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#Became more flexible, less compulsive #A mindset of spending for present happiness #Satisfaction; realized that a gap year is a process
Actually I haven''t changed as much as I expected, but even if I could go back in time I would choose a gap year again.I realized that a gap year is a process, not an outcome.Based on what I experienced during the gap year, my life and way of thinking afterward will change. Top value! Learn English safely in Mediterranean Europe — Malta! Park Seoyoung — gapper (23, university student) / 8-week gap year |
# ''I''m not big on travel, but if I were to go somewhere, I''d want to go there.''
I''m Park Seoyoung from Anyang, Gyeonggi Province. I''m majoring in tourism at a four-year university, and after finishing my third year I''m currently on a leave of absence.The reason I took a leave was ''because I was so exhausted.''So for a few months right after taking leave I did nothing but rest, and as I started to look for extracurricular activities I was browsing Naver cafes and found a gap-year site. I had no overseas experience at all and was thinking I''d go abroad at least once during my leave, soIt didn''t take long to decide to participate in the gap-year project.
I''m not really into travel so I don''t have any particular affection or fantasies about any country, but Malta was the only exception. A year ago, when we chose a country for a team project at school to research,I first learned about Malta, and the fact that the whole city is listed by UNESCO was unique,and the photos I saw then were very appealing. ''I''m not big on travel, but if I were to go somewhere, I''d want to go there.''I thought that, but I never imagined that just a year later I would actually be able to live in Malta.
Actually, before deciding on Malta I was torn between the Philippines and Malta. Malta had too little time at the academy, while the Philippines had a very tight academy schedule but was cheaper.To be honest, in terms of academy cost per hour the Philippines was better, but I reconsidered my purpose for going abroad. My purpose was not to study English but to have overseas experience,and since I had never once thought I wanted to go to the Philippines, I ultimately chose Malta as my destination. And having been here, the three-hour morning classes seemed just right.
* For Park Seoyoung, who strongly wanted to change herself, daily customized 1:1 personal missions related to new challenges, experiences, self-reflection, and post-gap-year career were provided, and a gap-year notebook to reflect and make plans was also provided.
# Two months in Malta changed my obsessive personality a bit.
To be honest, I worried a lot before leaving and was extremely stressed. My first overseas experience would be two months, not in nearby Asia but Europe on the other side of the globe, and furthermore alone.Two weeks before departure I even thought I wanted to cancel it right then.I knew it would be nothing once I did it, but it''s my first time. But of course I had no real intention of canceling. I had already paid all the money, andabove all, I knew that if I stayed in Korea like this I''d just waste time without changing and then return to school.
Actually, my mother worried more than I did. I wasn''t particularly worried about Malta; since I''d be there for two months and there''s a set curriculum of going to the academy every day, I thought I could just live leisurely like a local. What worried me was actually the trip after the program. In Malta, if something happened the academy and the gap-year program would help me, but in London and Paris I''d be completely alone.
So I meticulously planned the trip, and that thoroughness was even frustrating to myself. Even with that preparation I kept worrying. As I write this interviewthere''s one week left until the trip, but I''m not as worried as before. Two months in Malta changed my obsessive personality a bit.
To prepare before leaving, I met foreign friends through an app called HelloTalk and spoke in English. It was a little, but I also had phone calls and listened to online lectures focused on speaking. I had often been told I have good English pronunciation and I didn''t feel burdened or afraid of speaking English, so language wasn''t a big problem for me.
I also searched for packing tips and essential items for traveling in Europe, and asked friends ''what was inconvenient because you didn''t have it during your European trip.'' Bringing plastic containers for food was also thanks to a friend who told me about it—they said buying them here is too expensive so you''d feel it''s a waste.
I think now that to live well, you need to have something you want to do.
I had no dreams or goals. I chose my major based on grades, picking a department that seemed likely to lead to good employment, but since I don''t even like traveling and ended up in the tourism department, I naturally didn''t want to pursue a job using my major.
