The "Philippines’ Life" in My Life

By: Byun Jin Na (Jessica)

I'm sure that everybody has unforgettable memories. It's been a month since I left the Philippines. Though, I had only been there for three months, I'll never forget the life in the Philippines. My first challenge was there – first, foreigner friends and among others. It’s full of "first time” in my life.

First, it was my first time to go abroad. Before I went there, I really anticipated the life in the Philippines. As expected, it's pretty successful and beneficial to me considering it’s my first challenge.

The “jeepney” in the Philippines was the most marvelous thing. Upon arriving at the airport, I met "Pitt," the (Philinter Center for English Language) dormitory manager and then we took the jeepney. I felt like I would fall from the jeepney because all sides are pierced. At first, I was afraid of taking a jeepney alone to Shoe Mart (SM) or Gaisano Mactan. However, I got used to taking the jeepneys because it is the main transportation in the Philippines.

Another thing I observed in the country was the traffic lights. There are only a few traffic lights in Cebu and Lapu-Lapu City. When I first took a taxi, I was shocked. Even though there were many cars on the intersection, there was no traffic light! Everything was weird to me at that time.

Secondly, it was my first time to learn the English subject in English instruction. I wasn't able to speak English well even though I had been studying English for ten years. I was so ashamed of it and I felt that if I can't speak in English at all, everything I had learned were useless.

Korea has a lot of programs about learning English, because we have full of passion about learning the language. It makes Korea the best country to learn English. However, the focus of study is on grammar and reading, so it is so easy to become mute when Korean people like me would go abroad. When I was in the Philippines, I had to meet foreigners and express what I want and what I mean. For that, positive mind and actions were essential to communicate to them and study English. I always did my best there. As a result, many teachers complimented me on my progress in English.

Lastly, the best things about my life in the Philippines are the teachers. They are Jasmin, Tyra, Ivy, Roan, Joan, Lei. Among them, Tyra and Jasmin are the most memorable teachers. They have different personality. I think their personality is exactly the opposite. Tyra is outgoing and talkative like me, so we always chit-chatted with each other during our class time. When I was really sick there, she tried hard to help me. I even went to the doctor that Tyra knows for free. I can’t forget her kindness because when I was really sick, I couldn’t handle anything by myself. Jasmin was my buddy teacher. I always told her many problems about the institute and the dormitory. She was so kind and she always did her best to take care of me. I was thankful for her efforts. The Filipinos I met are heartwarming. I'll never forget them forever.

As you see, the Philippines is a precious place for me. I learned and obtained a lot of things. I will not replace it with other things and I'll do my best to study English consistently. Someday, I'll be able to meet the teachers again and we'll be able to communicate in English very well about my first challenge, “The Philippines".

About the writer:
Jessica, 23 (International age), a smart and outspoken Korean national from Bono-Dong Ansansi, South Korea is a Business Administration and Consumer Family University student who came here in the country to study English in Cebu, Philippines at Philinter Center for English Language now Join Us English Language Academy for about four months in 2008. Jessica loves internet shopping, watching televsion and eating as her main hobbies.