Projets
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FAQ
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Annonces
#Autonomie, diligence et planification des études #Maîtrise du japonais et compétences de la vie quotidienne #S’épanouir grâce à une expérience sans regrets
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The gap year project was a time that brought about change in many ways. It allowed me to develop habits of living more independently and diligently, and it helped me establish clear academic plans for my future as I thought about the direction I wanted to take. I am grateful to my parents for making it possible for me to have this time and to Gap Year for their support.
- Japanese Language Study Abroad Woo Hye-eun, Korea GapYear Participant / 12 Weeks of Gap Year |
Currently, in South Korea,
there are 60,000 middle and high school students who drop out each year, 346,000 young people in their 20s who remain idle without a dream, a turnover rate exceeding 40% within a year of employment, and 75% of college students are dissatisfied with their university life. Additionally, more than 80% of working adults report feeling unhappy. Although many people talk about dreaming, there is a lack of practical methods and support to address these issues. This is why we aim to bring the concept of a 'gap year' to South Korea.
'Gap Year' refers to a period where individuals pause their studies or work to engage in various activities such as volunteering, traveling, internships, education, or entrepreneurship to decide their future path. It is a culture encouraged in places like the United States, Europe, and Japan.
# I felt that I would start feeling anxious if I delayed it any further, so I decided to take the bold step and challenge myself.
Hello, my name is Woo Hye-eun, and I’m currently on a leave of absence from university. I love traveling and have a mindset of wanting to try everything I can as a college student! My major is Japanese Language and Literature, which is why I decided to apply for a gap year in Japan. Though I tend to be cautious, my curiosity often pushes me to try new things. I’m active and outgoing, making it easy to connect with both Korean and international friends.
My participation in the gap year project began when I was forced to take a leave of absence. I had participated in an exchange program with another school, but my grades were released late, so I couldn’t secure a dormitory spot. My parents, who wanted me to take some time off and reflect, saw this as an opportunity and told me they wouldn’t support my living alone. Instead, they encouraged me to take a leave and go to Japan. And so, I started considering the idea of a gap year.
I’m someone who actively pursues what I want, but with employment looming, I started questioning what I truly want to do. Naturally, when thinking about jobs, I related it to my major. Unfortunately, I couldn’t say I loved my major, Japanese, which felt more like a love-hate relationship.
After much contemplation, I thought, “If I strengthen my Japanese skills and grow to love Japan more, I might broaden the scope of things I want to do.” This was after completing my second year, and I felt that if I waited longer, I would only grow more anxious. That’s why I decided to take the leap.
# So many things happened in Japan. Most of them were truly happy and fun, but there were many incidents that were more about adapting than unpleasant experiences.
There were really a lot of things in Japan. Most of them were really happy and fun,
but rather than unpleasant experience,there were many things I had to adapt to~
When I first arrived in Japan, my phone battery was completely drained, and I couldn’t even charge it. I was so tired, but I went out with just a piece of paper, drew pictures of what I needed, asked people, bought them, and returned home. I even bought ingredients to cook, but when I put the pot on the stove, the induction cooker wouldn’t work. I was already exhausted, and being hungry made it worse. I felt so miserable. While I was wandering around aimlessly, one of my neighbors saw my distressed face and asked what was wrong.
I explained my situation, feeling resigned. Then, a kind elderly woman gave me a pot and a pack of ramen… I was so touched that I gave her some spicy tuna in return. Later, I found out that only HI pots work with induction stoves.
One day, I was expecting an international mail delivery, but the sender had only given the building name, not the floor or room number. Because of this, the mail never arrived no matter how long I waited. I rushed to the post office by bicycle to explain the situation, and luckily, they checked it for me. It turned out that the mail was about to be sent back due to "unclear delivery address" on the exact day I visited the post office.
It was such a relief! That night, they delivered the package. With the kimchi I received, I made kimchi fried rice for dinner. Haha. (By the way, Japanese kimchi really wasn’t my style—it was like sugary kimchi!)
Another day, I got hit with a huge electricity bill—40,000 won for the month! I asked a classmate where to pay it, and they said I could pay it at the convenience store. Excited, I prepared the exact amount down to the last yen and practiced what I needed to say. However, since it was for the dorm, I actually needed to pay it at the school. Haha, it was a bit of a letdown.