That doesn''t mean I made efforts to find a dream either.Actually, I thought things like dreams weren''t necessary. I''m extremely realistic. But now I think people need to have something they want to do to live well.
What I most wanted while doing a gap year was for myself to change. To have something I wanted to do. To be able to decide on a future aspiration. To not be depressed on most days.The ultimate goal was to become happy. And the two months in Malta were much happier than in Korea.
A daily routine in Malta
I woke up at 7 and got ready to go to the language school. From the Sliema dormitory to the Valletta school you have to take a bus or a ferry, and I mostly took the ferry because it was cheaper. I only took the bus when I missed the ferry that runs every 30 minutes so I wouldn''t be too late.
I left home at 8:15, walked to the ferry station, and if I took the 8:30 ferry I would arrive at the school at 8:50. I attended classes starting at 9 and at 12:30...When the school finished, I returned home or, depending on plans, went with friends to tourist spots, the sea, etc.To save on food costs I mainly brought lunch, making a sandwich at home every morning. If there were no special plans, I cooked dinner at home and talked with friends at the accommodation. After showering and doing laundry it was around 10, and because my roommate went to bed very early I also went to bed early around 10:30.
* Bus and ferry fares
Ferry: student one-way €1, round-trip €1.8, 1-week pass €10
Bus: cash €2; 12-ride card €15; 1-week pass €21; student card one-way €0.75, and no additional charge when using more than €21.
I left alone, but now I''ve become friends with students from many countries.
Actually, the school wasn''t anything special. Apart from the fact that all classes were conducted in English and we had to speak in English, the material itself was what you learn in Korea too, and was something we had already studied in middle and high school. Of course, it''s different to actually speak and use the language. And I liked the people I was with. When I passed the exam and moved up to a higher class, the teacher encouraged me, saying I was an excellent student and would do well in the upper class.The letter-like exam feedback sheet was moving.
.
Once, while balancing my household account at the end of the month I said, ''I bought medicine today and now I regret it,'' and my roommate told me to never regret money you''ve already spent. Otherwise you''d end up regretting everything. At first I just nodded and moved on, but that remark kept coming to mind.I always regretted money I had spent carelessly in the past and had an obsession with saving, but after my roommate said that my thinking changed a bit. That''s the biggest change I''ve had while being here.
I left alone, but now I''ve become friends with students from many countries.At first I thought I wanted to become close with Europeans, but after spending time there I found our sensibilities didn''t match, so my closest friends were Japanese. People from Europe vary, but in my experience they usually stay about 2-3 weeks before leaving, whereas people from Asia stay from a few months to as long as a year, so naturally you spend more time together and become close.
The school friends and the friends from my accommodation were with me. We went to quite a few places together and talked about serious topics too. It wasn''t a shallow relationship like when I''d briefly made foreign friends before, but...We became close enough to truly call each other friends. I think it was possible because my English improved.
I realized the gap year period is a process, not a result.
Actually I haven''t changed as much as I had expected, but even if I went back to the past I think I would choose the gap year the same way.I realized the gap year period is a process, not a result.Based on what I felt during the gap year, my life and way of thinking after the gap year will change.
I couldn''t swim, so I thought I didn''t like the sea, but after following my friends and visiting the sea a lot this time, I realized I don''t dislike it that much. So I thought about learning to swim. And I had an obsession with saving money, but Living here, I decided not to miss experiences I can have now just to save money,that thought changed into spending money for present happiness.
# For prospective participants
Everyone is different, but in my opinion if you plan to stay longer than three months, a larger country would be better than Malta. Malta is so small that about two months is enough to see everything. I didn''t try to go everywhere and wandered around almost like a local, but I still saw most places.
For those staying long-term whose goal is to make foreign friends and study English, who dislike boredom, or who want to try something new, it''s good to change your residence every 2–3 months. I was in Malta for two months, but after six weeks I became so accustomed that I didn''t feel the same enthusiasm as at the beginning. You get a bit loose. It doesn''t matter if you want to live like a local. Everyone has their own style.
