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#Overcame vague fears #Realized the value of challenging myself with new things #Excited about having my own daily routine
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I fulfilled my dream of living in Portugal. So much so that I cannot forget a single person I met there. These moments and experiences became precious memories for me!
Portugal ceramic factory marketing internship! Kim Taehee, gapper (31 years old/gap year participant) / 6-month overseas internship gap year |
# Hello. I am in my 30s and staying the longest at this Portuguese accommodation for the first time.
Hello. I''m Tae, spending my gap year and staying for the longest period at this volunteer accommodation for the first time. With the maturity that comes with my age, I''m getting along well with my friends.
Personally, I prepared for a year to come to Portugal for a gap year.And because I travel often, I''m quite adaptable and resilient. Maybe because of that, I adapted quickly to the changed environment, and every moment here was completely happy.
My motto is''Life is about experiencing experiences.''.I will seek out more experiences during the remaining time on my visa!
# I really wanted to live in Portugal at least once!
While looking through gap year projects one by one,''Portugal'' and ''tiles''were the two words that caught my interest, and I applied for this project.Portugal was a country I was so into that I had traveled there twice, and I always wanted to live there someday. I wanted to spend meaningful time with locals rather than doing a one-month solo stay.
In that respect, the gap year project had everything I wanted.Although it differed slightly from the direction I initially applied for, thanks to the gap year staff I was able to find a new direction and go to Portugal for my gap year!
# My goal was to build a daily life abroad.
My gap year goal wasn''t grandiose.To live while working in ceramic tile-related work in Portugal.This was my goal.
Someone might think it''s simple, but having your own daily routine in a foreign country was quite an interesting thing.And simply challenging myself with something I hadn''t done before was valuable enough.
# By doing the internship, I achieved my goal of creating my own Portuguese daily life!
I developed a daily routine working at the local center.My main job was helping the coordinator who works at the center.I made ceramic products that were ordered and carried out requested tasks. I even created new products and tried selling them myself at weekend flea markets! I also sometimes helped the children at the center with their studies or assisted with classes. After work, I would relax or hang out with other volunteer friends to end the day.
The center was an organization that ran a social center using revenue earned from ceramic art classes and product sales.The organization had people of various ages, from 4 to 70, and they are the people who left the strongest impression on me: the elders who praised the work I did, the children who grabbed me and begged me not to leave Portugal, and the coordinator who invited me to her home for Christmas in case I would be alone.Many people helped me fit in naturally at this center. It felt good that, over time, I could become part of their daily lives.
# After participating in the gap-year project, I realized something new.
In my early twenties, I thought I wouldn''t be able to live abroad for a long time. Seeing working-holiday travelers I met while traveling Europe, I only thought they were amazing and figured I couldn''t do it. Yet here I am doing a working holiday for over two years.During that time I had confined myself, thinking that only short trips suited me.I think I felt that way because I disliked the vague fear of the unknown.
I realized that if I looked at the feeling of ''dislike'' from the opposite perspective, it might actually be the feeling I want the most.We judge and divide everything into just two feelings—''like'' and ''dislike''—and attach various reasons to build a solid wall in our hearts. I vowed not to do that anymore.I realized that you shouldn''t decide your future based on your current feelings or push something away just because you dislike it. It''s too much of a waste of time to let such good moments and great opportunities slip away!
# For those considering a gap-year overseas internship, don''t worry—go!
If you look at the world with an open mind, you''ll be able to have a more meaningful gap year.Except for wine, I don''t drink alcohol, and I''m a morning person who prefers being out during the day rather than going out at night. Unlike me, some friends mainly went out at night to enjoy Lisbon. So at first I sometimes had time alone. But I realized they have their way of life and I have mine.As time went on, I spent fun times going out during the day with friends who shared my lifestyle, visiting Lisbon''s beaches and nearby areas together.
Everyone gave me puzzled looks when I said I was going to Portugal to do ceramic art. But other people''s worries and questions are not important. If you''ve made up your mind, go for it.It will definitely be different from before you did the gap-year project.Start with anticipation and confidence rather than worry.And I hope every moment here is perfectly happy for you!
# My tips for preparing for an overseas internship!
- Language
: It''s convenient because many people use English. The friends here are all active and sociable. If you approach them actively and mingle, your English will improve. I wasn''t good at it either, but I tried to get along with other volunteer friends.
- Accommodation & meals
: I lived with other roommates. At first I stayed in an 8-person room, but toward the end of the year I sometimes had it to myself. I''m usually good at adapting to new environments, so I was comfortable.
As I had heard, the meals provided at the accommodation were so delicious that I didn''t feel like eating out. Especially on Fridays it''s Veggie Friday, so vegetarian meals are served. It was a special time to taste vegetarian dishes. Chatting with other volunteer friends while eating was an added bonus!
- What to bring
: I didn''t have any items that caused problems. You can buy things locally, so I don''t recommend bringing too much luggage. Instead, I recommend bringing Korean-style souvenirs! I actually shared them with fellow volunteers and the children.
Also, the Portugal overseas internship project runs for 24 weeks, so you need a visa to stay legally!
My Portugal overseas internship gap year was!
Experience★★★★★
: I got to make ceramic tiles that you can only make in Portugal. I also had various experiences, such as meeting precious people at the center where I worked.
Learning★★★★★
: By working at the center, I not only learned about ceramic tiles but also met volunteers from around the world and, through conversations, felt and learned a lot.
Environment★★★★★
: Portugal is a safe place full of warm sunshine. The accommodation is also large and comfortable.
Safety★★★★★
: It''s okay to be out late at night, but don''t go alone to areas the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned about. Be careful as there may be pickpockets!
Leisure★★★★★
: It''s also fun to explore every corner of Lisbon with friends. If you want, you can take a day off and go out even on weekdays!
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
