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PROJECT INTRODUCTION
Project Introduction
Cascais, Portugal, bathed in the warm sunlight of the vast Atlantic Ocean. Once a summer retreat for the Portuguese royal family, this area is a well-known European holiday destination with its beaches and harbor. Participants will stay in the city center, with accommodations provided, and engage in a marine volunteer project. This includes three hours a day of hands-on activities with volunteers, basic scuba diving training, and efforts to protect the marine ecosystem.
This project is open to both beginners and experienced scuba divers. Participants will work with local professional trainers from an international scuba diving education organization to receive basic training and obtain certification. The local orientation includes a city tour with international friends, Portuguese language classes, and cultural lessons. Make the most of your short vacation by combining travel, volunteering, global networking, and self-development!
1. The place where the cast of "Begin Again 2" did their busking! The royal summer resort of Cascais
JTBC's Begin Again 2 filming location, Portugal! Singer Kim Yoon-a picked the night busking in Cascais as the best moment during the shoot. The coastal city of Cascais near Lisbon is a popular destination for travelers seeking relaxation, known for its beautiful blue beaches and intense sunlight. This project takes place at Cascais Beach, not far from Lisbon, under the guidance of a professional diving instructor. Immerse yourself in the charm and tranquility of Portugal while gazing at the beautiful beaches! The blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean are waiting for you.
2. Combine travel and volunteering! Receive diving training and even get certified!
This project requires participants to be able to dive into the sea for marine conservation volunteer work. Don't worry if you've never tried scuba diving before—you can still participate! Participants will join the activities under the guidance of experienced professional diving instructors, with training tailored to the participant's diving experience. This project is open to beginners and has no experience restrictions. Travel, volunteer, and even earn a certification all at once!
* Beginners will start with the Open Water Certification course, while experienced divers can use their diving experience for additional activities.
3. Defend the blue sea suffering from 180,000 tons of trash every year!
Did you know there's a 'garbage island' in the middle of the Pacific Ocean? Discovered in 1997 by American marine environmentalists, the Pacific Garbage Patch is so vast that it is referred to as an island. The blue sea we imagine is gradually losing its color and suffers from 180,000 tons of trash every year. At this very moment, indiscriminately discarded plastic waste is floating in the sea.
Participants will directly collect the trash harming the sea and take part in activities to reduce marine pollution. Discover a new underwater world you've never seen before, clean it with your own hands, and protect the environment! Travel and contribute to marine conservation through volunteer work. Join us!
* This project operates in accordance with Goal 14 – Life below water, one of the UN Environment Programme's Sustainable Development Goals.
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The gap year planner visited personally Planner's visit story & planning intention
If you love the sea and are someone who needs a clean natural environment and ocean right now, this project is highly recommended. No diving experience is needed! Instead of capturing the scene with a camera in front of a beautiful beach, feel the waves with your own body. The shimmering waves are so beautiful that just looking at them feels like a healing experience! Experience diving in the blue beach, and those with diving experience can engage in activities suited to them. During weekdays, explore Cascais near Lisbon while participating in activities, and on weekends, spend time exploring Lisbon, where your accommodation is located!
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■ Growing with the Project
| Week 1 of the Project | Week 2 of the Project | Week 4 of the Project |
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STUDY IT! |
EXPERIENCE IT! |
BREAKTHROUGH! |
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1-1. The Leisure and Relaxation Unique to Portugal 2-1. First Meeting with International Friends 3-1. Basic Training in Scuba Diving 4-1. Healing and Freedom at the Resort |
1-2. The Value of a Leisurely Life Like the Locals 2-2. Intimacy and Strong Friendship with International Friends 3-2. The Love and Appreciation of People for My Presence 4-2. Experiencing My True Self |
1-3. Transformation into a Positive Self through Gratitude for Small Things and the Value of Those Around Me! 2-3. Expansion of Perspectives and Values through Meetings with Various People 3-3. Self-Love and Enhancement of Self-Esteem 4-3. Full of Confidence with Assurance in Myself! |
6.7 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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PROJECT ACTIVITIES
This project takes place on the coastline of Cascais, a representative resort area in Portugal, and is an ocean conservation activity carried out in direct collaboration with an international professional scuba diving training institution. This activity, participated in with volunteers from diverse nationalities around the world, is conducted under the guidance of professional diving instructors.
■ Activity Schedule Guide
- Activity Days:
This project starts on Monday and ends on Friday.
Check-in is the day before participation, on Sunday / Check-out is on the Saturday following the end of participation.
* Generally, activities are not held on weekends; activities are conducted Monday through Friday.
- Activity Details
- Participants will receive basic training for ocean conservation diving and will be able to participate in diving activities afterward.
