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Experience rural village life by caring for bears in a remote mountain village in Croatia! This projectcares for abused or orphaned brown bears and protects their natural habitatsBy leaving the comforts of the city and living a traditional, simple life in nature, you'll have time to reflect and recover.
The European brown bear, designated as a protected wild species in the EU, plays an important role in the ecosystem. If this great creature disappears, there may be no immediate damage, but over time the ecological balance will collapse and it will negatively affect our lives. Currently, bears are losing their habitats due to climate change and urban development and are becoming targets of illegal poaching. Although bear hunting is prohibited, it still occurs in many places. Bears are highly intelligent and are said to perceive the terrible suffering when captured. The organizationsafely protects, treats, and provides comfortable shelter for bears injured or orphaned by poachingThe organization does this. Care for the bears' daily lives and help protect their surroundings so they can live securely. When you see a bear's supple movements and deep gaze,the immense life force of natureyou will feel it. Also,experience the importance of ecosystem conservationIt will be an opportunity.
In a forest village in Croatia,experience a life in harmony with natureLife here is far removed from the complexity of city life. The organization minimizes electricity use to protect the environment and maintains traditional lifestyles, such as using a wood-burning stove. In this place, called 'Croatia's green lungs',a life filled with the sounds and scents of natureYou can experience this. During the day breathe clean air amid lush nature, and at night end your day watching the twinkling stars—enjoy a simple, beautiful daily life.
Volunteering to protect bears and preserve forest ecosystems can become a unique career, allowing you to gain practical experience on the front lines of environmental protection andserve as a stepping stone toward becoming a professional in related fields such as animal welfare and environmental ecologyIt will. You'll learn systems different from those in Korea, and your unique experiences—things others haven't done—will add value to your career and lead to opportunities to make an impact on a larger stage.
Get away from the busy cityand take time just for yourself in a strange land where no one knows youTake that time. Here, morning sunlight filters through the leaves and the songs of forest birds wake you; by caring for bears and other animals you can begin a special day connecting with nature. While patrolling the forest and caring for animals, the peace that nature giveswill fill your heart with calmyou will feel it. You'll regain inner calm that you hadn't noticed in your busy daily life,and lay down accumulated worries and stress in the forestyou will.
This project offers an environment perfectly suited for people who love nature and forests. Join others who are working to preserve the environment and How to live an eco-friendly lifeLearn it. Interact with local organizations and villagers and local traditional culture and simple ways of lifelearn them, and through volunteers and visitors from around the world a variety of cultural experiencesyou can gain.
8.3 Week
Based on past participants’ experiences, we’ve organized the common themes of learning, reflection, and growth by time period.
What makes this project special
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In the mountainous region of Croatiathis projectcoexistence between humans and bearswith the goal of,providing opportunities to experience ecosystem protection and traditional local lifeIt offers opportunities. Participants engage in various activities for bear protection and environmental conservation and can learn about the harmonious coexistence of nature, animals, and humans.
■ Project activities
Examples of main activities
1.Feeding sanctuary animals: Support providing food and drinking water for bears and animals residing in the sanctuary (chickens, ducks, horses, etc.)
2.Health checks for sanctuary animals: Check for abnormal behavior or signs of disease in bears and other animals at the sanctuary
3.Maintenance of sanctuary facilities: Maintenance of sanctuary facilities such as bear enclosures, the visitor center, and the education hall
4.Forest ecosystem protection activities: Forest fire prevention and environmental cleanup activities near the sanctuary
5.Support for operating the visitor center: Assisting with visitor guidance and responding to inquiries at the sanctuary
6.Education and CampaignsSupport for education and campaigns on the importance of bear protection and environmental conservation
Example daily schedule
- Volunteer hours are generally5 days a week, 4 hours per day.
Main activity hours: 8:30/9:00 AM ~ 12:30/1:00 PM
| Time | Activity details |
| 08:00 - 09:00 | Wake up and breakfast |
| 09:00 - 11:00 | Bear food preparation and health checks |
| 11:00 - 13:00 | Assisting with guided shelter tours for visitors |
| 13:00 - | Free time |
* The above schedule and activities are examples provided for reference and may change depending on the institution's circumstances.
