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#Broadened perspective and became more positive #Friends from around the world, overflowing love #Felt abundant and happy
"I received so much love that I probably couldn''t even repay it. It made me feel abundant, realizing there are so many people around the world cheering me on, and it greatly boosted my self-esteem."
A city that''s great to live in! A review of learning English with friends from around the world in Vancouver, Canada Oh Sojeong (19, high school graduate) / 8-week gap year
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# Gap year in Canada chosen after high school graduation — before entering university
I''m an ordinary new college freshman who loves traveling here and there ^-^
To be honest, the reason I chose the gap year project was initially an escape. I just wanted to leave and travel somewhere, but I felt like I''d be a fool if I took two whole months off, soI thought about how I could study while living more meaningfully and enjoyably and make lots of memories, and that''s when I chose this projectSo I decided to do it.
# I feel my perspective broadened by making friends from around the world
It would be a lie to say I wasn''t worried at all about going far away alone for the first time. I worried that if I showed my concern, my parents would worry more and wouldn''t let me go, so I pretended to be calm every day. Saying it like a chant seemed to naturally reduce my worries :)"
Before departure, I prepared by looking everywhere for information — blogs, online communities, YouTube, anything.I was so excited that just thinking about doing a gap year made me smile, and I finished my senior year happily by enjoying making lists of things to pack, places I wanted to visit, and must-see spots.
If I talk about how I felt I changed through the gap year project,I, who used to hate doing even small things alone, learned how to get used to doing things by myself, and my impatient self learned to look around and walk more slowly.
By making friends from around the world, it feels like the footprint I can leave has expanded, and my way of thinking has broadened.
# I received so much love during the project and my self-esteem increased!
The project started classes at 8:45 AM, had a break of about 15 minutes, and ended around 12:20. After lunch, if I took one more class in the afternoon it would be around 2 PM, and from then until going home for dinner we''d casually hang out nearby with friends and go eat delicious food.
Back at the homestay, I would call my family, watch English conversation videos on YouTube, and sometimes go out again to meet friends.
While doing the project I met various people, and luckily I met many good people. Thanks to that,I received so much love that I probably couldn''t even repay it. It made me feel abundant, realizing there are so many people around the world cheering me on, which greatly boosted my self-esteem.
The people I remember most helped me a lot because I had gone after finishing the college entrance exam; I checked my university results there and even completed course registration. I was really worried since I couldn''t attend any orientation or freshman meetings and didn''t know what to do, but fortunately some very kind Korean seniors helped me from A to Z.
They are people I will truly never forget in my university life... ♥
# Unforgettable travel destinations I visited every weekend with friends from around the world
While doing the projectThe best part was going to new destinations every weekend with friends from all over the world!The most memorable destination was the BC Legislature in Victoria — especially the night view, you must see it! I was completely mesmerized, watching for over 30 minutes! Whistler''s village also feels like something out of a fairy tale. Just walking there makes you feel happy...
Many friends said the Rockies'' emerald lakes in summer are the best, but the Rockies in winter are also so stunning. It felt like Pororo might live there. Really.....! And finally, all the way to Seattle, USA!!!
There are so many great places to visit around Vancouver!! Thanks to that, I could travel to many places, and it was fun to look for new destinations~~
Comparing before and after participating in the gap year,
"That I don''t have to hurry yet, that I don''t have to rush my thoughts! I still have plenty of time, and no matter how many worries I have living in Korea, in hindsight they''re not a big deal! So don''t worry too much!"
I learned a lot and heard this many times because many Korean older sisters and brothers helped me.
Gap year projects are so diverse and unique that a big advantage is being able to “choose” what you want to do.Anyone can access it easily, so don''t overthink it and give it a try. You''ll regret the time you spent worrying lol.
# My personal gap year tip
(Pickup)
I booked the pickup service and got safely to my accommodation.
(Language)
In Vancouver, when I was bored at home in the evening or at night, I looked for YouTube videos using everyday English. I learned and memorized practical conversational phrases and then used them at school the next day with teachers and friends, which helped me acquire them.
(Accommodation)
When I applied for the project, I also applied for a homestay. It''s much safer than living alone, and it''s great to have someone to converse with in English whenever you want!
They recommended nearby tourist spots and places worth visiting, and since no one knows the area better than the locals, you can get a variety of information — they told me everything I was curious about. In my case, after living there for two months, I didn''t really have any downsides.
(What to pack)
Starting a week before my trip, I wrote down in a notepad anything that came to mind while going about my daily life in Korea (even the basics!) and packed those items. I didn''t bring a mirror so that was a bit inconvenient, but bringing an umbrella was useful!
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
