Gazette : How did you prepare for your working holiday and get useful information before departure?

Kim Tae-jin : I read a book about working holidays and visited Internet sites and language institutes to get advice. I visited to get free counseling. In my case, I applied for the working holiday visa through a language institute.

Kim Jong-hyun : Basically, the important thing is acquire a habit of being self-sufficient. It was a great help to me. This can make your stay in a foreign country more successful.

Gazette : What kinds of benefits did you get?

Kim Tae-jin : First of all, I raised my confidence in English. During the seven months in an English-speaking country, my TOEIC score rose from 400 to 800. Moreover, I spent a lot of time with international friends. I still keep in contact with many international friends whom I met there.

Kim Jong-hyun : I think Korea is my home and the world my playground. Through various kinds of international experiences, I broadened my mind and got self-confidence that I can do everything. Now, I want to work in foreign countries to see and learn more about the world.

Gazette : Finally, could you please give some advice to Keimyung students who are preparing for working holidays?

Kim Tae-jin : A working holiday has merits and demerits. I advise you not to use a studying-abroad institute. Instead, you need to find the information you need by yourselves. Preparing on your own can help you easily adapt to the life in the country you are going to. Through such procedures, you can make yourself grow.

Kim Jong-hyun : There is one last thing you have to remember. It is homesickness, which comes in a cycle of from two to four months. Whenever you overcome such homesickness, you will find you get stronger and stronger. Your patience and hard work can make your life more successful even after the end of the working holiday.