One time, I was riding on the back of my older sister’s bicycle, and a police officer started chasing us!!!! It turns out that riding on the back of a bicycle is illegal in Osaka. Haha, I think I heard about it during traffic safety training at school, but I completely forgot and ended up breaking the law... The police officer understood that we didn’t know and just warned us before leaving. After that, I never rode on the back again.
Oh! And in Osaka, they don’t separate trash, so it’s okay to throw food waste and regular trash together. It’s really easy to dispose of trash, which was nice!~! Then one day, an ENORMOUS cockroach appeared... I cried that day... I was so upset, I cried saying I wanted to go back to Korea... I went to do the dishes and found a cicada there... I panicked and used a dish to block the sink, and when the water started overflowing, I realized it was a cockroach... No, it was actually a cicada... They say Japanese cockroaches are that big... It was the size of a cicada...
I quickly went out wearing rubber gloves and knocked on the door of the neighbor who lived two doors down from us, whom I had just met in the elevator that day. And that person... caught it for me... They were so kind. They told me to let them know if another one appeared, and they caught it for me about two more times afterward. ㅠㅠ They even set up a cockroach trap for me and blocked the vent... I was so grateful, so I bought a lot of food and hung it at the front door for them.
The mansion manager came and said it seemed like they were coming from other houses and gave me a cockroach-killing tool. It was a device that shot to kill. I guess the cockroach laid eggs because baby cockroaches kept appearing. And I became invincible with that cockroach tool, killing them all until the very last day. Hoho.
One day, I was riding my bike home, and it started pouring rain! It felt like the sky had a hole in it. So, I wrapped my Adidas jacket around my head like a woman from the Joseon Dynasty and rushed home... When the weather is cloudy... I learned the lesson not to ride my bike..
There are so many more stories, but there’s just too much to write! I only jotted down the ones that came to mind~
# It was a time to learn about various cultures.
In short, my schedule in Japan was like this: I would wake up in the morning and either go shopping, do housework, or study. Then, I attended the academy that the gap year team connected me with. After class, I would visit famous restaurants or walk around the neighborhood to enjoy Japan. It was such a happy time. On days when I didn’t go out, I would ride my bike through the lively shopping streets or stay home trying out new recipes.
One of the best parts of the gap year project was not only making Korean friends but also meeting people from Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and other countries. Although I was initially surprised because there were only three Koreans, including myself, in the class, it turned out to be a great opportunity to use more Japanese and learn about different cultures.
My closest friend was Chinese, and she would always give me delicious food. We also had a cooking contest with my classmates, where I made tteokbokki. It was quite a challenge to find the tteokbokki rice cakes, haha. By the way, you can find them at Ion Mall!! My friends loved the tteokbokki, saying it was super delicious, and it became the most popular dish. I felt really proud! Hehe.
# My Recommended Places!
Hmm, I spent most of my time in Osaka, walking around the alleys of Honmachi and Namba and visiting cafes. As for special tourist spots, I only visited Kobe, Kyoto, and Hyogo Prefecture, and spent most of my time in Osaka~
There is a great spot near Namba, not far from Dotonbori, that has an amazing atmosphere. It's across from a café-restaurant called Blue. They play music, and the vibe is so good that you'll feel the pure joy of being there. I prefer more peaceful and quiet trips, so I enjoyed exploring small local shops rather than visiting popular tourist spots or restaurants.
# Tips for Future Gap Year Participants
Although the cost might make you hesitate, I believe it's a great opportunity. The class hours aren't too long, so you'll likely have time to try all the activities you want. Also, I recommend getting a Working Holiday Visa. It allows you to work part-time and gives you flexibility on when to return home, without the pressure of having to set a return date.
I traveled using a tourist visa, so that was something I regretted. Also, for those who want to improve their language skills, I strongly recommend studying the basics before you go. You need a solid foundation to improve, and it’s not easy to build that foundation once you’re there, especially since we’re not children anymore. ㅠㅠ
# My goal for the gap year was to experience as much of Japan as I could and fall in love with it.
My gap year goal was to fall in love with Japan. I wanted to immerse myself in the Japanese language and culture, not as a tourist, but by living it. I believed that this would provide the motivation I needed for studying. I also hoped to improve my language skills as much as possible. I realized that there is a difference between the language used for certification exams and the expressions used in real life. My goal for the gap year was to experience as much of Japan as I could and fall in love with it.
