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#Regained lost self-esteem and gained confidence #Hands-on experience teaching children abroad #The joy and fulfillment of working for others
I wanted to give myself, who had been running straight ahead, a rest. The gap year I took in Cambodia was for me... a precious experience that helped me regain my confidence. Teaching English directly to children in an unfamiliar place... was surprising even to myself, and it became a time when my self-esteem could be restored!
Internship at a Cambodian NGO recognized as one of CNN''s 100 Heroes! Lee Ji-hyun, gap year participant (24)
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# Hello! I''m Lee Ji-hyun, a 24-year-old female college student living in Seoul!
Hello! I''m Lee Ji-hyun, a 24-year-old female college student living in Seoul.
I originally attended an engineering college, but since high school I had wanted to enter pharmacy school. I don''t really know why, but because I''d thought that way, after finishing my first year of university I prepared for the TOEIC, and during the summer vacation of my second year I even attended a prep academy.
However, I didn''t have the confidence to go back to exam life. So I ultimately gave up preparing for the pharmacy exam (PEET) and returned to school.When the goal I''d dreamed of for so long disappeared, I lost all motivation. Then I learned about gap years, and through a gap year''s language study and overseas internship (volunteer) project I decided to take a one-year leave of absence to set a new direction.
*For Lee Ji-hyun, who wanted sufficient rest and time to think about her future career,she was provided daily with tailored 1:1 personal missions offering relaxed activities and opportunities to consider life''s direction, and she was also given a gap year notebook to reflect on herself and make plans.
# I wanted to give myself, who had been running full speed ahead, some rest.
Before leaving for the Cambodia overseas internship, I was deeply disappointed in myself for failing the PEET attempt. I didn''t know what I wanted to do going forward and my sense of purpose had disappeared.
So I wanted to give my forward-only-running self a break, and by taking on a new challenge I hoped to restore my lowered confidence and self-esteem.
# The gap year in Cambodia gave me far more confidence than before!
While in Cambodia doing the internship and teaching English, I realized how difficult a job teaching is. It wasn''t just playing and studying together; as a teacher there was the pressure that you can''t teach carelessly.Still, I was surprised at myself that I could teach English alone in a foreign place for as much as three hours a day, and I think I gained confidence from that!
Also, during the volunteer internship in Cambodia I had a lot of alone time, but I liked that because it allowed me to fully focus on myself,and I learned how joyful and rewarding it is to do work for others. So I think this overseas internship will remain a truly great experience for me.I also still can''t forget the children''s beautiful, pure, unspoiled smiles :)
# About the Cambodian NGO internship I participated in!
If I arrived at school by 9 a.m., I would plan the day''s lessons in the staff office. Referring to the books used at the school, I would choose a theme each day, organize it on my laptop, and get confirmation from the coaching teacher.
After receiving feedback I would revise accordingly, and once finalized I would print the materials, have lunch, and then conduct the class with the printed materials. In class I taught according to the plan I had prepared.
There were two breaks between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and during breaks I would play with the children or relax. After about three hours of English classes, I would ride my personal tuk-tuk back to the accommodation. Back at the accommodation I would google references for the next day''s lesson, go to a cafe to rest, or simply lie down and relax at the lodging. At night, sometimes I went out with friends staying at the accommodation.
# My recommended place to visit in Cambodia!
When you think of Cambodia it''s definitely Angkor Wat, so I visited Siem Reap.During the period of my overseas internship my mother briefly came to Cambodia, and even though we spent 3 nights and 4 days in Siem Reap visiting only Angkor Wat, we couldn''t see it all. The huge and majestic Angkor Wat was an incredible historical site. Visiting Angkor Wat evokes wonder and a sense of mystery—I recommend going! :)
# My Cambodia NGO Internship Preparation TIP!
- Language
: There weren''t many situations where I had to use the local Cambodian language, but I learned a few words that the children taught me. Since the activity involves teaching English, studying basic conversational phrases before going will also be helpful!
- Accommodation & Meals
: Cambodia was hot, but the local internship organization provided one fan per person so I could stay cool in the accommodation. Meals were mainly Cambodian-style dishes, and I occasionally bought simple bread from a nearby market or ate out.
- Packing list
: They do sell Wi‑Fi SIM cards in Cambodia, but they''re a bit slow. I strongly recommend buying a pocket Wi‑Fi in advance! Also, if you go around May the weather is hot, so a small personal fan will be useful.
My gap year!
Experience★★★★★
: The overseas internship at a special NGO allowed me to try out being a teacher, which was a refreshing experience! :)
Learning★★★★★
: I learned how to adapt to a new environment, and I think I came to enjoy volunteering for others even more.
Environment★★★
: Cambodia in May was a bit hot.
Safety★★★★★
: Public safety was quite good. I had no worries about safety at all.
Leisure★★★
: There were cafes and a swimming pool around the local internship organization and the accommodation, so I could enjoy my free time without lacking options.
Lee Ji-hyunvisited by Information on the Cambodia NGO overseas internship projectWant to know more?!
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