- For weekday diving activities, there may be afternoon activities depending on participants' skills and certification courses.
Detailed schedules and specifics of activities will be provided by the instructor on the first day of the activity.
Activities may be flexibly adjusted based on participants' skills and weather conditions.
Sample Activity Schedule
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Time |
Details |
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08:00 ~ 09:00 |
Wake up and breakfast (accommodation), Travel from accommodation to activity location |
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09:00 ~ 12:30 |
Basic training and diving |
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12:30 ~ 01:30 |
End of activity and wrap-up, return from activity location to accommodation |
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02:00 ~ 02:30 |
Lunch (accommodation) |
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02:30 ~ 05:00 |
Personal free time |
- Outside of activity hours, you can use your free time for travel, study, rest, or personal projects.
- If desired, the institution can arrange various activities such as surfing, Portuguese classes, or nearby trips.
(Additional costs ranging from 25 to 120 euros may occur, determined locally)
■ Examples of Activities
Before the project starts, participants will receive basic diving training under the guidance of a professional diving instructor.
The training will be tailored to the participant's skill level and experience, and participants can obtain a diving certification upon completion of the activities.
Participants will learn how to observe and protect marine ecosystems directly underwater.
Participants will collect and sort underwater debris to determine if it can be recycled.
Activities will be conducted in collaboration with local communities, focusing on protecting marine resources and conducting environmental education.
* Activities may vary depending on local circumstances and participants' abilities.
* Beginners will receive safety instructions and basic diving knowledge training. It generally takes about two weeks for participants to be able to dive independently. Once participants can dive independently, they can start collecting debris underwater. Participants with prior diving experience can immediately join in collecting debris.
* This project is conducted from March to October, excluding the winter season (November - February), to ensure the safety of the participants.
■ Certification Process Example
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Diving Level |
Week 1 |
Week 2 |
Week 3 |
Week 4 |
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Beginner *Without Certification |
Open Water Certification Course |
Marine Ecosystem Specialty Course |
Advanced Open Water Certification Course |
Exploration Diving |
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Open Water Certified |
Marine Ecosystem Specialty Course |
Advanced Open Water Certification Course |
Fish IDCourse, Exploration Conducted |
Night Dive Diving Conducted |
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Advanced Open Water Certified |
Fish ID Course Exploration Conducted |
Night Dive Diving Conducted |
Deep Dive Diving Conducted |
Underwater Navigation Dive |
* For example, if you are a beginner, the certificate you obtain in the first week is the one that everyone learning to dive automatically acquires. It checks whether the diver has learned safety precautions, knows how to navigate, and can dive comfortably underwater, determining if they are qualified as an Eco Diver to clean the ocean. In weeks 2 to 4, you will obtain the next level of certification.
■ Information on Departure and Local Orientation
- Before participating in this project, there will be a local orientation and pre-education for volunteer activities.
- Please book your flight/transportation so that you arrive the day before the project starts (Sunday) to attend the orientation.
- On the first day of the project (Monday), there will be a city tour, a simple Portuguese conversation class, and an orientation about general activities and living conditions.
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■ English Requirement ★★☆☆☆
Since most communication during diving training or with other volunteers will be in English, participants will be exposed to an English-speaking environment. Anyone who can communicate in basic English can participate! |
INSTITUTION INTRODUCTION
This project is carried out in collaboration with a social enterprise operating in Lisbon, Portugal. * In line with the UN's 14th Sustainable Development Goal, "Life Below Water," this project involves collaboration with a professional diving school to ensure participants receive specialized training and can safely engage in activities.
The organization aims to make volunteers from around the world not only aware of the importance of marine ecosystems but also actively participate in conservation efforts to gain more opportunities and insights. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, over 2,000 kg of waste has already been collected. Join us!
* Sustainable Development Goals: SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)
The Sustainable Development Goals are 17 goals announced by the UN General Assembly to advance global development for humanity and the planet. Among them, the 14th goal focuses on 'Sustainable protection and efforts for marine, ocean, and marine resources.'
Hello ! I’m Rita, the project coordinator. My amazing team and I invite you to join this project :) Would you like to participate in activities for social facilities and the environment in Lisbon, Portugal, and create positive energy in the community? You’ll meet new friends from around the world with cultures completely different from yours, embark on adventures and travel together, and create unforgettable, enjoyable moments. You’ll have the opportunity to grow and make meaningful experiences for the community you’re helping. We are committed to ensuring your safety and comfort. We look forward to meeting you in Lisbon. Let’s join together!