C’est la première fois que je vis seule au Japon. Même lorsque j’étais à l’université, je n’avais vécu que dans des résidences universitaires : c’est donc la première fois que je dois tout gérer par moi-même. Cette expérience m’a permis de beaucoup progresser en cuisine et dans la gestion de mon quotidien. En fait, j’étais connue pour être incapable de cuisiner, haha. Mais depuis que je suis ici et que j’essaie différentes recettes, je me suis vraiment améliorée en cuisine.
J’ai aussi beaucoup progressé dans la gestion des tâches quotidiennes : faire les courses de manière raisonnable, sortir les poubelles et nettoyer ma chambre, la salle de bains et la cuisine. Je me suis souvent dit que ma mère était formidable de réussir à tout gérer aussi facilement.
C’est gênant à avouer, mais pour être honnête, au début, je pleurais seule le soir. Il était difficile de me préparer à vivre seule, et cela me donnait l’impression d’être faible, alors je pleurais en cachette. Mais chaque fois que j’étais triste, je me disais de ne pas être faible ! Et quand je vivais à l’étranger, il m’est arrivé de penser que je voulais rentrer en Corée, mais je ne me suis jamais vraiment sentie seule. En revanche, après avoir vécu complètement seule, je me suis parfois sentie isolée.
Au début, j’étais triste, mais à force, j’ai commencé à prendre du temps pour réfléchir par moi-même. J’ai réfléchi aux différentes facettes de ma personnalité et à ce que je voulais faire. Comme j’avais toujours vécu avec des amis en résidence universitaire, je n’avais pas vraiment eu beaucoup de temps pour moi. J’ai l’impression d’avoir mieux tiré parti de ces moments en solitaire, plutôt que de me sentir seule.
L’atmosphère unique du Japon, à la fois calme et animée, me rendait heureuse chaque jour. Et comme j’adore faire du vélo, c’était un grand plaisir d’en faire tous les jours. Si je me déplaçais à vélo, c’était parce que les transports coûtaient cher, mais je pouvais aussi me rendre rapidement où je voulais et me garer facilement. J’en faisais donc au moins 40 minutes par jour.
À mon retour, je suis vraiment, vraiment, vraiment tombée amoureuse du Japon. J’ai été tellement séduite par son charme que j’ai même envisagé de travailler à l’étranger. C’est peut-être parce que j’étais dans une grande ville, mais j’adore l’atmosphère unique du Japon. J’aime beaucoup cette impression que tout y est à la fois animé et paisible. Et bien sûr, il y a la nourriture ! J’ai beaucoup grossi et je suis actuellement au régime, mais à l’époque, je passais chaque jour de merveilleux moments à manger de bons petits plats.
Un autre souvenir marquant, c’est d’avoir rencontré des amis étrangers et coréens dont je suis devenue très proche. En fait, je ne suis pas passée par une agence pour étudier à l’étranger, donc je ne connaissais personne au départ. Mais au fil du temps, j’ai rencontré beaucoup d’amis étrangers et coréens et nous avons partagé de nombreux souvenirs. Je garde toujours régulièrement le contact avec eux. Je me sens rassurée, car j’ai l’impression d’avoir laissé beaucoup de personnes derrière moi.
Ah, et j’ai aussi appris quelques conseils pratiques pour vivre au Japon. Si j’y retourne un jour, j’ai l’impression que je pourrais m’adapter rapidement. J’ai appris, entre autres, à recevoir des colis et à payer les factures des services publics, ainsi que d’autres choses qu’on découvre simplement en vivant ici. Je retournerai sans faute à Osaka.
Le programme d’année de césure a été une période pendant laquelle j’ai pu évoluer de bien des façons. Je suis devenue plus indépendante et j’ai pris l’habitude de mener une vie bien organisée. J’ai aussi réfléchi à la voie que je voulais suivre et élaboré un plan clair pour la suite de mes études. Je suis reconnaissante à mes parents et au programme d’année de césure de m’avoir permis de vivre cette expérience.
