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#Became braver and gained confidence #Gained the dream of using my major to contribute to the world #Gratitude for beautiful experiences and precious memories
I feel like I''ve become much braver through volunteering in Cambodia and having my own gap year experience! Also, using my major in the future, not as a healthcare provider just for people in my country but for the health of people around the world I came to think that I want to become a healthcare professional who can contribute to the health of people worldwide!!
Childcare teacher volunteering in Cambodia! Go Eun-hae, gap-year member ''Gapper'' (22)
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# Hello! I am currently a nursing student enrolled at university.
Hello!! I am currently a third-year nursing student at university.
One item on my bucket list was to do overseas volunteer work. Thinking I should try volunteering abroad before graduating university, I looked into a gap year.
Among the many overseas volunteering projects, the reason I chose childcare work is that my first overseas trip was to the Philippines, where I saw children, despite their poverty and young age, selling souvenirs to tourists,I wanted to help those children who were earning money at an age when they should be learning in such poor conditions, so I decided to participate..
*For Go Eun-hae, who wanted time to have new experiences, reflect on her future self, and properly set the direction of her life to grow,activities challenging her, time to consider the direction of her life, and a customized 1:1 personal mission for growth were provided daily, and a gap-year notebook that allowed her to reflect and make plans was also provided.
# Preparations before leaving for volunteer work in Cambodia!
Before joining the Cambodia volunteer project, I prepared by going through the orientation materials that GapYear sent me one by one.Also, thinking that I need to be healthy to help someone, I got vaccinated and researched information about the country I was going to, carefully checking the precautions.
# My goal for this overseas volunteer gap year was to set the direction of my life!
And for me, the goal of this overseas volunteer gap year was to set the direction of my life.School life, being crushed by and overwhelmed with studying, was so hard that I wanted to take a short break and have time to set my future direction.
What I liked about going to Cambodia was that the director of the place where I volunteered and the fellow volunteers were very kind.The director would always say "thank you teacher~" to show appreciation, and I was grateful because she seemed to cherish the volunteers. In the mornings, when I met the children, they always smiled brightly, called out "teacher~", gave high fives and sat with me; their behavior was so lovable, and I thought I should emulate the pure hearts of the children! :)
I feel that I have become much braver through the experience of volunteering abroad in Cambodia.I gained the courage to do the things I want. Though it was a short period, my English skills also improved. In the past, I needed time to think about how to start a conversation with foreigners, but now I have the confidence to try saying something first! :)
This overseas volunteer gap-year project was truly a beautiful experience for me, a big challenge, an enormous learning opportunity, and it became a precious memory.There will likely be many hardships ahead in life, and when that happens I plan not to struggle and worry alone but to return to GapYear to take time to rest! :)
# A day in the life of childcare volunteer work in Cambodia!
The volunteer work I participated in had classes at the local Cambodian center starting at 9, so I took a tuk-tuk from the volunteers'' accommodation to the volunteer site at 8:30.
In the morning, I do exercises with the children and help them with their showers, and by then it’s about 9:30. After that I spend time playing and studying with the children until lunchtime at 11, and from 11 to 12 I hang the laundry and help with the children’s lunch. From 12 to 2:30 is the children’s nap time, during which I rest and eat lunch.
After the children wake up, I help them shower again, change clothes, and comb their hair, and then we study again until 4 o’clock, when the children go home.
At first the children only played and some refused to participate because they couldn’t adapt to having classes, but after we set a rule called “time-out” and gave those who didn’t participate or who broke the rules time alone to think, they later tried to participate more actively in class and were able to study voluntarily.Playtime is important for the children, but because I wanted to teach them something for their future, although it was a short two weeks, I believe it was a meaningful volunteer experience! :)
# People I met during the Cambodia volunteer project!
While volunteering in Cambodia, it was the first time in my life that I had many conversations with people from different countries.
My roommate and first foreign friend Shivani; Sid, who greeted me warmly as soon as I arrived at the accommodation; Ines and Jule from France; two families; Audrey, who said she would invite me if I go to the UK, and her family Alcan and Dominic; the tall, slim Christina; Luis, who had volunteered for a long time and shared a lot of information; Selly and Ari, whom I respected for their good English and who I got a massage with; cute Japanese friend Miyu; and three Korean friends — I met many unforgettable and precious friends!
During my stay at the accommodation this time, I felt that I learned a lot about life.Meeting friends who grew up and were educated in diverse environments around the world made me want to have more varied experiences, and it was an experience that strongly made me feel that people raised in different places can become one.
I am a nursing student,Through this overseas volunteer gap year, I came to think that by studying nursing I want to become a healthcare professional who contributes to the health of people around the world, not just to the people of my own country.It also broke my prejudices about people and made me feel that I should study English harder!
# For those considering the Cambodia volunteer gap year project!
Before participating in the volunteer gap year project, I read a lot of reviews from volunteers.What volunteers who participated in this gap year project all say is, “If you’re wondering whether to do it or not, just give it a try!” After participating myself, this is the same advice I would give!If you have the confidence to give it your all, you should definitely participate — you won’t regret it later, and you will gain a lot. If you’re afraid of the challenge, don’t hesitate and try it!! haha
# Recommended places to visit in Cambodia!
Not only did I have volunteer activities, but I also made many memories with the friends at the volunteer accommodation. On the weekend after the first week, we went to Siem Reap to see Angkor Wat with friends, and I loved traveling happily while looking out for each other. We visited Angkor Wat, a wonder of the world, and went to Pub Street where music plays and people freely dance in the streets. It takes quite a while to get from the volunteer site in Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, so it’s good to allow at least two days.And the sunrise at Angkor Wat was truly amazing!
Also, the dizzying experience of climbing Angkor Wat is memorable.
The stairs at Angkor Wat were really steep; I felt they were built so well for defense that if enemies came and you gave a little push, everyone would tumble down. It was truly amazing that such architecture was built in the old days without good equipment.
# My personal tips for preparing for a Cambodia volunteer trip!
- Language
: English really improves by speaking; you get used to it. Before joining the project, watch English-language dramas to get your ear used to how foreigners converse in daily life. Rather than studying from books, it’s better to practice by meeting and talking with foreigners before experiencing life abroad.
- Meals
: I enjoyed being able to eat various tropical fruits for breakfast! haha However, lemongrass didn’t suit my taste, so I couldn’t eat foods that contained lemongrass.
- Things to bring
: Since I was abroad, I often ended up going to the pool with foreign friends. I regretted not bringing a swimsuit and missing out on the pool. Also, a portable fan was really useful in a hot country.Clothing and daily necessities were inexpensive, so I bought and used them locally in Cambodia whenever possible. However, I recommend purchasing items that come into direct contact with the body, such as sanitary pads, in Korea and bringing them with you.
My gap year!
Experience★★★★
: It was truly a project that was more than enough to gain life experience and take on a new challenge! I learned more than I expected! :)
Learning★★★★★
: I learned a lot in many ways. Going abroad alone itself was a major challenge where I summoned the courage, and it was a learning experience. After successfully completing this project, I gained the confidence that I can now overcome any fear and take on new challenges.
Safety★★★
: The volunteer accommodation was very safe. However, there can be theft incidents while moving around locally, so I recommend carrying a bag that you can wear on your body!
Leisure★★★★
: During my gap year in Cambodia, it was wonderful to forget all the studying and work I did in Korea and spend time for myself!
Go Eunhaevisited byCambodia Childcare Teacher Overseas Volunteer ProjectWant more information?!
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