Also, during a gap year you need to think constantly. You might be so busy traveling around that you don''t have time to be alone with your thoughts, but I recommend setting aside 30 minutes before bed to reflect. Go over what you did today and if you realized anything, be sure to write it down. Even good experiences are quickly forgotten if not recorded.
# My personal gap year tips
- Language
I used an app called HelloTalk to converse in English with foreigners. The app also allows free calls, which helps with speaking. I got quite close with a friend I met on the app; we follow each other on Instagram and keep in regular contact.Don''t assume you can learn English only after you arrive.
This is my personal opinion, but even if learning English is the purpose, if you can handle everyday conversation upon arrival you''ll be more proactive in making friends and that''s how your English will really improve. If you''re a tourist staying a week you can go without studying, but if you''re going for a gap year and want to make friends there, it''s good to study some English beforehand.
The reason for going abroad is to experience overseas life, during which you''ll use English, so studying English beforehand will help.
- Accommodation
The school provides two towels. Bringing one or two more is enough. For any problems in the dormitory, tell the school''s reception. You''ve already paid a lot for the dormitory, so there''s no need to spend your own money buying kitchen or bathroom supplies.Be sure to get close with your roommate. It''s really fun if you get along with your roommate.
- Meals
It''s good to learn some simple recipes beforehand. If you''re staying long-term, cooking for yourself is a must. Buying food is several times more expensive than cooking. The cheapest rice is risotto rice but it''s not sticky, and Asian supermarkets sell Japanese rice which is most similar to rice eaten in Korea. (I didn''t see Korean rice.) The price difference between risotto rice and Japanese rice is about double, so the choice is up to you.
- What to bring
You don''t need to pack many clothes. I brought six tops, four bottoms, and two dresses, which I thought was too much. Even if you wear the same clothes twice a week no one says anything; everyone dresses like that. Using travel pouches keeps your packing neat and convenient. It shortens the time when unpacking upon arrival and repacking before returning home.
# My recommended places to visit in Malta
Gozo is suitable for a day trip. When you arrive at the Cirkewwa area at the very top of Malta and its bus terminal, there is a ferry terminal to Comino and Gozo. Comino is a small uninhabited island you reach by a small boat, whereas for Gozo you take a fairly large passenger ferry.
The ferry fare is 4.65 euros round-trip, which isn''t very expensive. Once there you can take local buses or a city tour bus; if you take the city tour bus you can listen to commentary through earphones and visit many places quickly. (Of course there''s no Korean commentary. They support several languages, but the only one you''ll understand is English...)
If you show a student card, the child fare applies and it''s 10 euros. Recommended spots are Gozo''s capital Victoria and the Azure Window. The Azure Window has already collapsed, but it''s still nice just to see the sea.
My gap year was
Experience ★★★★★
It was my first time experiencing living abroad and my first time in dorm life, so it was a new experience.
Learning ★★★★☆
I wasn''t aiming for English, but after attending the academy diligently and talking a lot with friends, my speaking improved a little. It''s more that I became accustomed to it than that I got significantly better. The important things weren''t English but that I realized I didn''t actually dislike the sea, and that I decided to live in the present.
Environment★★★★★
I got used to it within 1–2 weeks so it stopped feeling special, but the buildings are pretty. Even random photos come out nicely. Valletta, where the academy is, is the capital so it naturally has many restaurants, cafes, and shops, and Sliema, where the dorm is, seems residential but also has a busy area and shopping malls, making it convenient to live in.
Safety★★★★☆
Public safety is fairly good. Still, being in Europe you should be a bit cautious, but there aren''t many pickpockets and you can even leave your bag on the seat next to you in a cafe. I deducted one star because a friend had their wallet and phone stolen in Paceville. Be careful in crowded places.
Leisure★★★★☆
I didn''t participate much in school-related activities. They felt a bit expensive and nothing really interested me. Still, other friends signed up and attended regularly. There are guided tours where you walk around with a guide explaining tourist sites, and activities like scuba diving.