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The gap year project was a time that brought about change in many ways. It allowed me to develop habits of living more independently and diligently, and it helped me establish clear academic plans for my future as I thought about the direction I wanted to take. I am grateful to my parents for making it possible for me to have this time and to Gap Year for their support.
- Japanese Language Study Abroad Woo Hye-eun, Korea GapYear Participant / 12 Weeks of Gap Year |
Currently, in South Korea,
there are 60,000 middle and high school students who drop out each year, 346,000 young people in their 20s who remain idle without a dream, a turnover rate exceeding 40% within a year of employment, and 75% of college students are dissatisfied with their university life. Additionally, more than 80% of working adults report feeling unhappy. Although many people talk about dreaming, there is a lack of practical methods and support to address these issues. This is why we aim to bring the concept of a 'gap year' to South Korea.
'Gap Year' refers to a period where individuals pause their studies or work to engage in various activities such as volunteering, traveling, internships, education, or entrepreneurship to decide their future path. It is a culture encouraged in places like the United States, Europe, and Japan.
# I felt that I would start feeling anxious if I delayed it any further, so I decided to take the bold step and challenge myself.
Hello, my name is Woo Hye-eun, and I’m currently on a leave of absence from university. I love traveling and have a mindset of wanting to try everything I can as a college student! My major is Japanese Language and Literature, which is why I decided to apply for a gap year in Japan. Though I tend to be cautious, my curiosity often pushes me to try new things. I’m active and outgoing, making it easy to connect with both Korean and international friends.
My participation in the gap year project began when I was forced to take a leave of absence. I had participated in an exchange program with another school, but my grades were released late, so I couldn’t secure a dormitory spot. My parents, who wanted me to take some time off and reflect, saw this as an opportunity and told me they wouldn’t support my living alone. Instead, they encouraged me to take a leave and go to Japan. And so, I started considering the idea of a gap year.
I’m someone who actively pursues what I want, but with employment looming, I started questioning what I truly want to do. Naturally, when thinking about jobs, I related it to my major. Unfortunately, I couldn’t say I loved my major, Japanese, which felt more like a love-hate relationship.
After much contemplation, I thought, “If I strengthen my Japanese skills and grow to love Japan more, I might broaden the scope of things I want to do.” This was after completing my second year, and I felt that if I waited longer, I would only grow more anxious. That’s why I decided to take the leap.
# So many things happened in Japan. Most of them were truly happy and fun, but there were many incidents that were more about adapting than unpleasant experiences.
There were really a lot of things in Japan. Most of them were really happy and fun,
but rather than unpleasant experience,there were many things I had to adapt to~
When I first arrived in Japan, my phone battery was completely drained, and I couldn’t even charge it. I was so tired, but I went out with just a piece of paper, drew pictures of what I needed, asked people, bought them, and returned home. I even bought ingredients to cook, but when I put the pot on the stove, the induction cooker wouldn’t work. I was already exhausted, and being hungry made it worse. I felt so miserable. While I was wandering around aimlessly, one of my neighbors saw my distressed face and asked what was wrong.
I explained my situation, feeling resigned. Then, a kind elderly woman gave me a pot and a pack of ramen… I was so touched that I gave her some spicy tuna in return. Later, I found out that only HI pots work with induction stoves.
One day, I was expecting an international mail delivery, but the sender had only given the building name, not the floor or room number. Because of this, the mail never arrived no matter how long I waited. I rushed to the post office by bicycle to explain the situation, and luckily, they checked it for me. It turned out that the mail was about to be sent back due to "unclear delivery address" on the exact day I visited the post office.
It was such a relief! That night, they delivered the package. With the kimchi I received, I made kimchi fried rice for dinner. Haha. (By the way, Japanese kimchi really wasn’t my style—it was like sugary kimchi!)
Another day, I got hit with a huge electricity bill—40,000 won for the month! I asked a classmate where to pay it, and they said I could pay it at the convenience store. Excited, I prepared the exact amount down to the last yen and practiced what I needed to say. However, since it was for the dorm, I actually needed to pay it at the school. Haha, it was a bit of a letdown.
