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#Resolved career-related worries and experienced positive change #Refreshing, positive energy from clearing my mind #Found emotional stability through bonding with animals
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I wanted to volunteer abroad and clear my mind to heal.
It was a time when I gained good energy and could have lots of positive thoughts!
Volunteering in Singapore to rescue rare wild animals that are physically and emotionally injured.
Lee Ga-eun, gapper (24 / university student) / one-month Singapore overseas volunteer gap year
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# Hello, I''m a college student participant who went on an overseas volunteer program in Singapore.
Hello. I''m 24-year-old university student Lee Ga-eun who participated in an overseas volunteer program in Singapore!
I was looking to travel alone when I found the Korea Gap Year blog. Among many projects, I like animalsso this program seemed interesting and I wanted to try it.Still, I was intimidated by the idea of going alone, but I happened to meet a high school friend. She was also going to do this program, so we ended up participating together.After going once, now I even want to visit other places by myself!
# I wanted to do overseas volunteer work and also heal.
At first, I wanted to try volunteering abroad.I like animals, so I had expectations for the animal rescue organization. And I wanted to try living for an extended period, not just a short trip.
I had applied for this project in advance, and while attending school the following semester I went through a difficult time with depression. So I wanted to heal through a gap year.Because I thought that by volunteering I could clear my head, refresh my mood, and gain positive energy..And I left with the belief that animals would help my emotional well‑being!
# I was glad I could go to Singapore to volunteer!
I''m not usually very active, but having a set daily routine was nice because it got me moving. And I also enjoyed being able to see animals as much as I wanted, and it was great to use English more confidently.I also enjoyed traveling around Singapore in my free time. Singapore recently appeared on TV, and we reminisced, saying, ''It was nice there back then.''
Actually, when I first arrived at the organization I worried that four weeks might be too long. But as time went by, I became closer with the staff and adapted to life there, so each day became enjoyable!I remember going to pick hibiscus flowers with a staff member and sharing leftover fruit together. Although we could only go once, Night rescueThat was impressive too! I thought someone would call 119 (emergency services) for a bird that had fallen into a drain, but they reported it to the organization, which brought the bird in and treated it. I also watched them release animals to appropriate places after treatment.It was nice to learn about other work the organization does besides just caring for animals.
# A day in Singapore!
We work from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, during the morning and afternoon. Activities are broadly divided into indoor and outdoor; outdoors there are turtles and terrapins, and indoors there are iguanas, snakes, and monkeys.The basic tasks are checking how much food was eaten the previous day, cleaning, and preparing meals.Sometimes we went to break off leaves or pick flowers. After lunch we prepare the afternoon feeding and clean again. Time goes by faster than you think!
After work hours and on weekends are free time.I sometimes took the shuttle bus out with a friend!
# It was a valuable time for a lot of reflection.
I think participating in the gap year project made me think a lot.First of all, I thought I should have traveled more and tried more new things when I was younger and had more time.
After becoming an adult and entering university, I realized that university students'' career concerns are more difficult. Coming to Singapore allowed me to have more time to think about those things. I also realized and reflected that I have a rather dissatisfied personality.It remained a good experience that allowed me to look back on myself.
# A word to future participants in Singapore volunteer programs!
I think it''s important to speak English boldly and with confidence.You''ll probably understand once you experience it yourself!
Although others told me to go on independent travel, I think I had a good experience instead. I don''t think you need to worry about supplies or English.As long as you''re ready to enjoy the volunteer work, you''ll have a great time!
# My tips for preparing for volunteer work in Singapore!
- Language
Everyone uses English. It''s important to try to speak without feeling shy!
- Accommodation & Meals
We stayed in accommodation provided by the organization. All three meals are provided. When vegetarian dishes were served, I tried soy (mock) meat and it was delicious!
- What to bring
You need work clothes that are easy to wash and dry every day and arm sleeves. I felt that wearing arm sleeves with a functional short-sleeve shirt was cooler than long sleeves!
My gap year volunteering in Singapore!
Experience ★★★★★
: It was as enjoyable as I had hoped. It was my first time in Singapore, and I enjoyed the trip. I made many different friends there and we still keep in touch — that''s the appeal of overseas volunteering!
Learning ★★★★★
: While volunteering, I felt and learned many things. After work there wasn''t much to do, so I talked with friends and did a lot of self-reflection.
Environment ★★★★
: Once you get used to it, it''s manageable.
Safety ★★★★
Leisure ★★★★★
: On weekdays after work, I watched TV with friends or occasionally went out. On weekends I went sightseeing enthusiastically. I liked that the facilities and organization of attractions such as the zoo, bird park, and Night Safari were all very well put together!
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
