While living in Toronto, I was able to socialize with more friends of different nationalities than I expected, and at the language school I attended through the Korean Gap Year demi-pair project the proportion of Koreans was very small.For me, it was simply a perfect project.
[Canada language study/demi-pair/working holiday] Study English in Toronto affordably while receiving room and board as a Canada demi-pair. Jang Hansol, gap year family gapper (23, university student) / 12 weeks of gap year. |
# Chose a Canada demi-pair to experience local culture that travel alone can''t provide.
Hello~ I''m a university student who finished my third year and am currently on leave.
I traveled a lot, but it was difficult to experience the culture of the country I was visiting in a short time. SoI chose this project thinking I could understand their culture a little more than the superficial experience of a quick trip.I decided to do it. Also, because I like children, I was looking forward to spending time with them.
As preparation before departure, I took a two-month language course in the Philippines (► Go to Philippine language study), and I tried to increase my understanding of the culture indirectly through books and documentaries about Canada.
Ultimately through this project,I focused on improving my English skills & cultural exchange.
* For Jang Hansol, who wanted new experiences and to improve English,activities to enjoy with friends met locally, customized one-on-one personal missions about new experiences and challenges were provided daily, and a Gap Year notebook to reflect on oneself and make plans was also provided.
# The emotion when children who always ran to their parents run to me first.
A typical day on-siteis,
07:00~07:40 Help children get ready in the morning & see them off to school
09:00~09:30 Workshop (optional)
09:30~13:00 Regular classes
13:00~17:00 Free time
17:00~20:00 Prepare dinner & play with the children
This was the schedule I followed, but schedules may vary slightly depending on the family.
The most memorable moment during the project was that the family I was with had three young children, so when I went with the host dad or mom to pick them up...Children usually run to their parents first, so when a child suddenly came to me first, it was very moving — I felt like I was receiving so much love.
Also, while living in Toronto, it was more than I expected I was able to hang out with many friends of different nationalities, and at the language school I attended through the Korea Gap Year demi-pair project, the proportion of Koreans was very low.
To me, it was simply a perfect project.
# I had been a frog in a well. The world is wide and there is so much to experience!!!
If I compare before and after participating in the gap year, before participating I was I had been a frog in a well. I was able to feel that the world is vast and there are many things to experience.
To future participants of this project, even though skills are by no means lacking, I felt that most Asian students tended to be passive in class participation. Have confidence! You will gain as much as you participate!
# My Gap Year Tip
(Language)
I think you can learn enough once you go. However, If you want to grow quickly, it''s good to build up your basics before going.The English you learn from books and the language they actually use may be different, so it would be good to prepare enjoyably with TV shows or pop songs.
(Accommodation)
Due to the nature of the project I participated in, a private room is provided. So there were no inconveniences regarding the accommodation.
(Meals)
Sometimes the host family''s food may not suit your taste, but there''s no need to bring ingredients from Korea — there are Korean grocery stores in Canada where you can buy most ingredients.
My Gap Year was
Experience ★★★★★
You can experience not only the English language but also immerse yourself in their culture.
Learning ★★★★★
Because you use English 24 hours a day, the demi-pair experience itself becomes English study.
Environment ★★★★★
You can enjoy Toronto''s wonderful nature and, because the school is located in the downtown core, you can see another side of the city.
Safety★★★★★
If you''re careful, there shouldn''t be any major problems.
Leisure★★★★☆
Even if it''s only four hours a day, it''s still work, so there are sometimes constraints.
