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#Increased interest in environmental and animal protection issues #Turtle conservation volunteering in Sri Lanka; a new challenge #Fulfillment, Gratitude, Satisfaction
"After returning from this gap year, rather than worrying and hesitating when starting something, I changed my thinking to ''let''s just get started.'' Also, thanks to seeing and experiencing a different world through the gap year, I became interested in environmental issues and animal protection issues."
Sri Lanka, the jewel of the Indian Ocean — baby sea turtle care volunteer program Kang Young-hee, gap year traveler (gapper) (26, working professional)
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# I embarked on my gap year without hesitation.
Hello. :)
I am Kang Young-hee, a 26-year-old working as a nurse.
At first, after hearing a friend''s gap year experience, I thought that if I had the time I should try it someday.
Then, unexpectedly I had the time, and I set off on my gap year without hesitation.
* For Ms. Kang Young-hee, who wanted relaxation and novel experiences in a new place, daily missions that broke her preconceived notions, customized one-on-one personal missions for new experiences and challenges were provided, and a gap year notebook to reflect on herself and make plans was also providedwere provided.
# Sri Lanka was such an unfamiliar country to me that it felt all the more attractive.
Because my leave of absence was short, I had no choice but to join a short-term project. The Sri Lanka sea turtle care project allows participation for a minimum of one week, so I could choose it without burden. Also, Sri Lanka was such an unfamiliar country to me that it felt all the more attractive.
Before leaving I didn''t have any special preparations, but because Sri Lanka was so unfamiliar and information was scarce, I looked up basic knowledge about Sri Lanka and about sea turtles before I went.
# I needed time to think alone.
Honestly, I didn''t think any big change would happen to me during the short time in Sri Lanka. However, what was certain was I was at a stage where I needed time to think aloneIt was. My biggest goal was to step away from familiar surroundings and sort out the many thoughts I currently have and come back.
Also,Since I started working immediately after graduating university, I felt I never had time solely for myself, so I wanted time to rethink myself.
# Through this activity I became a bit more interested in environmental issues!
The turtle conservation project I went to on my gap year was a great opportunity not only to care for turtles but also to think about broader environmental issuesIt was.
Before, I used to think simply about the impact of plastic on the environment, but going out to the sea and doing beach cleaning made me realize that plastic pollution is more serious than I had thought.
This activity gave me an opportunity to think more seriously about environmental issues.
# Local life
The day starts with breakfast at 7:30 AM. After breakfast, around 8:20 we walk across the street with the other volunteers to the sanctuary. We spend most of the morning at the sanctuary: feeding the turtles or guiding foreign tourists who visit. Twice a week we clean the turtle tanks. In the afternoon we take a car to the temple to teach English to children. Around 5:30 PM we have dinner, and then you have personal time until bedtime.
When you first arrive in unfamiliar Sri Lanka, you meet volunteers from many countries. Most are around the same age, so after a few words you can quickly become close. In particular, I spent a lot of time with my roommate, so we had many conversations.I learned a lot through conversations with friends from other countries, and I could tell them about Korea, which was unfamiliar to them.
Also, the sanctuary managers provide the necessary help while I''m volunteering. They always check to see if there are any inconveniences or problems with the volunteer work.
# Things I felt during my gap year
I used to be the type who worried first before trying something. However,After this gap year, my thinking changed to ''let''s just start'' rather than hesitating and worrying when starting something.
Also, thanks to seeing and experiencing a different world through this gap year, I became interested in environmental and animal protection issues.
If I were to give advice to those hesitating about taking a gap year: I worried for a moment—am I going to a country too unfamiliar, have I chosen this project for no reason? But Sri Lanka, where I arrived carrying those small worries, turned out to be a very charming country with many good people.
-
Even if you are usually shy, since no one knows you there, it might be good to approach people first with a somewhat open mind.Also, since most people in Sri Lanka speak English, studying conversational English a bit before going will be very helpful. Using the weekends to travel to other cities in Sri Lanka will also be a good experience!
# Recommended destinations
The local organization with the turtle sanctuary is in a quiet coastal villageIt is located about four hours by taxi from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Colombo is the capital and offers a different side of Sri Lanka than the coastal area where the local organization is.
