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#I became the protagonist of my life #Expanded horizons through meeting diverse people #Satisfaction; no longer constrained by age
They were all people from whom I could learn a lot. The teachers always taught with passion and I am truly grateful that they did their best to explain even my trivial questions.
The friends I met in Franceeach had different experiences, so by sharing them I was able to broaden my horizons.I also felt cultural differences andseeing friends who, at an age people in Korea might say isn''t young, were trying to start again was truly admirable and made me renew my resolve, thinking ''I should do that too.'' Montpellier with its dazzling Mediterranean, learning French Kim Min-sang, gapper (27, office worker) / 8-week gap year |
# I left for a gap year because I wanted to find the real me and what I truly want.
I worked in finance for three years before resigning to take a gap year. People often call banks ''God''s workplace,'' but in reality it''s a place with the worst work-life balance. haha
I didn''t leave work as early as you''d think either. Working nonstop at a job that didn''t suit memade me feel like I was losing myself, so I resigned.
AndI left for a gap year because I wanted to find the real me and what I truly want.
* For Kim Min-sang, who had a strong desire to change himself, a tailored 1:1 personal mission for self-reflection and mental relaxation was provided daily, and a gap year notebook to reflect on himself and make plans was also provided.
# ''Isn''t the starting point for finding the real me in the things I used to like?''
The reason I chose the project is that I originally studied French in university. I loved wine so much that I studied wine and French to the point of earning an amateur sommelier certificate.
However, after seven years, French didn''t come to mind at all.I thought, ''Isn''t the starting point for finding the real me in the things I used to like?''
So I decided to learn French again and chose the Montpellier project.
Preparations before departure were made easy because the gap year coordinator kindly helped me. It was also because the period was short and it was a country that allowed visa-free entry.
At first I was afraid of having to consult with the coordinator online, but after contacting them once, that worry completely disappeared.They really took care of everything thoroughly and kindly. I trusted the coordinator and proceeded ☺
# The reason I left for a gap year
Above all, I wanted to find some breathing room through this gap year.I tend to get deeply absorbed in work, so I was someone who thought about work almost all day long.
I had long known the job didn''t suit me, but I trapped myself in the belief that it was realistic to keep going. Then I got sick, and because I couldn''t go to the hospital, the illness worsened. I felt this wasn''t right, so I resigned.
I realized I wanted a job I liked and found rewarding, not just one that paid well or was recognized by others. To that end, I took a gap year with the goal of reflecting on myself and finding some space.I wanted to be the one in control of my life.
# A Day in Montpellier
Because classes at the language school were in the morning, I got ready and went to class by 9. The class lasted a little over three hours. I would eat lunch with friends and go to see a movie, or...If the school had any good activities, I participated, and when there were none, I went to the library to read books or watched movies.
Because it was summer, many local festivals were held.In the evenings I mainly joined friends at festivals or enjoyed parties with friends.On weekends, I went to the sea or traveled to nearby cities or countries.
# The people-first value impressed me.
In European countries, there is generally no age limit for learning or seeking a new job.In fact, in our class there was even a grandfather over 60. I was very envious of that. It made me reflect. Perhaps...Maybe I hadn''t even started because I thought, ''It''s too late now''..
So now I plan to start again. Also...The people-first value impressed me.For example, you could often see cars stopping on the street to let people pass, and when I talked with people I met in classes or restaurants, they always showed consideration toward me.
Also...I also met many people who would help in small ways because I was a foreigner.They were such kind and nice people — an elderly woman in the supermarket who explained which product was better, and a man on the bus who warned me to watch out for pickpockets and even warned the would-be pickpocket.
The inconveniences were that shops closed too early and administrative procedures were very slow, but...I came to understand and accept this calmly, since it also exists because people are prioritized over work.It seemed like a great country to work in. hahaI was deeply moved by how even the elderly tried to understand me, someone from a foreign country, and were always willing to learn. I thought their way of treating people without prejudice is something we should learn from.
# People I met in Montpellier
Language school teachers, students who came from other countries to learn French, friends living in the same residence, Koreans who were traveling, etc.
They were all people from whom I had much to learn. The teachers always taught passionately and, even to my trivial questions, did their best to explain, so I was really grateful.
The friends I met in France...Since each had different experiences, sharing them allowed me to broaden my horizons.I felt cultural differences too.Seeing friends who were trying to start over at ages that, in Korea, would be considered not young, I really admired them and renewed my resolve: ''I should do that too.''
# After my gap year
The biggest change was realizing that I am the one in control of my life.
Even though I usually don''t pay attention to what other people think,that didn''t seem to be the case when it came to my career. I suppose my desire to live up to my parents'' expectations was stronger.I wanted to be a daughter my parents could proudly talk about wherever they went.
