Programs
|
FAQ
|
Notice Board
|
I learned how to fill my time with things I love. There’s nothing more precious and joyful than knowing what I love and spending time with those things :) Now that my gap year is over, I am striving to live a life where I make thoughtful and meaningful choices for myself.
A beautiful city I’d love to live in: Learning English with friends from around the world in Vancouver, Canada Review by Park Sangmin, Korea GapYear Participant |
# Hello, I am a student in my 20s who went to Vancouver for a four-month language study program.
Hello, I am Park Sangmin, a 23-year-old who participated in the program "Learning English with friends from around the world in the beautiful city of Vancouver, Canada" from March to June.
I participated in this program because Vancouver is a popular destination for learning English, which felt familiar to me, and before heading to school abroad, I wanted to get closer to English and create good memories.
Vancouver is a place many people choose to learn English, so it felt familiar to me,
Before I started my studies abroad, I wanted to get closer to English and make some great memories, which is why I chose this program.
# I Wanted to Find Motivation and Meaning in Life in a New Environment!
I wanted to take a break from my busy daily life and experience a new environment.
My goal was to find motivation and meaning in life through new experiences that I couldn't do before.
I also wanted to develop a sense of gratitude by living with unfamiliar people in an unfamiliar place.
I carefully prepared for my departure by reviewing materials provided by Korea Gap Year and watching language study vlogs on YouTube.
I especially kept checking documents related to COVID-19 as they could change depending on the situation.
* For participants who wanted to find motivation and meaning in life through new experiences, activities offering new experiences and customized 1:1 personal missions for finding motivation and meaning in life were provided daily, and participants also received a Gap Year Notebook to reflect on themselves and plan their next steps.
>> Check out the Vancouver language study program that a participant who needed change went to
# I Realized that Friendship Comes Before Nationality!
Through this Gap Year, I realized that friendship comes before nationality.
Especially, the Korean and international friends I lived with in my homestay were a great source of support.
Since we lived together and spent every day together, it felt easier to lean on each other.
The Korean staff at the language school also helped me adapt to life in Vancouver by checking in regularly, which made me feel at ease.
I also became very close to a friend from Chile, and by the end of the Gap Year, we even traveled together to nearby Victoria Island :)
We plan to meet again in South America someday!
# I learned how to fill my time with things I love!
Before and at the beginning of my gap year, I didn't know how to make use of my time in the changed situation and was confused.
But soon, I learned how to fill the time given to me with things I love.
I really enjoyed meeting people and taking walks.
Once I realized what I truly enjoy, I found that spending time doing those things is one of the most valuable and happy things in life.
Even now, as I’m back in Korea, I am striving to live a life where I can make thoughtful and meaningful choices.
# A typical day in Vancouver
On weekdays, I had language school classes from the morning until 2 PM.
Afterwards, I would go to cafes or visit tourist spots with friends I made at school.
On weekends, I rested in my room or joined a futsal group for exercise,
and I spent my free time traveling and going on city tours with friends.
# Don’t obsess over your goals, just enjoy your language study in Vancouver!
Before spending my gap year, I hope you won’t worry about having too many overwhelming goals.
If you enjoy your gap year to the fullest, you will naturally achieve your goals along the way.
Setting goals in advance is great, but goals that create more worry and pressure rather than motivation and joy can make you uncomfortable.
Since it’s a special gap year, try setting goals that are comfortable and suitable for you!
# My Personal Tips for Preparing a Gap Year Language Study in Vancouver!
- Language
Since English is mostly used, you shouldn’t have much trouble communicating. Plus, as you speak, your language skills will naturally improve.
When I first arrived, I could only handle basic conversations, but over time, my speaking skills improved to the point where I could converse easily.
- Accommodation
You’ll be living with Korean and foreign friends, and through giving and receiving help, you’ll naturally become close, so don’t worry :)
- Meals
Meals were provided through homestay. If there are any ingredients or dishes you can't eat, just talk to your host!
- Things to Bring
It can get a bit cold in the mornings and evenings (especially in basement rooms), so it’s a good idea to bring an electric blanket.
I also recommend bringing a portable charger. It’s really convenient when you’re out exploring :)
You don’t need to bring things that you can easily buy in Vancouver. There are many Korean grocery stores and stationery shops, so you can buy anything you need locally.
There are plenty of Korean marts and stationery stores, so you can pick up what you need anytime.
# My Gap Year Language Study in Vancouver!
1. Experience ★★★★★
I got to try many first-time experiences in my life. It was new and special.
2. Learning ★★★★★
I went from barely speaking basic English to being able to handle daily conversations, and I learned about various cultures.
3. Environment ★★★★★
The school had a well-structured curriculum and activities that naturally exposed me to English, and I had many chances to talk with friends from diverse nationalities.
4. Safety ★★★☆☆
Since it was a different environment from Korea, I occasionally felt tense on the subway or streets, but overall, Vancouver is a safe place!
5. Leisure ★★★★★
The schedule at the language school wasn’t overly tight, so I had time to myself after classes.