Irecommend walking straight along Colombo''s main roadI recommend it. Famous Sri Lankan shops line the road, making shopping easy, and the sea is nearby so it''s convenient to see the ocean.
Also, if you walk further up along the main road toward the back where 5-star hotels are concentrated, you can see splendid Western-style modern buildings.
# My gap year preparation tips!
- Language
: If you have time before you go, definitely study English. Since most people in Sri Lanka use English, it''s good to prepare conversational skills.
- Accommodation
: The accommodation is located right across the street from the turtle sanctuary. There are no particular inconveniences, but there is no washing machine, so just be aware of that.
- Meals
: All meals and snacks are provided by the local organization. Most meals, except breakfast, are served as local cuisine.
Sri Lankan food is generally on the salty side, so keep that in mind when eating dishes with broth or sauce.
Hot tea is served twice a day at tea time. If you say you don''t like hot tea, they will replace it with another beverage.
- What to bring
: There is no washing machine at the accommodation, so you will need to hand-wash clothes in your room. Detergent is not provided, so you should bring your own. Sri Lanka is a hot country so there are many mosquitoes. It''s a good idea to spray insect repellent around dinner time or before bed. Also, the accommodation has a water purifier, so be sure to bring a tumbler or water bottle!
Also, many days have a daily shower. You may need an umbrella when traveling to temples, so it''s good to have a small umbrella on hand.
My gap year is
Experience ★★★★★
: You can try a variety of experiences that you can''t do in Korea.
Learning ★★★★
: Through animal conservation and beach cleanup activities, I was able to think about and learn about environmental pollution.
Environment ★★★★★
: Sri Lanka is located close to the equator, so it is a very hot country. Sudden showers occur frequently.
Safety ★★★★★
: The accommodation is secure, outsiders cannot enter, and the locks are good, so I didn''t feel it was particularly dangerous.
Leisure ★★★★★
: A TV and English-language books are provided at the accommodation, and after Friday morning activities end you have free time until Sunday evening. You can enjoy plenty of leisure time on weekends and in the evenings after activities finish.
"After returning from this gap year, rather than worrying and hesitating when starting something, I changed my thinking to ''let''s just get started.'' Also, thanks to seeing and experiencing a different world through the gap year, I became interested in environmental issues and animal protection issues."
Sri Lanka, the jewel of the Indian Ocean — baby sea turtle care volunteer program Kang Young-hee, gap year traveler (gapper) (26, working professional)
|
# I embarked on my gap year without hesitation.
Hello. :)
I am Kang Young-hee, a 26-year-old working as a nurse.
At first, after hearing a friend''s gap year experience, I thought that if I had the time I should try it someday.
Then, unexpectedly I had the time, and I set off on my gap year without hesitation.
* For Ms. Kang Young-hee, who wanted relaxation and novel experiences in a new place, daily missions that broke her preconceived notions, customized one-on-one personal missions for new experiences and challenges were provided, and a gap year notebook to reflect on herself and make plans was also providedwere provided.
# Sri Lanka was such an unfamiliar country to me that it felt all the more attractive.
Because my leave of absence was short, I had no choice but to join a short-term project. The Sri Lanka sea turtle care project allows participation for a minimum of one week, so I could choose it without burden. Also, Sri Lanka was such an unfamiliar country to me that it felt all the more attractive.
Before leaving I didn''t have any special preparations, but because Sri Lanka was so unfamiliar and information was scarce, I looked up basic knowledge about Sri Lanka and about sea turtles before I went.
# I needed time to think alone.
Honestly, I didn''t think any big change would happen to me during the short time in Sri Lanka. However, what was certain was I was at a stage where I needed time to think aloneIt was. My biggest goal was to step away from familiar surroundings and sort out the many thoughts I currently have and come back.
Also,Since I started working immediately after graduating university, I felt I never had time solely for myself, so I wanted time to rethink myself.
# Through this activity I became a bit more interested in environmental issues!
The turtle conservation project I went to on my gap year was a great opportunity not only to care for turtles but also to think about broader environmental issuesIt was.