Actually I haven''t changed as much as I expected, but even if I could go back in time I would choose a gap year again.I realized that a gap year is a process, not an outcome.Based on what I experienced during the gap year, my life and way of thinking afterward will change. Top value! Learn English safely in Mediterranean Europe — Malta! Park Seoyoung — gapper (23, university student) / 8-week gap year |
# ''I''m not big on travel, but if I were to go somewhere, I''d want to go there.''
I''m Park Seoyoung from Anyang, Gyeonggi Province. I''m majoring in tourism at a four-year university, and after finishing my third year I''m currently on a leave of absence.The reason I took a leave was ''because I was so exhausted.''So for a few months right after taking leave I did nothing but rest, and as I started to look for extracurricular activities I was browsing Naver cafes and found a gap-year site. I had no overseas experience at all and was thinking I''d go abroad at least once during my leave, soIt didn''t take long to decide to participate in the gap-year project.
I''m not really into travel so I don''t have any particular affection or fantasies about any country, but Malta was the only exception. A year ago, when we chose a country for a team project at school to research,I first learned about Malta, and the fact that the whole city is listed by UNESCO was unique,and the photos I saw then were very appealing. ''I''m not big on travel, but if I were to go somewhere, I''d want to go there.''I thought that, but I never imagined that just a year later I would actually be able to live in Malta.
Actually, before deciding on Malta I was torn between the Philippines and Malta. Malta had too little time at the academy, while the Philippines had a very tight academy schedule but was cheaper.To be honest, in terms of academy cost per hour the Philippines was better, but I reconsidered my purpose for going abroad. My purpose was not to study English but to have overseas experience,and since I had never once thought I wanted to go to the Philippines, I ultimately chose Malta as my destination. And having been here, the three-hour morning classes seemed just right.
* For Park Seoyoung, who strongly wanted to change herself, daily customized 1:1 personal missions related to new challenges, experiences, self-reflection, and post-gap-year career were provided, and a gap-year notebook to reflect and make plans was also provided.
# Two months in Malta changed my obsessive personality a bit.
To be honest, I worried a lot before leaving and was extremely stressed. My first overseas experience would be two months, not in nearby Asia but Europe on the other side of the globe, and furthermore alone.Two weeks before departure I even thought I wanted to cancel it right then.I knew it would be nothing once I did it, but it''s my first time. But of course I had no real intention of canceling. I had already paid all the money, andabove all, I knew that if I stayed in Korea like this I''d just waste time without changing and then return to school.
Actually, my mother worried more than I did. I wasn''t particularly worried about Malta; since I''d be there for two months and there''s a set curriculum of going to the academy every day, I thought I could just live leisurely like a local. What worried me was actually the trip after the program. In Malta, if something happened the academy and the gap-year program would help me, but in London and Paris I''d be completely alone.
So I meticulously planned the trip, and that thoroughness was even frustrating to myself. Even with that preparation I kept worrying. As I write this interviewthere''s one week left until the trip, but I''m not as worried as before. Two months in Malta changed my obsessive personality a bit.
To prepare before leaving, I met foreign friends through an app called HelloTalk and spoke in English. It was a little, but I also had phone calls and listened to online lectures focused on speaking. I had often been told I have good English pronunciation and I didn''t feel burdened or afraid of speaking English, so language wasn''t a big problem for me.
I also searched for packing tips and essential items for traveling in Europe, and asked friends ''what was inconvenient because you didn''t have it during your European trip.'' Bringing plastic containers for food was also thanks to a friend who told me about it—they said buying them here is too expensive so you''d feel it''s a waste.
I think now that to live well, you need to have something you want to do.
I had no dreams or goals. I chose my major based on grades, picking a department that seemed likely to lead to good employment, but since I don''t even like traveling and ended up in the tourism department, I naturally didn''t want to pursue a job using my major.
That doesn''t mean I made efforts to find a dream either.Actually, I thought things like dreams weren''t necessary. I''m extremely realistic. But now I think people need to have something they want to do to live well.