Perhaps at that time I was more focused on the role of the ''good and proud daughter'' that my parents had given me.But now I really want to live as myself.I''m going to continue studying French and plan to return abroad to study. I''m also hoping to find work overseas.
I will never think it''s too late.
My parents would probably prefer a daughter who does what she wants and is happy rather than one who goes to a good job but cries on her way to work every day☺
# For prospective participants
Actually, not all of the friends at the language school had a good opinion of France. One friend said she came to really hate France. The reasons were that the streets are dirty, you always have to be careful of pickpockets and scams targeting foreigners, people are unfriendly, and racial discrimination is severe.
I understand what that friend meant. You can live more comfortably in your home country, and if you come to a foreign place and suffer from pickpockets or scams because you''re a foreigner and people are unfriendly, I would have also disliked it and not wanted to go out.
France is a country with a strong pride in its own language, so sometimes people deliberately pretend not to understand when you use English. I did the project with a basic level of French and tried to use French as much as possible, so I think locals treated me kindly and tried to help.
The point is: I hope you''ll approach the project proactively and positively.Even just greeting in French and then speaking English makes a big difference compared to trying to speak English right away!If you keep showing that you are trying to use French, locals will be kinder to you.
Of course your French skills will improve! And in France there is the expression"C''est la vie! (That''s life)"which is used when you''re in some kind of awkward situation, like when a strike delays your flight or a vending machine that was working until a moment ago eats your money.
I think it''s a phrase that gives you a glimpse into the relaxed French culture.
At the time it was annoying and we were preoccupied with solving the problem, but looking back it will become a good memory!
# My gap year tips
- Accommodation
I stayed in a clean and convenient residence. Homestay would of course improve the language more, but I chose a residence because I prefer a private kitchen and a bathroom I can use personally.
If you''re someone like me who is suited to living alone, a residence can be fine. Essential aspects of daily life shouldn''t be inconvenient.
- Meals
If your palate is for Korean food, I recommend bringing Korean food with you. Korean food is very expensive locally and Korean markets are far away. I''m the type to adapt well to local food, so I cooked and ate local dishes.
- What to bring
It''s in the south of France, so the weather is warm. Summers are very hot. I recommend definitely bringing a small fan. (Some residences lend them!)
- Advice for the Montpellier project
They took care of everything one by one during the Korea Gap Year and kindly answered inquiries, so there weren''t any particular cautions. However, if you always participate actively and try to solve any problems with a positive attitude, it will become a more enjoyable project.
My personal Europe travel tips
From Montpellier, Barcelona in Spain is only a 4-hour train ride away! Be sure to visit—it''s an incredibly wonderful city. Also, don''t miss the Iberico sandwich sold on the train (it''s sold only on this train).
I''m one of those people who think the south of France is the best. Haha.
The Montpellier–Nîmes–Avignon route is also nice.
It''s also nice to take a train or bus and travel from Marseille toward Nice.
If you''re traveling with friends, I recommend renting a car. Many people rent them.
Personally, the places I liked were Annecy and Carcassonne!
Annecy is a lakeside town in central France. It''s the number-one destination for French people to vacation and was a candidate for the 2018 Winter Olympics, competing against Pyeongchang in the final. It has a very large lake that is really clear and clean—it''s said to be among the top 10 most transparent in the world! The town is small, so you can see it in a day. Because it''s close to Switzerland, there are many foods like fondue. It''s great for swimming in summer and skiing in winter, so be sure to visit!
Carcassonne is known as a fortified city. There''s even a board game named after the city. The large, expansive ramparts still remain intact. Many French people visit it for tourism. You can see medieval castles and buildings! There''s also a dish called cassoulet that originated in this region, and there''s even a Michelin one-star restaurant—definitely try it.
My gap year
Experience★★★★★
While participating in the gap year, my top priority was reflecting on myself. To that end, I tried various experiences, and the local language school also offered many activities, so I was able to encounter a wide range of experiences more easily.
Learning★★★★☆
If you want to study French more intensively, I recommend taking additional courses at the language school. The standard course feels a bit insufficient.
Environment★★★★☆
The streets in France are not as clean as I expected. There are often gypsies on the streets. You should be careful when walking around at night. Other than that, it was really nice.
Safety★★★★☆
Robberies or murders don''t happen often, but you must be very careful of pickpockets! They occur frequently in the area.
Leisure★★★★★
It''s a place overflowing with leisure, so it''s okay to go with the flow. I had time to think deeply about myself, and I was even able to cure my Korean ''quickly-quickly'' habit. ☺
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