One time, I was riding on the back of my older sister’s bicycle, and a police officer started chasing us!!!! It turns out that riding on the back of a bicycle is illegal in Osaka. Haha, I think I heard about it during traffic safety training at school, but I completely forgot and ended up breaking the law... The police officer understood that we didn’t know and just warned us before leaving. After that, I never rode on the back again.
Oh! And in Osaka, they don’t separate trash, so it’s okay to throw food waste and regular trash together. It’s really easy to dispose of trash, which was nice!~! Then one day, an ENORMOUS cockroach appeared... I cried that day... I was so upset, I cried saying I wanted to go back to Korea... I went to do the dishes and found a cicada there... I panicked and used a dish to block the sink, and when the water started overflowing, I realized it was a cockroach... No, it was actually a cicada... They say Japanese cockroaches are that big... It was the size of a cicada...
I quickly went out wearing rubber gloves and knocked on the door of the neighbor who lived two doors down from us, whom I had just met in the elevator that day. And that person... caught it for me... They were so kind. They told me to let them know if another one appeared, and they caught it for me about two more times afterward. ㅠㅠ They even set up a cockroach trap for me and blocked the vent... I was so grateful, so I bought a lot of food and hung it at the front door for them.
The mansion manager came and said it seemed like they were coming from other houses and gave me a cockroach-killing tool. It was a device that shot to kill. I guess the cockroach laid eggs because baby cockroaches kept appearing. And I became invincible with that cockroach tool, killing them all until the very last day. Hoho.
One day, I was riding my bike home, and it started pouring rain! It felt like the sky had a hole in it. So, I wrapped my Adidas jacket around my head like a woman from the Joseon Dynasty and rushed home... When the weather is cloudy... I learned the lesson not to ride my bike..
There are so many more stories, but there’s just too much to write! I only jotted down the ones that came to mind~
# It was a time to learn about various cultures.
In short, my schedule in Japan was like this: I would wake up in the morning and either go shopping, do housework, or study. Then, I attended the academy that the gap year team connected me with. After class, I would visit famous restaurants or walk around the neighborhood to enjoy Japan. It was such a happy time. On days when I didn’t go out, I would ride my bike through the lively shopping streets or stay home trying out new recipes.
One of the best parts of the gap year project was not only making Korean friends but also meeting people from Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and other countries. Although I was initially surprised because there were only three Koreans, including myself, in the class, it turned out to be a great opportunity to use more Japanese and learn about different cultures.
My closest friend was Chinese, and she would always give me delicious food. We also had a cooking contest with my classmates, where I made tteokbokki. It was quite a challenge to find the tteokbokki rice cakes, haha. By the way, you can find them at Ion Mall!! My friends loved the tteokbokki, saying it was super delicious, and it became the most popular dish. I felt really proud! Hehe.
# My Recommended Places!
Hmm, I spent most of my time in Osaka, walking around the alleys of Honmachi and Namba and visiting cafes. As for special tourist spots, I only visited Kobe, Kyoto, and Hyogo Prefecture, and spent most of my time in Osaka~
There is a great spot near Namba, not far from Dotonbori, that has an amazing atmosphere. It's across from a café-restaurant called Blue. They play music, and the vibe is so good that you'll feel the pure joy of being there. I prefer more peaceful and quiet trips, so I enjoyed exploring small local shops rather than visiting popular tourist spots or restaurants.
# Tips for Future Gap Year Participants
Although the cost might make you hesitate, I believe it's a great opportunity. The class hours aren't too long, so you'll likely have time to try all the activities you want. Also, I recommend getting a Working Holiday Visa. It allows you to work part-time and gives you flexibility on when to return home, without the pressure of having to set a return date.
I traveled using a tourist visa, so that was something I regretted. Also, for those who want to improve their language skills, I strongly recommend studying the basics before you go. You need a solid foundation to improve, and it’s not easy to build that foundation once you’re there, especially since we’re not children anymore. ㅠㅠ
# My goal for the gap year was to experience as much of Japan as I could and fall in love with it.
My gap year goal was to fall in love with Japan. I wanted to immerse myself in the Japanese language and culture, not as a tourist, but by living it. I believed that this would provide the motivation I needed for studying. I also hoped to improve my language skills as much as possible. I realized that there is a difference between the language used for certification exams and the expressions used in real life. My goal for the gap year was to experience as much of Japan as I could and fall in love with it.
