A Great Place to Live! My Gap Year Learning English in Vancouver, Canada

 

 

 

I was emotionally refreshed while living in a new environment. What I learned was that I became comfortable speaking English. I gained room in my heart to finally relax after taking a gap year. I will always think about this time when I return to Korea.

 

A safe and great place to live and learn English in Vancouver, Canada.

 

I wanted to have some time for myself through my gap year.

 

I am a 23 year old college student. After finishing my third year, I needed to get a sense of direction so I took a semester off and took a 12 week gap.

 

For Song Na Kyung, taking a break was essential to focus on herself and gain clarity about the path she wanted for her future. Through our personalized 1:1 consultation, we made sure to prioritize her main goal—time for herself. Every detail, from preparation to selecting the perfect destination, was carefully planned to align with her needs and aspirations. Apply now! 

 

 

The reason I wanted to take a gap year was because I needed to find myself and sort things out. I also thought it would be the right time to study a foreign language and experience a new environment.

 

I chose this route because I wasn’t really worried about not knowing English at all. Since I was going to take a gap year I thought I would be able to learn new things I did not know. The environment of Vancouver was great and easy to navigate so I didn't have any problems at all.

 

Before going I bought a Canadian SIM card and packed the necessary items needed. I also looked up the location of my homestay and the Canadian transportation to understand how to get there. I paid a lot of attention to my phone as it guided me to successfully arrive at my accommodation.

 

 

I wanted to take some time for myself throughout my gap year. I had been surrounded by things I had to do, but I was not in a position to sort things out on my own as it became stressful.

 

My daily routine!

During the week, I took English classes from 8:45 am to 12:20 pm as well as taking additional classes then I spent time with friends. Around 5:30 to 7 pm I spent dinner and conversed with my homestay family, finally having free time after dinner. On weekends, I usually travel with friends.

 

 

 

My gap year tip!Language

My homestay parents were Canadian, so my English improved a lot when eating dinner together as I listened to their conversations. Studying is very important but spending time around locals will help you advance in the foreign language.

Accommodation

Homestay is the best option to learn a new language.

Pricing

I am not sure about other countries but Vancouver is expensive to eat out. In Korea, eating out usually costs around 7,000 won.

Travel

There are many great places in Vancouver. There is Deep Cove in North Vancouver, English Bay Beach near downtown Vancouver, and Kitsilano Beach as it was very impressive to me.

Luggage

Don’t bring too much clothing while living abroad, only take what you need.

 

 

 

If you feel like you are losing yourself and feel down it might be best to take a break by taking a gap year.

 

I feel like I finally had space to relax in my heart after participating in a gap year.

 

I was able to find a lot of new things about myself. After my gap year, I was able to organize myself mentally and become much more comfortable. And I think I was emotionally refreshed while being in a new environment.

After participating in the gap year, I believe I finally have space for relaxation in my heart. Reminiscing about these moments often after returning to Korea will help me recharge and regain my energy.

 

My gap year review

EXPERIENCE ★★★★★

It was very emotionally refreshing to experience not only a new language but a new environment too.

LEARNING ★★★★★

I can now use English freely because of this experience.

ENVIRONMENT ★★★★★

Vancouver is a beautiful city as there are not many people compared to Korea making it very cozy. The North Vancouver area where my homestay was located was very quiet and secluded, helping me ease my mind.

SAFETY ★★★★★

It was a very safe place just like Korea and the traffic environment was good too.

LEISURE ★★★★★

I had a lot of free time here as that was my goal and to organize my thoughts in English as well as having time to think on my own.