I think I used this time to explore a lot of places with friends.
|
I learned how to fill my time with things I love. There’s nothing more precious and joyful than knowing what I love and spending time with those things :) Now that my gap year is over, I am striving to live a life where I make thoughtful and meaningful choices for myself.
A beautiful city I’d love to live in: Learning English with friends from around the world in Vancouver, Canada Review by Park Sangmin, Korea GapYear Participant |
# Hello, I am a student in my 20s who went to Vancouver for a four-month language study program.
Hello, I am Park Sangmin, a 23-year-old who participated in the program "Learning English with friends from around the world in the beautiful city of Vancouver, Canada" from March to June.
I participated in this program because Vancouver is a popular destination for learning English, which felt familiar to me, and before heading to school abroad, I wanted to get closer to English and create good memories.
Vancouver is a place many people choose to learn English, so it felt familiar to me,
Before I started my studies abroad, I wanted to get closer to English and make some great memories, which is why I chose this program.
# I Wanted to Find Motivation and Meaning in Life in a New Environment!
I wanted to take a break from my busy daily life and experience a new environment.
My goal was to find motivation and meaning in life through new experiences that I couldn't do before.
I also wanted to develop a sense of gratitude by living with unfamiliar people in an unfamiliar place.
I carefully prepared for my departure by reviewing materials provided by Korea Gap Year and watching language study vlogs on YouTube.
I especially kept checking documents related to COVID-19 as they could change depending on the situation.
* For participants who wanted to find motivation and meaning in life through new experiences, activities offering new experiences and customized 1:1 personal missions for finding motivation and meaning in life were provided daily, and participants also received a Gap Year Notebook to reflect on themselves and plan their next steps.
>> Check out the Vancouver language study program that a participant who needed change went to
# I Realized that Friendship Comes Before Nationality!
Through this Gap Year, I realized that friendship comes before nationality.
Especially, the Korean and international friends I lived with in my homestay were a great source of support.
Since we lived together and spent every day together, it felt easier to lean on each other.
The Korean staff at the language school also helped me adapt to life in Vancouver by checking in regularly, which made me feel at ease.
I also became very close to a friend from Chile, and by the end of the Gap Year, we even traveled together to nearby Victoria Island :)
We plan to meet again in South America someday!
# I learned how to fill my time with things I love!
Before and at the beginning of my gap year, I didn't know how to make use of my time in the changed situation and was confused.
But soon, I learned how to fill the time given to me with things I love.
I really enjoyed meeting people and taking walks.
Once I realized what I truly enjoy, I found that spending time doing those things is one of the most valuable and happy things in life.
Even now, as I’m back in Korea, I am striving to live a life where I can make thoughtful and meaningful choices.
# A typical day in Vancouver
On weekdays, I had language school classes from the morning until 2 PM.
Afterwards, I would go to cafes or visit tourist spots with friends I made at school.
On weekends, I rested in my room or joined a futsal group for exercise,
and I spent my free time traveling and going on city tours with friends.
# Don’t obsess over your goals, just enjoy your language study in Vancouver!
Before spending my gap year, I hope you won’t worry about having too many overwhelming goals.
If you enjoy your gap year to the fullest, you will naturally achieve your goals along the way.
Setting goals in advance is great, but goals that create more worry and pressure rather than motivation and joy can make you uncomfortable.
Since it’s a special gap year, try setting goals that are comfortable and suitable for you!
# My Personal Tips for Preparing a Gap Year Language Study in Vancouver!
- Language
Since English is mostly used, you shouldn’t have much trouble communicating. Plus, as you speak, your language skills will naturally improve.
When I first arrived, I could only handle basic conversations, but over time, my speaking skills improved to the point where I could converse easily.
- Accommodation
You’ll be living with Korean and foreign friends, and through giving and receiving help, you’ll naturally become close, so don’t worry :)
- Meals
Meals were provided through homestay. If there are any ingredients or dishes you can't eat, just talk to your host!
- Things to Bring
It can get a bit cold in the mornings and evenings (especially in basement rooms), so it’s a good idea to bring an electric blanket.
I also recommend bringing a portable charger. It’s really convenient when you’re out exploring :)
You don’t need to bring things that you can easily buy in Vancouver. There are many Korean grocery stores and stationery shops, so you can buy anything you need locally.
There are plenty of Korean marts and stationery stores, so you can pick up what you need anytime.
# My Gap Year Language Study in Vancouver!
1. Experience ★★★★★
I got to try many first-time experiences in my life. It was new and special.
2. Learning ★★★★★
I went from barely speaking basic English to being able to handle daily conversations, and I learned about various cultures.
3. Environment ★★★★★
The school had a well-structured curriculum and activities that naturally exposed me to English, and I had many chances to talk with friends from diverse nationalities.
4. Safety ★★★☆☆
Since it was a different environment from Korea, I occasionally felt tense on the subway or streets, but overall, Vancouver is a safe place!
5. Leisure ★★★★★
The schedule at the language school wasn’t overly tight, so I had time to myself after classes.
I think I used this time to explore a lot of places with friends.
HOME
