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#Increased interest in abandoned animals #Healing from caring for injured animals #Had time to reassess myself
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Through the gap-year project, I was able to care for sick animals while also taking care of myself. Even after returning to Korea, I found myself more concerned about abandoned or sick animals. I began participating in animal-related volunteer activities!
Volunteering to rescue rare wild animals in Singapore that were wounded physically and emotionally. Gap-year participant Gapper (28 / office worker) / One-week overseas volunteer gap year in Singapore |
# Hello. I''m a flight attendant who loves traveling and new challenges.
Hello.I am currently working as a flight attendant.I love traveling and new challenges, and I also enjoy meeting people — I have a bright and lively personality. :)
I have lived abroad for extended periods through language study and overseas internship experiences. And since I worked at a travel agency and an airline, I frequently went abroad...I had no fear or hesitation about living overseas at all.Although it was much shorter compared to my previous overseas experiences, the time I spent interacting directly with rare animals in Singapore is something I will never forget!
# Seeing animals with wounded hearts made me decide I needed to take care of myself too.
After quitting my previous job and before changing jobs, I had some free time.While wondering how to make use of that time and looking into options, I discovered a gap-year program.
That''s howI found a rare animal rescue volunteer project where I could spend time in Singaporeand, since I had loved animals since childhood, I became interested in this project. At the time I was mentally and physically exhausted due to workplace relationships and a long commute,heartI chose it because I felt that by caring for animals with wounded hearts, I should take care of myself as well.
# I wanted time to focus on myself.
As mentioned above, before joining the gap year I was mentally and physically very exhausted. So even if only for the short period of a week,I set a goal that during this time I would care for sick animals and also take care of myself.
I wanted to put down all the worries and concerns I had at that moment, and take some time to focus on myself, reassess myself, and care for myself.
# Every moment I experienced during the gap year was precious!
In the process of caring for animals who cannot speak — cleaning their enclosures, feeding them, and so on,it provided a lot of healing for me, who was mentally exhausted.It was a precious experience to get close to and interact with animals that aren''t common pets, such as turtles and snakes.
And I was glad to be able to work with the local institution''s staff and local foreign volunteers.Since it was my first time doing the activity, there were some awkward moments, but they approached me first, showed a lot of interest, and even explained things in detail, which helped us get closer. Moreover, the institution''s staff were very kind and even took us to popular restaurants in Singapore after volunteer hours.
In particular, seeing the staff at the institution avoid wasting electricity and protect the environment made me reflect on my own habit of always wasting resources, and it was a meaningful time of introspection.Even now, I put more effort into thinking about and practicing everyday ways to protect the environment, such as using a tumbler!
# I''m still interested in animals even after returning to Korea.
Before, I simply had a big love for animals, but after volunteering I became more concerned about abandoned or sick animals.After participating in the gap year, I returned to Korea and actively participated in various animal-related volunteer activities, such as at stray dog shelters.
Above all, caring for and rescuing sick animals was healing, and it gave me valuable memories I can look back on whenever things get tough.
# A message to those who will participate in the Singapore volunteer project!
At first, you may be afraid to deal with animals that aren''t easy to encounter, like iguanas or snakes. ButEven if it''s slowly, gather your courage and approach them first. You will be able to share a deeper connection with the animals.Even if it''s difficult at first, as you keep doing it you''ll gradually gain confidence. :)
I definitely recommend this program to those who want to forget everyday life and try a new experience, and to those seeking inner growth!
# My tips for preparing for a Singapore volunteer abroad program!
- Language
: Everything is conducted in English. The activities themselves aren''t complicated and are simple, so you can participate without difficulty.
- Accommodation & Meals
: We stayed in accommodation provided by the organization. Meals were vegetarian; they included soy-based meat and the spices weren''t strong, so they weren''t off-putting.
- What to bring
: Arm sleeves or a handheld fan can help you withstand the hot weather. Comfortable clothes to wear during volunteer activities are a must!
My Singapore volunteer gap year is!
Experience ★★★★★
: You can see and interact closely with animals that are not easily encountered.
Learning ★★★★★
: Since communication is primarily in English, your English skills can improve. In addition, you can learn love for animals and nature, and how to communicate considerately with others.
Safety ★★★★
: There are no particular safety issues because staff live at the local facility and are always on site. However, it can be quite dark at night due to a lack of streetlights or lighting, so please be careful.
Leisure ★★★★
: Volunteer activities finish relatively early at 5:00 PM, allowing for personal time. There are no volunteer activities on weekends, so we recommend using weekends to go sightseeing!
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