What I most wanted while doing a gap year was for myself to change. To have something I wanted to do. To be able to decide on a future aspiration. To not be depressed on most days.The ultimate goal was to become happy. And the two months in Malta were much happier than in Korea.
A daily routine in Malta
I woke up at 7 and got ready to go to the language school. From the Sliema dormitory to the Valletta school you have to take a bus or a ferry, and I mostly took the ferry because it was cheaper. I only took the bus when I missed the ferry that runs every 30 minutes so I wouldn''t be too late.
I left home at 8:15, walked to the ferry station, and if I took the 8:30 ferry I would arrive at the school at 8:50. I attended classes starting at 9 and at 12:30...When the school finished, I returned home or, depending on plans, went with friends to tourist spots, the sea, etc.To save on food costs I mainly brought lunch, making a sandwich at home every morning. If there were no special plans, I cooked dinner at home and talked with friends at the accommodation. After showering and doing laundry it was around 10, and because my roommate went to bed very early I also went to bed early around 10:30.
* Bus and ferry fares
Ferry: student one-way €1, round-trip €1.8, 1-week pass €10
Bus: cash €2; 12-ride card €15; 1-week pass €21; student card one-way €0.75, and no additional charge when using more than €21.
I left alone, but now I''ve become friends with students from many countries.
Actually, the school wasn''t anything special. Apart from the fact that all classes were conducted in English and we had to speak in English, the material itself was what you learn in Korea too, and was something we had already studied in middle and high school. Of course, it''s different to actually speak and use the language. And I liked the people I was with. When I passed the exam and moved up to a higher class, the teacher encouraged me, saying I was an excellent student and would do well in the upper class.The letter-like exam feedback sheet was moving.
.
Once, while balancing my household account at the end of the month I said, ''I bought medicine today and now I regret it,'' and my roommate told me to never regret money you''ve already spent. Otherwise you''d end up regretting everything. At first I just nodded and moved on, but that remark kept coming to mind.I always regretted money I had spent carelessly in the past and had an obsession with saving, but after my roommate said that my thinking changed a bit. That''s the biggest change I''ve had while being here.
I left alone, but now I''ve become friends with students from many countries.At first I thought I wanted to become close with Europeans, but after spending time there I found our sensibilities didn''t match, so my closest friends were Japanese. People from Europe vary, but in my experience they usually stay about 2-3 weeks before leaving, whereas people from Asia stay from a few months to as long as a year, so naturally you spend more time together and become close.
The school friends and the friends from my accommodation were with me. We went to quite a few places together and talked about serious topics too. It wasn''t a shallow relationship like when I''d briefly made foreign friends before, but...We became close enough to truly call each other friends. I think it was possible because my English improved.
I realized the gap year period is a process, not a result.
Actually I haven''t changed as much as I had expected, but even if I went back to the past I think I would choose the gap year the same way.I realized the gap year period is a process, not a result.Based on what I felt during the gap year, my life and way of thinking after the gap year will change.
I couldn''t swim, so I thought I didn''t like the sea, but after following my friends and visiting the sea a lot this time, I realized I don''t dislike it that much. So I thought about learning to swim. And I had an obsession with saving money, but Living here, I decided not to miss experiences I can have now just to save money,that thought changed into spending money for present happiness.
# For prospective participants
Everyone is different, but in my opinion if you plan to stay longer than three months, a larger country would be better than Malta. Malta is so small that about two months is enough to see everything. I didn''t try to go everywhere and wandered around almost like a local, but I still saw most places.
For those staying long-term whose goal is to make foreign friends and study English, who dislike boredom, or who want to try something new, it''s good to change your residence every 2–3 months. I was in Malta for two months, but after six weeks I became so accustomed that I didn''t feel the same enthusiasm as at the beginning. You get a bit loose. It doesn''t matter if you want to live like a local. Everyone has their own style.
