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#Broadened perspective on social issues #Learned about the role of NGOs and areas for improvement #Experienced local daily life with new friends
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No matter what job I have later, I wanted to help others in some way,
and that small first step was participating in this project.
I''ll definitely return to Cambodia, which feels so welcoming, and gain more experience!!
A steady-step miracle changing the world — Phnom Penh, Cambodia NGO Internship
Han Seo-hee, gapper (27 / gap year) / One-month overseas internship during a gap year
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# Hello. I am 27; I was attending graduate school and am currently taking a break.
Hello,I''m Han Seo-hee, 27, who was attending graduate school and is now taking a short break.I studied psychology as an undergraduate and cognitive psychology in my master''s program, and I am currently planning to apply for a doctoral program.
I enjoy backpacking alone, experiencing different cultures, and meeting people. I also like taking on new challenges and learning new things.Thanks to overseas experiences like being an exchange student and traveling, and because of my personality, I wasn''t worried about getting along with friends from various countries; rather, I was excited to see what kinds of friends I would meet.
>> A small step toward helping others: Click to check out the Cambodia NGO internship!
# I wanted to get out of school, learn something new, and put my long-held dreams into practice.
After two years of graduate school, my body and mind were very exhausted. Fortunately, I had a year and a half of free time before starting a PhD program, andI wanted to learn new things I could do outside of school.AlsoI had always had a vague thought of wanting to do work for others rather than for myself, and I thought now was a good time to put that into practice.
# I thought of it as a small first step toward work that can help others.
I value diversity and strive for a society where no one is discriminated against because of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, etc. Based on these values,I had only vaguely thought that, no matter what job I have later, I want to do work that helps others in some way.I had only vaguely had that thought. For me, a gap year was a small first step toward it.
AndMy goal was to learn what kinds of work NGOs do, how they operate, and what needs to be done to improve them.I thought that experiencing and learning in the field would be more practically meaningful than learning from the internet or books.
# This is how the Cambodia NGO internship was conducted.
On Monday, the program start day, we learned about Cambodia''s history and culture during orientation. On the second day, we had a city tour with a local guide to visit the city''s main attractions. On Thursday, we went to the volunteer organization to meet the organization''s director and the heads of each department. The following week,we visited a shelter for women and children run by the volunteer organization.
# What''s the most memorable moment in Cambodia?
I grew fond of the place as I made new friends and got to know the city. I found bars and restaurants I frequented and friends to hang out with.It wasn''t anything extraordinary, but what left the strongest impression was building fun memories with friends every day and experiencing the locals'' daily life.
There''s also meaning in meeting new friends and making precious memories. I also remember the friends who were with me!Iusually spent most of my time with my roommates and local friends. One friend was a bar manager, so we would drink beer together. I was also invited to family homes and spent time with their family members and relatives. Because of that, I began to feel a bit more connected to the country of Cambodia.If I get the chance later, I''d like to participate in the program again to gain more experience!
# Recommended travel destinations in Cambodia?
Located in Phnom Penh,the Killing Fieldsis a place that carries Cambodia''s tragic history, so I recommend visiting at least once.
Located in the south,the Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem islandsare among my favorite places in Cambodia.They''re places to escape the city and relax on tranquil tropical islands; if you go in the dry season the sea is really clear and blue.To get to Koh Rong, you need to take a ferry from Sihanoukville.
# My tips for preparing for an overseas internship in Cambodia!
- Language
: Everyone uses English. The more you talk with people, the quicker you''ll become comfortable speaking!
- Accommodation & meals
: I stayed in accommodation provided by the organization. Meals were provided three times a day; lunch and dinner came with restaurant vouchers.
- What to bring
: Simple daily necessities like shampoo may be cheaper to buy locally.
My Cambodia internship gap year!
Experience★★★
Environment ★★★★
: The accommodation is generally clean, comfortable, and well-located.
Safety ★★★★
: The town is generally safe, but be cautious of pickpockets.
Leisure ★★★★
: There are many restaurants and bars, and you can reach other cities like Siem Reap and Kampot by public transport.
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