Local orientation and city tour
| SundayArrival in Split -MondayOrientation and Split tour -TuesdayTravel to the volunteer site |
- Before officially starting the project, Local orientation and city tourwill take place.
- ParticipantsSunday will arrive at Split Airport between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM and meet the local coordinator. They will travel together to the accommodation in Split city and then rest freely.
- Monday morning, an orientation on volunteering and daily life orientationwill be held.
(Introduction to Croatia and cultural understanding, volunteer program, daily life tips, safety precautions, etc.)
-Monday afternoon, with a guide Split city tourwill take place.
- Tuesday morning, Participants will travel to the volunteer site (about 3 hours). They will meet the project coordinator, exchange greetings, receive orientation on the accommodation and the project, and have time to settle in.
- In nature, explore yourselfand, while developing the project, growGive it a try. 🌱
■ Additional information
- For the safety of participants Direct contact with bearsis prohibited.
- Outside of activity hours is free timeYou may travel, study, rest, or work on your own projects.
- During volunteer activity hours Please refrain from using mobile phones as much as possible.
- Respect all living beings and be open-minded about local traditionsis required.
- To preserve village community culture, an effort to learn Croatian locally is needed.
- If participants wish, Croatian language training in Split is available (additional fee).
* If you have questions about the Croatian language training, please inquire separately. (koreagapyear@gmail.com)
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English requirement ★☆☆☆☆
Physical fitness requirement ★★☆☆☆
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■Participant feedback
"The local coordinator was really wonderful. They made the trip fun throughout, explained the area well, and consistently took care of us. They truly felt like a friend, and thanks to them it became an even better experience. I feel like I learned a lot about myself. I faced situations I could never have imagined and was able to grow through them. The fellow volunteers and the local residents we were able to help were all such amazing people. Honestly, my perspective on many things changed. I was genuinely inspired and want to continue volunteering while traveling."
-Amelie-
Support Details
Support Details
BulletAccommodation and Meals
■Project activities
■Care services
■Certificates and Recommendation Letters
* 현지기관 인증서 및 추천서 발급은 프로젝트 종료 후 참가자의 요청에 의해 발급됩니다. 또한 현지기관 인증서 및 추천서는 현지기관에 양식에 따라 형식이나 발급상황이 달라질 수 있습니다.
* Certificates and recommendation letters are issued after proper completion of the project and submission of a review.
Items Not Included
- Round-trip airfare
- Individual travel insurance
- Other local living expenses (accommodation, dining out, transportation, etc.)
- Transportation costs for transfer to the city center after project completion
* Please book flights and transportation only after you have received final confirmation of project participation and your departure schedule.
It was founded in 1995 with the aim of protecting the nature of the Croatian mountainous region. In 2002, the Croatian Environmental KnowledgeCenter and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Zagreb, in cooperation, started a project to provide refuge for orphaned young bears and to protect bear habitats, and since then has cared for bears and provided habitats. It pursues sustainable living and strives to preserve the traditions of the local community.
A word from the local institution's representative
"We know too little about bears. Bears are regarded as bad creatures that should fear humans because we threaten them and carry rifles. This sanctuary is an attempt to show bears that people can act differently. We actually learn from the bears. We work with the bears to find out and experience how people can help them."
- Ivan Pabenka -
■ Volunteer Accommodation
| Double room / Shared kitchen and living room / Free Wi-Fi |
The volunteer accommodation, located within the shelter, is operated so that volunteers of various nationalities can live together. Participants live in traditional local houses with volunteers from different countries. Meals are provided for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and participants share meals, cleaning, and other household chores with staff from the host organization and other volunteers.
The facilities are basic but cozy. Located away from the city center, it may be difficult to access some conveniences, but for those who want to relax in nature, it offers a chance to take your time and enjoy some personal moments.
■Split city centerAccommodation
On Sunday and Monday, when orientation and the city tour take place, for two days accommodation in Split city centerwhere you will stay. Rest your body after a long flight and enjoy Split with a relaxed mind before the project officially begins.
