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This project is the Adriatic Sea in Croatia* northern coaston the small island Lošinj(Losinj) on 8 days taking place dolphin-watching volunteer programis.
*Adriatic Sea: a narrow, elongated sea between the Italian Peninsula and the Balkan Peninsula in the northern Mediterranean.
1. This holiday, enjoy romance on a hidden gem of the Croatian Adriatic!
For this holiday, set off to discover a hidden gem unknown to others! Enjoy a peaceful island life on the humble yet beautiful island 'Lošinj'. Meet dolphins along the coast, and during your free time explore the island with friends and enjoy marine sports.Croatia's lower prices compared to other European countries are a bonus! Experience true relaxation in nature that you won't find in bustling tourist areas. After the project, if you have time, you can travel to nearby European destinations like Italy and the Czech Republic. There's no better holiday than this.
2. Join marine conservation activities, gain firsthand, practical knowledge on-site!
Are you interested in the marine environment and animals?Participate directly in marine environmental protection activities, gain hands-on experience, and build practical knowledge..At this organization, professional researchers carry out activities to protect dolphins and endangered marine species using scientific research methods. Most of the schedule takes place on the shore alongside the researchers, so you can experience the field firsthand. You can also gain extensive knowledge through workshops and materials at the education center, so even if you are not a specialist, don’t hesitate to join this meaningful work.
3.Meet up close the fascinating marine animals you’ve only seen in aquariums.!
If you lose track of time at aquariums, captivated by the animals, you’re already qualified to join this project! The project takes place on an island along the pristine Adriatic coast, where you can encounter around 95 species of fish as well as tuna, sharks, and other marine animals. In particular, the area where you will stay is also home to bottlenose dolphins.Have a special experience encountering a variety of wild marine animals that are rarely seen in everyday life!
8.9 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
Learn
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■Activity Details and Examples
You will assist the organization's researchers with collecting research materials, preparing boats and equipment, and conducting basic analyses using the collected data.The project is carried out in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Because activities take place at sea, work proceeds flexibly within a broad framework according to sea and weather conditions rather than a fixed schedule. You never know when or where you'll encounter dolphins and marine animals, so please participate with excitement and patience and enjoy the experience!
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Outdoor Activities : Dolphin Behavior Observation - On good weather days, we go out to sea by boat with researchers to observe dolphin behavior. When dolphins can be seen very close, we observe and record behaviors such as dolphins leaping out of the water and the movement direction of dolphin groups. - When dolphins appear at sea, researchers take photographs to identify the species. You will assist researchers by recording the time the dolphins appeared, the number of dolphins, their behaviors and activities, along with the dolphins' names. Indoor Activities : Data Recording and Assistance with Educational Activities - On days when sea conditions are poor, it is not possible to go out by boat. On such days, you will stay at the conservation center and prepare reports in preparation for future trips to sea. You will also organize and review recorded documents to analyze dolphin behavior patterns. - Alternatively, when lectures on marine environmental education are held at the marine education center, you may guide tourists and students. |
■Activity Schedule
- Every year Junefrom June to September are able to participate. This project is an 8-day short-term volunteer program. (Each session about 5 volunteersparticipate)
- Activities begin on Saturday and end on Sunday.
- Activity hours are basically from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, about 6 hours.
- Because activities are mainly at sea, exact times may vary depending on the weather and conditions on the day.
* If desired, you can participate for more than 8 days. For details, please contact Korea Gap Year (koreagapyear@gmail.com).
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▶Participation schedule:Every year from early June to the end of September
- Popular projects may fill up quickly. If you want to join on your preferred dates, please apply early!
- For inquiries about applications, please contact Korea Gap Year (koreagapyear@gmail.com)
▶Local orientation
On the first day of arrival at the organization, no separate activities take place; you'll have time to adjust to the village and accommodation where you'll stay during the volunteering period. In the evening, you will have dinner with the organization's researchers and other participants and discuss upcoming activities and schedules.
