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#Improved self-deprecating habits; learned how to form relationships #Breaking the habit of putting myself down; increased understanding of others #Growth, Comfort
What I gained most from taking a gap year was Others may not think so, but I tended to put myself down and be overly conscious of others'' reactions. And that I could make mistakes in friendships. Whether they were foreign friends or Korean friends, older or younger, they were all the same kind of people. Best value! Learn English safely in Malta in the Mediterranean, Europe! Park Ji-won, gap-year participant (gapper) (22, university student) / 8-week gap year |
# Because I wanted to live in Europe.
Hello. I am currently a 22-year-old on a leave of absence from school. Last year I happened to find CEO An Si-jun''s book ''Travel Is the Best Study'' at a bookstore, and after watching his lecture on ''Sebasi'' I became interested in taking a gap year. After a long time of deliberation, I ultimately decided to take a leave of absence and first received gap-year counseling.
First, I was recommended to do a language study in the Philippines.While studying language in the Philippines, I decided to go to Malta for my second gap year.The reason I chose Malta was that it had been recommended to me and because I wanted to try living in Europe.
Having had overseas experience once, I wasn''t afraid to go alone to an unfamiliar country in Europe.Since I had already experienced things like making friends and traveling with friends in the Philippines, I thought the second gap year in Malta would proceed smoothly.
# The person who left the strongest impression
One day during class at the language school,
a Japanese friend named ''Minami'' joined us. Minami, who is studying vocal music in Austria, seemed to have a very pleasant personality. She was positive and very bright, and being around her made me feel good. She was always smiling and full of energy, and being with her made me feel like I received positive energy as well.
So if I had to pick the most memorable person in Malta, it would be Minami.I thought Minami might be the kind of person I wanted to become.
Even if I wasn''t that bright and positive, I wanted to be someone who had vitality in life, participated actively in class, didn''t get too disappointed in themselves when they didn''t do well, and knew how to praise themselves when they did something well.Although we only took classes together for two weeks—a very short time—she left a strong impression on me.
# I got rid of the strange habit of belittling myself more than necessary.
What I gained most from taking a gap year wasOthers may not think so, but I tended to put myself down and be overly conscious of others'' reactions. And that I could make mistakes in friendships.
Whether they were foreign friends or Korean friends, older or younger, they were all the same kind of people. If I made a mistake, I needed to learn how to apologize, and if I felt uncomfortable because of someone else, I needed to learn how to express that.
No matter how much I tried to be considerate and treat others well, I learned that it''s natural that I can''t be perfect at it from the start. In the Philippines, I was so focused on making friends and maintaining relationships that I ended up putting myself in a box and avoiding expressing myself, which made me feel uncomfortable.
Thanks to that, I think I''m working a bit more comfortably at my current part-time job.I got a part-time job again at the place I worked last year. When I worked there last year, the owner felt intimidating, and when I had to work alone with the owner I was full of tension, so even a little criticism was hard to take.
Unconsciously I kept putting myself down and was afraid of being scolded if I said something wrong, but now I think of myself as someone who works diligently and is paid fairly for their work,I have gotten rid of the strange habit of belittling myself more than necessary.Of course, I still need to put in a lot of effort to speak my mind honestly, but I think I''ve made a lot of progress.
# My personal gap-year tip
- Language
I hadn''t studied English at all since the college entrance exam, so I can hardly speak or write in English, but I was able to attend classes without major problems, and in everyday life there were rarely any issues even if you''re not fluent in English.Because my goal wasn''t to study English, I didn''t study before going, but if your purpose is to study English, it''s a good idea to study basic grammar in Korea before you go.
- Meals
Since ingredients aren''t very expensive, it''s a good opportunity to try cooking.
It''s convenient to bring simple items like gochujang (red pepper paste) or instant ramen.
- What to bring
- Items that were lacking / items that were useful: ballpoint pen
If you like stationery and care about the writing feel, I recommend buying ballpoint pens in Korea, as there aren''t many varieties available there.
- Items that were convenient: spoon, chopsticks, plastic bags
If you''re more comfortable with chopsticks than a fork, I recommend bringing them. Plastic bags can be purchased locally, but it''s convenient to bring spare bags or cling film from home.
- My personal packing tips
You can buy most of what you need in Malta, so there''s no need to bring a lot from Korea.
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