Participants will stay in a hostel provided by the local organization. The accommodation focuses on maintaining a balance with nature to contribute to a sustainable world. It evokes a natural vintage feel and is furnished with furniture made from locally produced organic materials, allowing you to experience positive future-oriented design. The local organization participates in environmental protection by reducing water usage and producing and consuming food locally. The accommodation offers a dining room and lounge where volunteers from various countries can interact.
| 4–8-bed rooms (mixed or single-gender) / Lockers for belongings / Wi-Fi /
Air conditioning / Bedding / Towels provided / Dining room / Lounge / |
The accommodation is located in the center of Split, with a bus stop to reach the volunteer work site within a 5-minute walk and the city center a 10-minute walk away. The area around the accommodation has supermarkets, cafes, ATMs, pharmacies, and other public facilities, making it a convenient place to stay. The hostel also offers a laundry service for about 10€ per load.
Three meals a day are provided. Breakfast in the common area includes toast, cereal, spreads, fresh fruit, eggs, tea, coffee, and juice. Lunch and dinner are served at a restaurant located below the hostel and offer traditional dishes made with fresh Croatian ingredients. You can choose a vegetarian, meat, or fish option when ordering, and meals will be prepared accordingly.
* Accommodation may change depending on the circumstances of the local organization.
| Region : Croatia, Split
CroatiaOccupying part of the Balkan Peninsula, it is a must-visit country for travelers to Eastern Europe. Famous for its beautiful old towns and villages, dazzling beaches, and more than a thousand islands, Croatia has historically been influenced by the Romans and the Turks—meaning both Mediterranean and Eastern European cultures—and has developed a rich cultural diversity.
SplitSplit is Croatia's second-largest city and a major port. Friendly to visitors and full of a peaceful atmosphere, the city escaped bombing during World War II, so many important historical sites have been preserved. Split's signature landmarks—the Roman-era Emperor Diocletian's Palace and the old town—are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and were the first in Croatia to be registered, reflecting their beauty. Carry out your project in Split, which combines both Eastern European and Mediterranean vibes. The scenery that seems to recreate the Roman era, the lively atmosphere, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and warm sunshine will enrich your experience.
■ On the first and third Sundays of every monthis a project that starts.
(From May to August,every Sundayit starts.)
■The minimum participation period for this project is 4 weeks.
■The cost for this project at the top of the current page, where you can easily check the detailed amounts by duration and option.
Eligibility and Qualifications
- People who can communicate in basic English
- Adults aged 18 and over
- People who like bears or are interested in animal protection
- People interested in environmental conservation
- People who want time for themselves in a quiet, secluded place
■Gap Year Mission Scholarship(▶ See details)
■ Installment Payment Information
If you have difficulty paying in full, you may prepay a registration deposit of KRW 500,000 and pay the remaining balance within two weeks. Based on the date the registration fee is paid, the process to confirm project participation will proceed and availability and TO will be checked. Securing your spot quickly is important to participate on your desired dates and period! (Non-refundable once participation is confirmed)
*However, if the start date is imminent, the schedule for paying the remaining balance may vary depending on circumstances.
■ Early Bird Discount and Emergency Application Information
We recommend applying for all Gap Year projects at least three months before the project start date to allow for normal processing and Gap Year preparation; as a rule, applications should be submitted no later than two months prior. However, if there are unavoidable reasons or you urgently need to join a project, by paying an additional fee for the emergency application service we will assist with the fastest possible processing.
*We assist with expedited processing as much as possible, but there is basic time required for communication with local organizations and participation confirmation, and all procedures are handled the same as regular participants; therefore, those using the emergency application service must actively cooperate with the Korea Gap Year operations team.
** Applicants who apply 180 days before the start date can receive an Early Bird discount.
*** The emergency application service can be selected from the options above; for inquiries regarding the emergency application service, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
- Provided services: Automatic registration for Gap Year missions and notes / Full provision of orientation materials immediately upon participation confirmation / Additional deployment of emergency staff / Assistance with document preparation if needed, etc.
* If you have difficulty calculating dates, please refer to the Naver Date Calculator >> Open Naver Date Calculator
**Caution: For ultra-emergency applications, there may be no TO depending on local circumstances, and subsequent procedures will proceed according to Gap Year refund regulations. Also, any issues arising from participant non-cooperation are the participant's responsibility.