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■English proficiency requirement ★★☆☆☆ You need enough English to communicate smoothly with staff and other participants and carry out activities. But the main activities are observing wild dolphins and enjoying life at sea with friends! Don't feel too pressured; use this project to build confidence in your English. |
■ Project organizer's TIP
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1. People who want to see dolphins, Take it easy! On lucky days you can see dolphins within minutes, but sometimes it can take several hours before you encounter them.Be patient and wait for the dolphins.Don't be disappointed if you can't see dolphins sometimes! Enjoy the sea from the boat and take a special moment to admire the varied coastline and seabirds. 2.Take care of your health so you don't get worn out by all the outdoor activities.! This projectinvolves many activities at sea during sunny days, so you need good physical stamina.Since you'll be on the boat for long periods, people who suffer from seasickness or are afraid of the water may find it difficult to participate. Also, because activities take place at sea, don't forget that you need to be able to swim! 3.Protect your precious skin from the hot sun.! Because this project takes place outdoors, you will be exposed to a lot of sunlight. To protect your skin,be sure to bring items like sunglasses and sunscreen.Also, because you can get tired from prolonged sun exposure,Make sure to stay well hydrated and take care of your health! |
* Detailed reviews from participantsGapYear Story (click)can be found at.
*More participant reviews are at the bottom of the project page "Participant reviews"can be found at.
Support details
Accommodation and meals
- Accommodation: Safe and comfortable lodging managed by the organization
- Meals: Three meals a day prepared using local ingredients
- Transportation: Safe transfer between accommodation and project site by organization vehicle
Project Activities
- Orientation: Detailed on-site orientation
- Volunteer activities: Dolphin observation project with professional researchers
- Education: Lively and informative lectures from researchers
- Reliable local coordinator
- Activity and permanent equipment: All equipment such as boats, cameras, and computer programs
Care Services
- Participant dispatch procedures: Project registration and dispatch processing
- Orientation provided: Various orientation information to help participants have a successful gap year
- Orientation materials: Materials containing planners' know-how so even first-time travelers abroad can go safely
- Gap Year Note: A notebook to reflect on yourself during the gap year (▶ View details)
Certificates / Letters of Recommendation
- Issuance of volunteer activity certificates by the local organization
- Issuance of Korea Gap Year participation certificate and activity completion certificate
* Local organization certificates and recommendation letters are issued upon the participant's request after the project ends. The format and issuance conditions may vary according to the local organization's templates.
* Certificates and recommendation letters are issued after the project has been properly completed and a review has been submitted.
Items Not Included
- Round-trip airfare
- Round-trip transportation between the airport and the project site
- Other local living expenses (last week's Thursday dinner, individual meals, travel expenses, personal spending money, etc.)
- Individual travel insurance costs
The organization where the project is carried out isAn NGO located on the small but beautiful Croatian island of Losinj that conducts marine animal conservation and scientific research.It was founded in 1999 and carries out activities to protect the environment of the Losinj-Cres archipelago region of Croatia and the Adriatic Sea, and to raise public awareness of environmental issues. The organization's activities have been featured on CNN and various European media outlets.
The organization runs a variety of projects related to marine animals. In particular, it conducts projects on wild dolphins and cetaceans along the Adriatic coast to study their habitats through population monitoring, ecology, genetics, and other methods. This project is the longest-running research at the organization and has achieved good results. In addition, the organization has established and operates an education center so the general public can become familiar with dolphin conservation activities. The organization is alsoACCOBAMS*a member organization of ACCOBAMS, and leads efforts to protect marine animals inhabiting the coasts of the Mediterranean and Black Seas.
| *ACCOBAMS(Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans in the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area): It is a cooperative organization established to protect cetaceans inhabiting the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and adjacent Atlantic areas. It was established to protect cetaceans and marine animals in this region from threats and to improve related knowledge, and it officially came into force in 2001. As of 2016, more than 20 countries worldwide and 41 research institutions have been recognized as member organizations and are active. |
A message from the local organization representative
Thank you for your interest in our organization and marine wildlife. Over decades of conducting projects, volunteers have played a major role in collecting data and conducting research in the field. All of the data collected by volunteers is used to monitor endangered wildlife and carry out protection activities. Because volunteers' roles are so important, we always welcome your help.
The organization has created a space, beyond volunteer activities, where volunteers can interact with people from around the world so they can have a special experience. Make precious memories with friends from around the world on the beautiful Croatian island of Losinj! We look forward to meeting you at our organization.