Before, I used to think simply about the impact of plastic on the environment, but going out to the sea and doing beach cleaning made me realize that plastic pollution is more serious than I had thought.
This activity gave me an opportunity to think more seriously about environmental issues.
# Local life
The day starts with breakfast at 7:30 AM. After breakfast, around 8:20 we walk across the street with the other volunteers to the sanctuary. We spend most of the morning at the sanctuary: feeding the turtles or guiding foreign tourists who visit. Twice a week we clean the turtle tanks. In the afternoon we take a car to the temple to teach English to children. Around 5:30 PM we have dinner, and then you have personal time until bedtime.
When you first arrive in unfamiliar Sri Lanka, you meet volunteers from many countries. Most are around the same age, so after a few words you can quickly become close. In particular, I spent a lot of time with my roommate, so we had many conversations.I learned a lot through conversations with friends from other countries, and I could tell them about Korea, which was unfamiliar to them.
Also, the sanctuary managers provide the necessary help while I''m volunteering. They always check to see if there are any inconveniences or problems with the volunteer work.
# Things I felt during my gap year
I used to be the type who worried first before trying something. However,After this gap year, my thinking changed to ''let''s just start'' rather than hesitating and worrying when starting something.
Also, thanks to seeing and experiencing a different world through this gap year, I became interested in environmental and animal protection issues.
If I were to give advice to those hesitating about taking a gap year: I worried for a moment—am I going to a country too unfamiliar, have I chosen this project for no reason? But Sri Lanka, where I arrived carrying those small worries, turned out to be a very charming country with many good people.
-
Even if you are usually shy, since no one knows you there, it might be good to approach people first with a somewhat open mind.Also, since most people in Sri Lanka speak English, studying conversational English a bit before going will be very helpful. Using the weekends to travel to other cities in Sri Lanka will also be a good experience!
# Recommended destinations
The local organization with the turtle sanctuary is in a quiet coastal villageIt is located about four hours by taxi from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Colombo is the capital and offers a different side of Sri Lanka than the coastal area where the local organization is.
Irecommend walking straight along Colombo''s main roadI recommend it. Famous Sri Lankan shops line the road, making shopping easy, and the sea is nearby so it''s convenient to see the ocean.
Also, if you walk further up along the main road toward the back where 5-star hotels are concentrated, you can see splendid Western-style modern buildings.
# My gap year preparation tips!
- Language
: If you have time before you go, definitely study English. Since most people in Sri Lanka use English, it''s good to prepare conversational skills.
- Accommodation
: The accommodation is located right across the street from the turtle sanctuary. There are no particular inconveniences, but there is no washing machine, so just be aware of that.
- Meals
: All meals and snacks are provided by the local organization. Most meals, except breakfast, are served as local cuisine.
Sri Lankan food is generally on the salty side, so keep that in mind when eating dishes with broth or sauce.
Hot tea is served twice a day at tea time. If you say you don''t like hot tea, they will replace it with another beverage.
- What to bring
: There is no washing machine at the accommodation, so you will need to hand-wash clothes in your room. Detergent is not provided, so you should bring your own. Sri Lanka is a hot country so there are many mosquitoes. It''s a good idea to spray insect repellent around dinner time or before bed. Also, the accommodation has a water purifier, so be sure to bring a tumbler or water bottle!
Also, many days have a daily shower. You may need an umbrella when traveling to temples, so it''s good to have a small umbrella on hand.
My gap year is
Experience ★★★★★
: You can try a variety of experiences that you can''t do in Korea.
Learning ★★★★
: Through animal conservation and beach cleanup activities, I was able to think about and learn about environmental pollution.
Environment ★★★★★
: Sri Lanka is located close to the equator, so it is a very hot country. Sudden showers occur frequently.
Safety ★★★★★
: The accommodation is secure, outsiders cannot enter, and the locks are good, so I didn''t feel it was particularly dangerous.
Leisure ★★★★★
: A TV and English-language books are provided at the accommodation, and after Friday morning activities end you have free time until Sunday evening. You can enjoy plenty of leisure time on weekends and in the evenings after activities finish.
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