Projects
|
FAQ
|
Announcements
#Increased confidence speaking English #A new attitude toward interacting with animals #Moved by wildlife conservation efforts
|
Through this Singapore overseas volunteer project, I was surprised that many people consistently care for animals in various ways. I also learned a lot, including how to approach animals.
Volunteering to rescue rare wild animals in Singapore that are physically and emotionally injured. Yoo Geun-young, gapper (25 / college student) / 2-week Singapore overseas volunteer gap year |
Hello! I''m a college student who participated in overseas volunteering through a gap year!
Hello! I''m a college student who participated, through my gap year, in an overseas volunteer program in Singapore to rescue rare wild animals that have been physically and emotionally harmed.
Having just graduated from university and wondering what to do before starting a job, my family told me about a gap year project, so I looked into it.Among the options, the Singapore rare animal rescue overseas volunteer project caught my eye; I have always been interested in animals and was attracted to the fact that it involved caring for turtles. I also chose it because I was excited about leaving Korea and going abroad through this volunteer program.
*For Yoo Geun-young, who wanted new experiences and time to think about and grow for her future,she was given tailored daily 1:1 personal missions—activities that allowed for new challenges, opportunities to consider life''s direction, and relaxed time—and a gap year notebook to reflect and make plans was also provided.
Preparations for joining the Singapore overseas volunteer program!
First, I studied basic English and prepared by gathering information about the local volunteer areas in Singapore through internet searches.
I also checked the Korea Gap Year website to find out what items to bring and what to prepare.I learned what behaviors are prohibited in Singapore and what cultural differences exist, and I visited a clinic beforehand to check my health while preparing to depart.
I wanted to make foreign friends while volunteering abroad!
The goals I wanted to achieve during this Singapore overseas volunteer project were to travel around Singapore, befriend local people/foreigners, and gain experience through volunteering abroad.
During the wildlife rescue volunteer work I participated in,I took care of many different animals and realized it was very different from taking care of pets. I also saw that there are many efforts to protect wildlife in places we don''t know about.I was surprised that many people consistently care for animals in various ways, and it became an opportunity to learn new things.
Moreover, trying to converse in English in a new environment eventually increased my confidence and removed my reluctance toward foreigners! :)
What is the daily routine of the Singapore overseas volunteer project?
First, we gather at the dining hall at 9:30 AM and divide the day''s roles with the local volunteers. After assigning each activity location, we go to our respective spots and begin. In the volunteer area called the ''sanctuary'', we first took the baby turtles out of their separate protective boxes and released them into a designated outdoor area.
Then we dispose of the leftover food the turtles didn''t eat the previous day and clean their feeding dishes and water bowls. After that we cleaned the baby turtles'' protective boxes, and when everything was finished we prepared the turtles'' meals and brought food to each enclosure!
# People I met during the overseas volunteer period!!
Through this Singapore volunteer gap-year project, I first became close with Korean international volunteers I happened to meet locally, and I also got to know the local foreign volunteers and the organization''s staff well by working and eating together.
My vocabulary was a bit limited, but there was no major problem communicating through gestures and a little English, and by looking out for and helping each other we became very close! :)
# My personal Singapore travel tips!
First, I recommend buying a transport card at a local convenience store in Singapore that works for both buses and the MRT.
Also, I didn''t set any specific destinations and wandered around, so I didn''t have a concrete travel route. Singapore is generally easy to walk around and the roads are well maintained, so without choosing a specific destinationI think wandering in whichever direction you feel like is also a good way to travel! Also, if you see a double-decker bus that looks cool, take it at least once, take photos, and if you see a foreigner jogging on the street, say hello — I think that''s what travel is about, haha.
# My tips for preparing for Singapore volunteer work!
- Language
: During the volunteer period in Singapore, basic English, gestures, and a little English were sufficient for communication. I do recommend speaking confidently!
- Accommodation
: The accommodation where I stayed during the volunteer period had a wardrobe, so I recommend bringing hangers or buying them locally! Also, there were quite a few items left behind by previous foreign volunteers, so if you forgot something it''s worth checking. Oh, Singapore uses 110V so you should bring a voltage converter.
- Items to bring
: While volunteering your socks may get wet, so I recommend bringing about 5–6 pairs of socks. Also be sure to bring indoor slippers to wear at the accommodation. I also recommend bringing some bandages, ointment, and antacids.
My Singapore volunteer gap year was:
Experience ★★★★★
: The Singapore overseas volunteer project was truly a rewarding volunteer experience!
Learning ★★★★★
: I was able to use English while participating abroad, and I learned various ways of interacting with animals!
Safety ★★★★★
: Singapore is well-known for its safety. I was able to stay without much worry during the volunteer period!
Leisure ★★★★★
: Singapore has many things to enjoy, and public transportation is well developed so I could easily go wherever I wanted and get around without much worry! :)
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