Also, during a gap year you need to think constantly. You might be so busy traveling around that you don''t have time to be alone with your thoughts, but I recommend setting aside 30 minutes before bed to reflect. Go over what you did today and if you realized anything, be sure to write it down. Even good experiences are quickly forgotten if not recorded.
# My personal gap year tips
- Language
I used an app called HelloTalk to converse in English with foreigners. The app also allows free calls, which helps with speaking. I got quite close with a friend I met on the app; we follow each other on Instagram and keep in regular contact.Don''t assume you can learn English only after you arrive.
This is my personal opinion, but even if learning English is the purpose, if you can handle everyday conversation upon arrival you''ll be more proactive in making friends and that''s how your English will really improve. If you''re a tourist staying a week you can go without studying, but if you''re going for a gap year and want to make friends there, it''s good to study some English beforehand.
The reason for going abroad is to experience overseas life, during which you''ll use English, so studying English beforehand will help.
- Accommodation
The school provides two towels. Bringing one or two more is enough. For any problems in the dormitory, tell the school''s reception. You''ve already paid a lot for the dormitory, so there''s no need to spend your own money buying kitchen or bathroom supplies.Be sure to get close with your roommate. It''s really fun if you get along with your roommate.
- Meals
It''s good to learn some simple recipes beforehand. If you''re staying long-term, cooking for yourself is a must. Buying food is several times more expensive than cooking. The cheapest rice is risotto rice but it''s not sticky, and Asian supermarkets sell Japanese rice which is most similar to rice eaten in Korea. (I didn''t see Korean rice.) The price difference between risotto rice and Japanese rice is about double, so the choice is up to you.
- What to bring
You don''t need to pack many clothes. I brought six tops, four bottoms, and two dresses, which I thought was too much. Even if you wear the same clothes twice a week no one says anything; everyone dresses like that. Using travel pouches keeps your packing neat and convenient. It shortens the time when unpacking upon arrival and repacking before returning home.
# My recommended places to visit in Malta
Gozo is suitable for a day trip. When you arrive at the Cirkewwa area at the very top of Malta and its bus terminal, there is a ferry terminal to Comino and Gozo. Comino is a small uninhabited island you reach by a small boat, whereas for Gozo you take a fairly large passenger ferry.
The ferry fare is 4.65 euros round-trip, which isn''t very expensive. Once there you can take local buses or a city tour bus; if you take the city tour bus you can listen to commentary through earphones and visit many places quickly. (Of course there''s no Korean commentary. They support several languages, but the only one you''ll understand is English...)
If you show a student card, the child fare applies and it''s 10 euros. Recommended spots are Gozo''s capital Victoria and the Azure Window. The Azure Window has already collapsed, but it''s still nice just to see the sea.
My gap year was
Experience ★★★★★
It was my first time experiencing living abroad and my first time in dorm life, so it was a new experience.
Learning ★★★★☆
I wasn''t aiming for English, but after attending the academy diligently and talking a lot with friends, my speaking improved a little. It''s more that I became accustomed to it than that I got significantly better. The important things weren''t English but that I realized I didn''t actually dislike the sea, and that I decided to live in the present.
Environment★★★★★
I got used to it within 1–2 weeks so it stopped feeling special, but the buildings are pretty. Even random photos come out nicely. Valletta, where the academy is, is the capital so it naturally has many restaurants, cafes, and shops, and Sliema, where the dorm is, seems residential but also has a busy area and shopping malls, making it convenient to live in.
Safety★★★★☆
Public safety is fairly good. Still, being in Europe you should be a bit cautious, but there aren''t many pickpockets and you can even leave your bag on the seat next to you in a cafe. I deducted one star because a friend had their wallet and phone stolen in Paceville. Be careful in crowded places.
Leisure★★★★☆
I didn''t participate much in school-related activities. They felt a bit expensive and nothing really interested me. Still, other friends signed up and attended regularly. There are guided tours where you walk around with a guide explaining tourist sites, and activities like scuba diving.
What makes this project special
