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#Self-love, inner peace, pursuit of happiness #Experience caring for abandoned animals, self-reflection #The fulfillment of volunteering and the importance of personal happiness
A Glimpse into Tokushima’s WildLife: Volunteering to Care for Abandoned Animals
Baek Ju Yeon wanted to step out of her daily life and focus on herself. Through out 1:1 consultation it was decided that volunteering in Japan would suit her best while still focusing on her goal. We ensured the preparation and questions were completed to help Baek Ju Yeon with her experience abroad. Here is her gap year review on her 3 month journey. If you have any questions on which program is right for you, contact us today!
In search of self-love, I decided to go to Japan and volunteer.
Caring for many dogs at the organization allowed me to practice both delivering and receiving love in a meaningful way.
Living a peaceful life without forcing anything upon myself allowed me to make a decision that truly brought me happiness. I made the choice to be happy for myself thanks to a peaceful life that doesn’t force me to do anything.
I decided to take a gap year to learn how to love myself.
Hello! I’m Baek Ju Yeon, a 30-year-old who decided to take a 3 month gap year to learn to love myself.
I hoped to finally be able to love myself, even the parts I couldn’t accept until the very end. After confirming that taking a gap year was my answer, I spent a long time searching carefully through Korea Gap Year’s website. I hesitated along the way as there were moments when I thought about giving up due to unexpected challenges, but I realized that if I didn’t do it now, I might never be able to change myself.
Among the things I could do on my own, I searched for volunteer opportunities related to animals, especially dogs, since I love them. I also prefer nature over the city and given that my English proficiency isn't very good, I recalled feeling comfortable traveling in Japan before. This led me to choose Japan as my destination. In reality, Japan has a similar living environment to Korea and is very well equipped with convenient facilities making it an easy place to navigate.
The goal was to love myself and allow myself to do nothing.
The ultimate goal was to love myself. I wanted to take the time to appreciate and accept myself just as I am. The next goal was to “do nothing.” I wanted to break free from thepressure of constantly needing to be productive, allowing myself to recognize what I truly wanted to do and cherish each moment in the happiest way possible.
I wanted to express and share love with the animals.
Between 9:30 and 10:30 am, the organization representative would come to pick me up and we would head to the facility together. Upon arrival, the first task is to prepare food for the dogs. In the morning, I take the dogs from the first floor out for a walk and after lunch I walk the dogs from the other floor. Once all the dogs have had their walks, I take out the trash and prepare the food for the next day.
By spending time with the dogs at the facility, I practiced both giving and receiving love. Each dog had different preferences, such as the way they liked to be walked or the things they enjoyed. Depending on their personalities, I had to approach them gently and patiently, while others were diferent. On rainy days, some dogs didn’t want to go for a walk, while others enjoyed picking wild raspberries or running around trying to catch salamanders. Even the dogs who were being difficult were also rewarded.
I was so happy during my gap year!
I was really happy being around many dogs. I wanted to experience the structured framework of the animal shelter in Japan, but while volunteering here, I learned that Japan’s rescue shelters are quite high level. I thought Korea could better accommodate foreigners and boost volunteer activities, much like Japan.
I realized that while I was enjoying many things, I was also spending a lot of time alone, yet still living with a strong awareness of how I appeared to others. However, during my time in Tokushima, I was able to truly listen to my inner voice, embrace myself as I am, and prioritize my own happiness. I found a sense of peace that felt genuine, allowing joy to rise naturally from within. It was fulfilling to live a peaceful life without pressure or expectations, simply letting happiness flow freely.
Tokushima had always been breathtaking. The golden sunlight, green mountains and fields, small houses, and narrow winding alleys. The air was filled with unfamiliar birds and insects, their names were unknown but their presence was intriguing. I found joy in playful chases with dogs that loved to run away. On sunny days, as I curled up in a blanket and drifted off to sleep, I felt completely filled by the warmth of the sunlight, its energy filling me with a deep sense of peace.
I will continue my volunteer work in Korea and will not forget the goal of my gap year.
Without losing sight of the goal I set for my gap year, I will take the time to love myself and grow into the person I aspire to be. I will continue to evolve while embracing the present and making the most of what I have. Before joining, I felt lost, as many challenges weighed medown, pushing me to my limits. However, through this experience, I have learned to find greater inner peace. Everything will be okay, I trust that my goal will be achieved at the right time and in the best possible way.
Language:
Japanese and English are mostly used so you can communicate in English with others at the accommodation and when volunteering.
Accommodation and meals:
I lived in a hostel that was provided by the institution and ate by myself. There are supermarkets and convenience stores around the accommodation so it is very convenient! There were times where others living in the hostel would gather and hold parties with the theme of food from different countries.
Preparations:
It is best to have a raincoat and non-slip shoes. It will make it easier when volunteering as well as bringing sunscreen and comfortable clothing. There are supermarkets, drug stores like Daiso, etc. if you forget the basics you can buy it locally!
My Tokushima, Japan Volunteer Review!
EXPERIENCE - ★★★★★ - You will have new experiences.
LEARNING - ★★★★★ - You will gain knowledge in new areas and grow.
ENVIRONMENT - ★★★★★ - You can live in a beautiful and surrounding nature.
SAFETY - ★★★★★ - Will not have to worry about any dangerous situations.
LEISURE - ★★★★★ - You will have enough personal time.
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
