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#Improved health, Regaining vitality in life #Ordinary everyday experiences in Kyoto, Japan #Preciousness, Satisfaction, Being moved
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Needing an escape from life, I went to Kyoto, Japan for two weeks. Afterwards, my health improved, and the everyday experiences of studying, shopping, and chatting with friends there were very precious to me.
Learning Japanese in that place that makes my heart flutter — the thousand-year city, Kyoto, Japan Park Bok-nyeo, gap-year traveler (born 1964, housewife) / 2-week gap year |
*All photos attached in this review are illustrative example photos for reference.
I needed my own escape.
Hello, I''m Park Bok-nyeo, born in 1964, in my 29th year of marriage. Before marriage I lived in Seoul; now I live in Daegu and am a housewife.
Because of a chronic illness, it was usually difficult to go out, and I spent more time at home, soI needed my own escape.
At first I thought of Okinawa for its clean air, but I worried there wouldn''t be much to do there; while searching I learned about gap-year programs andI found a program that suited me and went to Japan.
*For Ms. Park, who wanted new experiences and a relaxed time abroad,she was given daily customized one-on-one missions that helped heal old patterns and offered new experiences and challenges, and a gap-year notebook to reflect on herself and make plans was also provided.
These everyday experiences were very precious to me.
I wasn''t especially worried about staying abroad long-term since it was Japan, and because I could hardly go out in Korea, in Kyotomy goal was to live an ordinary everyday life.
Every day I would get up and walk to school, study, have lunch outside, and after class I''d stay in the lounge to drink tea while reviewing and chatting, walk back to my accommodation, do grocery shopping at the supermarket on the way, and window-shop...These everyday experiences were very precious to me.
Life while living there
From Monday to Friday there were three-hour morning classes every day, and after school the programs provided by the schoolincluded various programs (paid and free), so I could apply anytime and participate conveniently.
Nothing was postponed, omitted, or abruptly canceled, and if anything like that occurred, they seemed to make arrangements without causing inconvenience.Communication, instructions, and handovers between people seemed to proceed very well.
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In Japan, thestaff moved me with their consideration and effort not to miss even the smallest thing,and their habit of behaving so as not to inconvenience others anytime, anywhere, and their strong attention to public order and hygiene was impressive.
Also, thanks to the detailed help from the Korean and local staff, I arrived very comfortably and safely and was able to start the program pleasantly.
# After my gap year
First of all, my health improved a lot.Because I went while my health wasn''t good, going to school every day to learn Japanese was a challenge for me, but thanks to it I gained many experiences and made friends from various nationalities, which brought new energy to my life.
Having had new experiences abroad, I feel that wherever you go...if you try to understand that country''s culture, there won''t be many inconveniences or hardships.
# My gap year tips!
- Language
My Japanese skills were only enough for simple greetings, but that wasn''t a problem when participating in the program. However, it''s good to study grammar and basic conversation suited to your level beforehand; do your homework diligently during the program, stay a little after class to review what you learned that day, and if there''s something you don''t understand, ask the school staff—local teachers will kindly explain it to you anytime, so don''t worry.
- Accommodation
If you learn about Japan''s housing culture and etiquette in advance, it can help you understand differences or minor inconveniences compared to us.
- Meals
Convenience stores and similar facilities are very well established nearby, so there were no particular inconveniences.
- What to bring
Towels are not provided at accommodations, so it''s better to bring your own. It''s advisable to have insurance securely arranged before you go, and for the rest, I think it''s best to prepare according to the guidance from the Korean gap year program.
My gap year:
Experience ★★★★★
: Accommodation (apartment) - It was a great opportunity to experience the actual lifestyle of Japanese people.
Learning ★★★★★
: The school, teachers, and staff all act as if they''re always ready to help, so if you have the will, I think you can learn 100% or even more.
Environment ★★★★
: Located in the city center, it can be a bit busy but is convenient.
Safety ★★★★★
: It was actually safer.
Leisure ★★★★★
: I didn''t do any particular leisure activities, but there were various programs.
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