ACCOMMODATION INTRODUCTION
You will stay in an eco-friendly volunteer house located in Lisbon, where you can live with international volunteers. During your volunteer period, you'll have the opportunity to live with international friends and experience diverse cultures. The accommodation is conveniently located near volunteer activity sites and various Lisbon tourist attractions, and is managed by a coordinator for safety. Designed for marine protection, the accommodation features various themes related to climate action, making it another journey of learning. The volunteer house, with a beautiful outdoor terrace, is located just a 5-minute walk from the beach and about 45 minutes by public transport or a walk from the volunteer activity location.
The rooms accommodate 6 to 14 people, and beds are arranged to provide a bit more privacy even in shared rooms. Free Wi-Fi and basic bedding are provided. Shared facilities include a shared bathroom, an outdoor terrace, and a kitchen with cooking utensils.
| Shared Rooms (Separate for Women and Men) / Shared Bathroom / Free Wi-Fi / Basic Bedding / Personal Lockers / 3 Meals Provided (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) / 24-Hour Staff On-Site |
* The accommodation is a dormitory-style shared room. Additionally, private rooms are available. Upgrading to a private room is possible with an additional fee. Availability can be checked upon application and can be selected in the options at the top.
* Public transport is used to travel between the project site and the accommodation, with transportation costs incurred locally. (Estimated at about 30-40 euros per week, depending on activity location)
* Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Lactose Intolerance and other special dietary needs can be accommodated upon request.
* The accommodation may vary depending on the local organization's circumstances.
LOCATION INTRODUCTION
Location: Portugal
■ Cascais, Portugal
Cascais is a beach resort located on the western Atlantic coast of Portugal. For those traveling to Lisbon, it is a must-visit nearby destination. Once a small fishing village, it has recently become a popular resort area. Enjoy a cold beer while watching the sunset over the Portuguese coastline, and experience the refreshing taste against the stunning backdrop of the sea.A city embraced by the sea is waiting for you.
* Participant accommodation is located in downtown Lisbon, and commuting will be done according to the activity schedule.
Top 3 Recommended Travel Destinations by the Planner
Eligibility
- Anyone 18 years or older in good health
- Those bored with typical European travel and planning a unique European experience
- Those who want to experience both the fun of travel and the specialness of volunteer work at the same time
- Those who need relaxation alone but might feel lonely traveling solo
- Those who want to create new memories with local Portuguese volunteers and volunteers from around the world
SCHEDULE AND PRICES
- The minimum participation period for this project is at least 1 week .
| Duration | Participation Fee |
| 1 week | 2,800,000 KRW |
| 2 weeks | 4,080,000 KRW |
| 3 weeks | 5,350,000 KRW |
| 4 weeks | 6,640,000 KRW |
| 5 weeks | 7,910,000 KRW |
| 6 weeks | 9,190,000 KRW |
| 7 weeks | 10,470,000 KRW |
| 8 weeks | 11,750,000 KRW |
■ Gap Year Benefits
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Item |
Details |
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Accommodation and Meals |
- Comfortable dormitory-style accommodation where you can interact with volunteers from around the world and relax - Delicious local meals three times a day made with local ingredients - Common areas where you can meet new friends from abroad
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Project Activities |
- Safe pickup service (one way) from the airport to the accommodation - Thorough local orientation to help you get acquainted with life in Portugal - Enjoying Portugal with foreign volunteers through a city tour - Cultural classes to meet local Portuguese friends - Marine volunteer work with a specialized diving institution in Portugal - Basic diving equipment, training, and certification fees for the volunteer work * Diving equipment and training will be tailored to participants' experience levels. - Dedicated local manager, insurance (*limited coverage) - 24/7 support! Emergency contact network for immediate assistance - SIM card provided for use locally (*individual recharges required) - Travel tips to help you live like a local
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Care Services |
- Participant dispatch procedures : Project registration and dispatch procedures - Orientation provided : Various orientation information to ensure a successful gap year - OT materials : Materials with tips from planners to help first-time international travelers - Gap Year Notebook : A notebook to reflect on yourself during the gap year(▶ Read more) - Gap Year Mission Discount : (see details below)
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Certificates and Recommendations |
- Certificate of participation for local volunteer work - Certificate of participation and completion from Korea Gap Year * Certificates and recommendations from local institutions will be issued upon request after the project ends. The format and issuance of these documents may vary according to the local institution’s guidelines.
* Certificates and recommendations will be issued after completing the project and submitting a review.
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- Provided: Automatic application for gap year mission and notebook / Complete OT materials provided upon confirmation of participation / Additional urgent personnel placement / Support for necessary documents if needed, etc.
* If you have difficulty calculating dates, please refer to the Naver date calculator >> Naver Date Calculator
- Round-trip airfare
- Individual travel insurance
- Transportation between accommodation and volunteer site (Estimated 3.9 euros round trip per day)
- Other local expenses
* Please make reservations for flights and transportation after receiving final confirmation of your project participation and departure schedule.
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