C’est la première fois que je vis seule au Japon. Même lorsque j’étais à l’université, je n’avais vécu que dans des résidences universitaires : c’est donc la première fois que je dois tout gérer par moi-même. Cette expérience m’a permis de beaucoup progresser en cuisine et dans la gestion de mon quotidien. En fait, j’étais connue pour être incapable de cuisiner, haha. Mais depuis que je suis ici et que j’essaie différentes recettes, je me suis vraiment améliorée en cuisine.
J’ai aussi beaucoup progressé dans la gestion des tâches quotidiennes : faire les courses de manière raisonnable, sortir les poubelles et nettoyer ma chambre, la salle de bains et la cuisine. Je me suis souvent dit que ma mère était formidable de réussir à tout gérer aussi facilement.
C’est gênant à avouer, mais pour être honnête, au début, je pleurais seule le soir. Il était difficile de me préparer à vivre seule, et cela me donnait l’impression d’être faible, alors je pleurais en cachette. Mais chaque fois que j’étais triste, je me disais de ne pas être faible ! Et quand je vivais à l’étranger, il m’est arrivé de penser que je voulais rentrer en Corée, mais je ne me suis jamais vraiment sentie seule. En revanche, après avoir vécu complètement seule, je me suis parfois sentie isolée.
Au début, j’étais triste, mais à force, j’ai commencé à prendre du temps pour réfléchir par moi-même. J’ai réfléchi aux différentes facettes de ma personnalité et à ce que je voulais faire. Comme j’avais toujours vécu avec des amis en résidence universitaire, je n’avais pas vraiment eu beaucoup de temps pour moi. J’ai l’impression d’avoir mieux tiré parti de ces moments en solitaire, plutôt que de me sentir seule.
L’atmosphère unique du Japon, à la fois calme et animée, me rendait heureuse chaque jour. Et comme j’adore faire du vélo, c’était un grand plaisir d’en faire tous les jours. Si je me déplaçais à vélo, c’était parce que les transports coûtaient cher, mais je pouvais aussi me rendre rapidement où je voulais et me garer facilement. J’en faisais donc au moins 40 minutes par jour.
À mon retour, je suis vraiment, vraiment, vraiment tombée amoureuse du Japon. J’ai été tellement séduite par son charme que j’ai même envisagé de travailler à l’étranger. C’est peut-être parce que j’étais dans une grande ville, mais j’adore l’atmosphère unique du Japon. J’aime beaucoup cette impression que tout y est à la fois animé et paisible. Et bien sûr, il y a la nourriture ! J’ai beaucoup grossi et je suis actuellement au régime, mais à l’époque, je passais chaque jour de merveilleux moments à manger de bons petits plats.
Un autre souvenir marquant, c’est d’avoir rencontré des amis étrangers et coréens dont je suis devenue très proche. En fait, je ne suis pas passée par une agence pour étudier à l’étranger, donc je ne connaissais personne au départ. Mais au fil du temps, j’ai rencontré beaucoup d’amis étrangers et coréens et nous avons partagé de nombreux souvenirs. Je garde toujours régulièrement le contact avec eux. Je me sens rassurée, car j’ai l’impression d’avoir laissé beaucoup de personnes derrière moi.
Ah, et j’ai aussi appris quelques conseils pratiques pour vivre au Japon. Si j’y retourne un jour, j’ai l’impression que je pourrais m’adapter rapidement. J’ai appris, entre autres, à recevoir des colis et à payer les factures des services publics, ainsi que d’autres choses qu’on découvre simplement en vivant ici. Je retournerai sans faute à Osaka.
Le programme d’année de césure a été une période pendant laquelle j’ai pu évoluer de bien des façons. Je suis devenue plus indépendante et j’ai pris l’habitude de mener une vie bien organisée. J’ai aussi réfléchi à la voie que je voulais suivre et élaboré un plan clair pour la suite de mes études. Je suis reconnaissante à mes parents et au programme d’année de césure de m’avoir permis de vivre cette expérience.
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