Year Review

#Transformed into a positive and considerate person #Learning how to be courageous; living a more meaningful life #I would choose a gap year again

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    I was so happy to realize how precious this moment is and how valuable the connections with people are. Actually, before starting my gap year I doubted and worried a lot about whether I could change, but now I have not a shred of regret about my choice.Even if I could go back, I would choose a gap year.

    - English: Don''t stress about it anymore! Learn English while having fun in Cebu!

    Heo Seung-hyun — gap year participant / 12-week gap year

     

     

     

     

     

     

    # I think I was able to learn how to be more positive and considerate of others.

     

     

     

     

    I joined the gap year because I wanted to change my personality and take time to think about my career. I...Through the gap year I wanted to live a more proactive (self-directed) life.

     

    Before participating in the gap year I was comfortable being alone and had become used to being by myself, so I avoided meeting people. In fact, friends I became close to during the gap year told me that at first I walked around alone and tried to do everything by myself, giving off a very cold image. So it was hard for them to approach me, and when I spoke I kept using only "yes" or "no" and didn''t try to continue the conversation at all, which surprised them.

     

    Thinking about it, I had no sense of considering others before. I realized I was a selfish person who thought only of myself. But now, after finishing the gap year, I received a lot of attention and care while spending time with friends. So, in conclusion...I think I was able to learn how to be more positive and considerate of others.

     



    # I no longer need to worry about what others think, so I was able to find courage I didn''t have before.

     

     

    In the Philippines I met so many really good people.. The older brother I met through the gap year always looked out for me on days I was alone, helping me naturally have opportunities to meet other friends,

     

    I also met a really kind older sister who is one year older than me and learned thoughtfulness and altruism. Perhaps this sister was like a mentor who helped me change the most.

     

    Lastly, TEACHER ROSE, whom I met through the gap year, taught me how to be brave. Rose, who was close to me, taught me for about two weeks but then passed away from illness; when I heard that and became depressed, my closest teacher, TEACHER DIOMEL, ...

     

    "We might think she had a tragic life that withered away before her parents, but I''m convinced she was already happy. She graduated college, earned her teaching certificate, became a teacher, and then met you. Though the rose fell, it certainly bloomed beautifully."

     

    That phrase still replays in my head. I think I changed the most after that day.Whenever I hesitate I live with the thought ''what if today were my last day,'' so I no longer need to care about others'' opinions and have been able to summon courage I didn''t have before.The teacher gave me the most important lesson of my gap year.

     

     

     

     # My personal gap-year tips

     

     

    (Language)

    Even if your language is a bit clumsy or odd, if you approach with a bright smile, they''ll be more likely to welcome you despite the awkwardness.

     

    (Meals)

    Don''t worry, it''s delicious.

     

    (What to bring)

    You must get insurance. Medicine here is a bit expensive.

     

    (To prospective participants)

    At first, starting a conversation may be a bit difficult...For just 10 seconds, try not to think about yourself and warmly approach first.They also want to get close, but in many cases both sides lack the courage...There were a lot. It''s okay if my words sound a bit strange.


    (Recommended travel destination)

    I don''t know about other things, but I definitely hope you visit Bohol. We also used a guide because, even if it meant spending a little more than we had planned, having a guide seemed safer and more convenient.

     

     

    # Even if I went back, I would choose a gap year.

     

     

     

    Looking back at myself before the gap year, I can see how much I''ve changed. To be honest, I didn''t know how I should live before. I really hated becoming accustomed to my situation and accepting a listless life. So I left for a gap year, and a foreign friend I met early on told me that I''ve changed a lot.

    Before, there was a gloomy cloud over me and I seemed hard to approach; now I''m bright like a cheerful dog, and they said I''ve changed a lot.

    Through my gap year I realized that the most important thing is people. While on my gap year I became overly absorbed in studying English and shut off relationships with everyone. I thought I had to be solitary to achieve something and that only that would be valuable. But I learned that that ultimately leaves only emptiness.





    Being with people who took care of me made me realize how self-centered I had been.Whereas before I dreamed of a successful life, now I dream of a meaningful life.And the beginning of that is doing good for others. Interestingly, the path I had been wandering also began to become somewhat clear.

    However, finding balance between maintaining relationships and investing time in self-development was far from easy. It''s true that you experience a lot while spending time with friends, but it''s also important to make time for yourself.

    So I learned how to make use of even small amounts of time, and I also had to learn to refuse others'' offers. In this process I made many mistakes and both hurt others and was hurt, but I was so happy to realize how precious these moments are and how valuable the connections with people are.

    Honestly, before I started my gap year I doubted and worried a lot about whether I could change, but now I have no regrets about my choice. Even if I went back, I would choose a gap year.


     

     

     

     

Why This Project

What makes this project special

#Expression & Languages#Career & Direction#Rest & Recovery#Learning English While Having Fun#Confidence Boost#Fastest Way to Build English Skills#English Speaking#English Conversation#Having Fun#Overcome English Speaking Anxiety#Study and Travel at the Same Time#Restore Self-Esteem#Includes Accommodation, Meals, and Instruction#Everything Provided#Gain a Positive Mindset#Positive Energy#Easy for Everyone#Expand Myself#Interact with Global Friends

Take just one brave step.
GapYear will take care of the rest.