During three months of language study in the Philippines, I gained confidence in using English and learned how to naturally become close with unfamiliar foreigners.I also began to view myself more positively and developed many things I wanted to do. I became able to enjoy whatever I do by giving my best and started living a life with a spirit of challenge.
[Cebu, Philippines / language study review] Enjoy it without stress—just have fun and study English! Seodonghyuk, gap-year participant (22, university student) / 12-week gap year |
# A challenge I began to decide what I want and how to live going forward
Hello! I''m 22-year-old Seodonghyuk. After finishing my first year of university and joining the military, I wanted to leave Korea and have new experiences, so I joined the gap year project.
I followed my parents'' guidance and the trends of society. I studied to get into university and, once there, managed my grades for employment. When I entered the military, regret about my life suddenly began to flood in. After researching on the internet I learned about gap years and had a one-on-one consultation before deciding on language study in the Philippines.
I actually thought the consultation would be just a formality, so I was surprised when the CEO came out. After consulting with CEO An Si-jun, I recognized my problems and received a lot of comfort.And I went on to participate in the project recommended by the CEO.
Looking back at myself before the gap year, I think I was someone who didn''t know how to love myself. Since childhood I was a typically timid and introverted child, andI tried to achieve things recognized by society but failed, which lowered my self-esteem and made some relationships awkward.
Comparing myself to others, I sometimes felt humiliated. When I was in the military, I asked myself many questions and worried about how to live in the future. So, in a state of grasping at straws, I received gap-year consulting and left for the Philippines.
My gap year goals were positive change in myself and setting my career path.I had dreams when I was young, but they were based on societal expectations and I never seriously invested time in what I actually wanted or liked. Because of that, I didn''t find studying in university particularly enjoyable.
I think I had been living life too indecisively. I needed new experiences for that, and through this project I experienced and learned a lot.
# Classes in the Philippines — the feeling of the box that was tightly closed in my heart gradually opening.
Classes in the Philippines mainly consisted of one-on-one lessons. Forty-five minutes of class with a five-minute break, studying with unfamiliar Filipino teachers in small rooms was initially very unfamiliar and nerve-wracking, but I gradually came to enjoy it.Classes with the teachers and other students were really fun, and I began to see English not as a subject but as a language.
The Zumba dance every Wednesday was something new to me. Moreover, I performed English plays here twice. Performing in front of many people — in English! — was a very challenging thing for me. But since I came for my own change, I gave it my all and it was successful as a result.
Not only classes, but I met and communicated with friends of various nationalities at the language school. They approached me very kindly.They approached me first and suggested going shopping, eating, doing activities, etc. And after class I spent a lot of time with friends. On weekends I did many things I wouldn''t have tried in Korea: volunteer work, snorkeling, diving from a 14m waterfall, parasailing, island hopping, wakeboarding, and so on.
I viewed myself lowly. Focusing more on my shortcomings than my strengths, I couldn''t live life satisfactorily. But my multinational friends saw me differently. When I asked them what they thought of me, their answers were ''You''re really fun!'', ''You''re an outgoing person'', ''You''re really kind!'', ''You''re handsome!'', ''You''re really good at English!'' — responses so different that I thought, ''Me?'' when I heard them.
And they celebrated my birthday. Although they dunked me in the pool at the time, I was very happy. We had only known each other for a few months, butSeeing friends who cared for me and celebrated me like this brought about a change in my heart. I realized, ''I am a person of value.'' It felt like the box tightly closed in my heart was opening.
# When you feel skeptical about life and are exhausted, just go ahead and take a gap year.
Actually, this was the first time I had stayed abroad for such a long period. Other than Japan, which I had been to three times, going to Southeast Asia was a big challenge for me. But while studying English in the Philippines for three months,I gained confidence in using English and learned how to naturally become close with unfamiliar foreigners.
I also began to view myself positively and developed many things I wanted to do.I became able to enjoy whatever I do by giving my best and started living a life with a spirit of challenge.
I too worried a lot before starting the gap year project. ''Will I fall behind others while taking a gap year?'', ''Shouldn''t I do something more meaningful?'', ''Is this worth spending the money on?'' and so on, butAs a result of my gap year, those experiences and my personal changes were invaluable and could not be exchanged for anything.
When you feel skeptical about life or are exhausted, don''t overthink it—just go for it.In particular, here in the Philippines I greatly improved my English skills and gained confidence. Also, next I''m going on a volunteer project to Vietnam, which I''m really looking forward to.
# My own gap year tip
(How to get there)
I was anxious because the internet didn''t work, but fortunately I met a local staff member at the airport and took a taxi safely to the language school.
(Language)
Filipinos have native languages like Tagalog and Cebuano, but everyone can speak English. Istudied using the book "Grammar in Use" and English videos (dramas, cartoons) before participating in the project.Indeed, studying before the project made learning easier, and the grammar classes were in review format, which was very helpful.
(Accommodation)
The facilities aren''t that great, but they''re not uncomfortable. They clean every week and change the bed sheets and pillows, so it''s relatively pleasant. There are many bugs (ants, mosquitoes), so it''s good to prepare for that. Especially don''t leave leftover snacks in the room — ants can swarm.
(Meals)
Breakfast and lunch aren''t that tasty, haha, but there''s a lot of Korean food and it''s self-serve so you can eat as much as you want. It might be good to bring things like gim (seaweed) or seasoned laver. The shop sells Korean snacks and ramen, so you probably don''t need to worry much.
(What to bring)
Using the pharmacy in the Philippines can be quite expensive.Insurance is essential!! Therefore, bringing basic medicines like cold medicine or painkillerswill be very helpful.
The Philippines is hot and has many insects, soa thermos and insect repellent are essentialI think. I also brought a hair dryer, which was very useful.
(Recommended places to visit)
You probably know many places like Cebu City, Oslob, Bohol, and other various islands, so I''ll introduce one place I enjoyed the most.
- Danasan Eco Adventure Park
You can make a reservation in advance at the Parkmall office in Cebu, and the place is about two hours away from Cebu. There you can enjoy various activities in one place and overnight stays are possible.
(Activities: zip line, sky bike, wakeboarding, ATV, etc.)
My gap year was
an experience★★★★★
It was my first time visiting the country, and while talking and traveling with people of various nationalities, I learned and felt a great deal.
Learning★★★★☆
Being exposed to an English environment 24 hours a day will improve your English skills and confidence.
Environment★★★☆☆
There is a lot of trash and many stray dogs and cats near the road in front of the academy.
Safety★★★★☆
It is safe because Filipino security guards provide 24-hour security. However, when you go out, I recommend going with friends rather than alone ^^
Leisure★★★★★
Once classes are over, it''s free time, so you can go shopping or out to eat.
