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#Turning concern for environmental protection into action #An experience of interacting with the wonderful people of Bali #The joy of combining a dreamlike vacation with volunteer work
A gap year in Bali was an experience that made my one-week vacation more fulfilling! As someone who loves the sea, this marine volunteer activity was truly meaningful, and Bali''s environment Thanks to the very kind people, I think I was able to live comfortably and happily while I was there :)
Cultivating Bali''s emerald underwater world with my own hands!/ Real review of Bali marine volunteer work! Im Su-hyun — gap-year participant (gapper) (39 / office worker)
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# Hello! I am an office worker who has been working at the same company for 13 years.
Hello! I have been working at the same company for 13 years. In my free time I mainly read books, watch American TV shows, and I like going to performances or exhibitions, and I love beer, wine, bread, and desserts haha.
For me, I wanted to spend the one-week annual vacation given by the company in a slightly different way.I thought ''gap year'' meant only long-term programs, but there are also many short-term programs you can join using your vacation time.Among them, I happened to become interested in a short-term overseas volunteer project in Bali for underwater conservation that scuba-certified people can participate in, so I joined!
*For Im Su-hyun, who wanted a special vacation and relaxed time,Daily personalized one-on-one missions were provided — activities to enjoy leisurely time and opportunities to learn more about oneself — and a gap-year notebook was also provided to reflect and make plans.
# Preparations before heading to Bali?
Although it was a short week, after my participation in the Bali volunteer project was confirmed, Gap Year provided clear guidance and sent materials about necessary documents and preparations, so I was able to prepare for departure without difficulty.The only additional thing I prepared was taking out scuba diving insurance. Personally, since it had been a long time since I last dived, I prepared by taking a diving refresher course.
# As someone who loves the sea, I was more interested in this marine conservation volunteer work!
For several years now I''ve become more interested in the environment, and as someone who loves the sea, I''ve become more concerned about marine pollution.So I saw this Bali marine volunteer activity as a first step to put that interest into action.
And since all the activities during the project were things I had never done before, it was also a learning experience.I also thought it would be nice to create similar programs in our country someday to protect the marine environment.
# I was so happy to meet such great surroundings and people while volunteering in Bali!
From the driver who picked me up when I arrived in Bali to the staff of the organization running the project, the staff at the affiliated accommodation and restaurants, and the local residents and children — everyone was so kind.
What I really liked during my stay in Bali was that the locals greeted me with a smile first, approached me with curious faces, answered enthusiastically when I asked questions, and made an effort to explain terms, culture, or religion I didn''t understand in an easy-to-understand way.Thanks to that environment, I was able to live comfortably and happily while doing marine volunteer work in Bali, and I felt that I too wanted to be someone who could approach others with a smile first!
# A day in Bali!
< Im Su-hyun participating in Bali marine environment protection volunteer program >
I arrived at the local Bali organization on Sunday evening, greeted everyone, was introduced to the staff, and received a brief explanation of the organization''s work.
From Monday to Wednesday, after breakfast around 7, we entered the sea around 9 AM to carry out activities to care for the marine environment, then rested, ate lunch, and did another session.
After that, it''s free time.The downtime was free time; I used it to write in my diary, read books, watch the neighborhood children''s soccer tournament, and play with the host family''s daughter! On days when weather prevented sea activities, I visited nearby neighborhoods and traveled to a neighboring Hindu temple, waterfalls, and a botanical garden.
While I was in Bali, students from Bali International High School visited for a 2-night, 3-day trip, and besides marine volunteer work, we were also able to teach English and help salt-farmers with labor.It was admirable—and a little enviable—to see 11th and 12th grade high school students doing meaningful activities with teachers and friends instead of studying for exams.
The local Bali volunteer organization said they visit every year, and when those students first came for introductions, I also participated with the staff,and I even joined in dancing during the village''s traditional music and dance performance prepared for the students, so I had experiences I couldn''t have anywhere else!
# Since returning from my gap year, I''m still trying to take part in even the smallest actions that help the environment!
After spending my gap year in Bali with a dreamlike vacation and overseas volunteer work, I still try to participate in and put into practice even very small actions that help the environment.
And I gained one more option for a way of life.My hometown where my parents live is also a rural village, so young people are gradually leaving, and life is sustained with the help of labor from various Southeast Asians.It made me start thinking about ways for local natives, migrants, and travelers to all come together so that they can make a living and enjoy life.
# My Bali travel tips!
I watch a lot of travel programs and materials, so I knew that Bali has more Hindus compared to other parts of Indonesia, and that Balinese Hinduism has many unique aspects of its own.
So if you go to Bali, visit a Hindu temple, and while volunteering, try to get close to a local who can explain Hindu culture well and make an opportunity to talk together.I asked about canang sari, personal shrines in front of houses, etc., whenever I saw them, and I found it fascinating to listen.
# My gap year preparation tips!
- Accommodation
: The accommodation was also used by regular travelers, so there was no discomfort for washing and sleeping.
- Meals
: The food provided by the local organization was all very delicious, and they gave generous portions, so I came back having gained weight haha.
Basically it''s rice and soy-sauce-based seasonings, so it should suit Korean tastes. Breakfast is provided in a Western style, and lunch and dinner include various options like Indonesian food, pizza, and spaghetti! Also, they always include fruit and dessert! :)
- Things to bring
: While staying in Bali I mostly ate, slept, and rested, so I didn''t need many items. What I regretted rather than found inconvenient was that I didn''t bring a souvenir gift to remind them of Korea.
My gap year is!
Experience ★★★★★
Environment ★★★★
Safety ★★★★★
Leisure ★★★★★
Im Su-hyunIm Su-hyun''s gap yearOverseas volunteer project in Bali, IndonesiaWant to learn more?!
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