In October 2008, through Keimyung University’s website, I found information about SAP (Study Abroad Program). SAP is a foreign language study program. This program’s main purposes are to raise students’ foreign language skills and to give them good chances to experience other foreign countries’ cultures. Moreover, it partially supports students financially.

At that time, I wanted to have a special winter vacation different from vacations that I took before. Therefore, I applied to attend the SAP program. I applied to go to the Philippines. On January 10, 2009, I left from Incheon for the Philippines. After 3 hours and 45 minutes, we arrived at Manila. Manila is the capital city of the Philippines. We planned to stay in Quezon City for 6 weeks. We were the first students from Keimyung to participate in SAP in the Philippines, so we had to be more careful when we were doing something.

Our English program was done at Ateneo de Manila University. From Monday to Friday, we had 5 English classes a day. There were many people who attended this program. Some came from Indonesia and others from Japan. We also met some Korean people from Sogang University and Korea University. During the English classes, we got closer and even now, I still keep in touch with them via e-mail or meeting.

While we were staying there, we not only studied English but also traveled to different places. Traveling to unfamiliar places by yourself can improve your independent spirit and leadership. Before I went there, I was a little bit dependent and passive. However, through traveling, I naturally learned to prepare for traveling. I found myself becoming more brave and cooperative. These elements make us independent and active people.

Last but not least, we did volunteer activity. Volunteering was not included in our program. Nevertheless, most participants in SAP wanted to volunteer, so we visited GK, a volunteer organization. As a result, before we came back to Korea, we did volunteer activity through GK. Sometimes we took out some rocks to build a house, and sometimes we painted houses. While doing volunteer work, we made friends with the village children and played with them during break time. Fortunately, they also came to like us. We taught them Korean traditional games and we learned their songs from them. Experiencing all the activities together, we became friends naturally.

Even when our activities were done, we were reluctant to leave. By participating in just one program, I obtained many valuable things I could not buy with money. My English skills advanced and my character also changed. In addition, during my trip I helped people, and the experience I got from them affected my future dream. During the program, I think my mental vision widened. I hope other Keimyung University students also can have this great chance like me and experience more about the world.