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

- 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.


- 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.

What makes this project special