The accommodation is within walking distance of the activity office.about 15 minutesIt is located about 15 minutes away. Here, interns and volunteers working at the organization live together. People from around the world, including Europe, participate in the projects, so you can live with and interact with friends of various nationalities. As this is a shared living space with many people, household chores such as cooking, washing dishes, and cleaning are shared. The accommodation has two bathrooms and a communal lounge and terrace. It is a modest but beautiful house where you can enjoy views of the blue sea from the terrace.
Meals are prepared together in the shared kitchen with the other participants in the same accommodation for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The organization provides local ingredients, and in addition to the provided ingredients you are free to purchase whatever else you want. Use your own recipe to treat other volunteers to a wonderful meal! There are various amenities and entertainment options near the accommodation, such as restaurants and bars, so you can spend time with friends after work.
* On the Thursday of the week the project ends, everyone has a final dinner together at a downtown restaurant (usually pizza or pasta). The meal cost for that day is not includedplease note.
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Shared rooms (2–5 people) / bedding / shared bathroom / shared kitchen /Ingredients provided Washing machine / lounge // terrace / Wi-Fi / TV / air conditioning, etc. |
Region:Croatia, Lošinj Island
The project takes place on Lošinj Island and the surrounding sea, located in the northern Adriatic Sea between Croatia and Italy. Although the place name may be unfamiliar to some,Lošinj Island is considered one of the most pristine natural areas in the Adriatic Sea.Lošinj’s coastline features bays and caves of various sizes, offering diverse coastal landscapes, and its clean environment is a habitat for many marine animals, including dolphins. About 95 species of fish, as well as predators such as tuna and sharks, visit the area. You can also find historical artifacts, nesting birds, and sea turtles searching for food. During your free time after activities, stroll along the sea with friends or enjoy marine sports, and experience the unspoiled beauty of nature up close!
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Eligibility
- Men and women aged 18 and over who are in good physical health
- Individuals with basic computer document skills (Excel, Word, etc.)
- People who like marine animals such as dolphins, turtles, and fish
- People who can follow the rules of communal living and get along well with friends from other cultures
- People who want to join a special and meaningful activity observing dolphins with friends from other countries
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For those who feel a pang of sadness and regret when they see clever, cute dolphins in aquariums!Join this project to meet dolphins in their natural environment and take part in activities that help protect their habitats. Experience the vividness you can’t see through glass walls, and gain knowledge and hands-on experience in marine environment protection and conservation. |
■This project's 최소 참여 기간is8 days.
■The cost for this project at the top of the current pageyou can easily check the detailed amounts by period and option.
■ Installment payment information
If you have difficulty paying the full amount,pay an initial registration fee of 500,000 KRWand pay the remaining balance within 2 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 a spot quickly is important to participate on your desired date and period!(Non-refundable upon confirmation of participation)
*However, if the start date is imminent, the schedule for the remaining payment may vary depending on the situation.
■ Early bird discount and urgent application information
For all gap year projects, due to normal processing procedures and the gap year preparation period,we recommend applying at least 3 months before the project start dateandas a rule, applications should be submitted no later than 2 months in advance.It is as follows. However, if you have unavoidable reasons or urgently need to participate in a project, you can pay an additional fee through the urgent application service and we will assist you with the fastest possible processing procedures.
*We assist with the fastest possible processing procedures, but there is a basic amount of time required for communication with local institutions and confirmation of participation, and since all procedures are carried out the same as for regular participants,Participants applying through the urgent application service must actively cooperate with the Korea Gap Year operations teamThey are required to do so.
** Those who apply at least 180 days before the start date can receive an early bird discount.
*** The urgent application service can be applied for using the option above. For inquiries related to the urgent application service, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
- Provided items:Automatic registration for Gap Year missions and notes / All OT materials provided immediately upon confirmation of participation / Additional deployment of emergency staff / Support in preparing documents if needed, etc.
* If you have difficulty calculating dates, please refer to the Naver date calculator >>Go to Naver Date Calculator
** Note: In the case of super-urgent applications, there may be no available TO depending on local circumstances, and subsequent procedures will proceed according to the Gap Year refund policy.In addition,Participants are responsible for any issues arising from their lack of cooperation.
