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#Practicing environmental protection, respect for life #Turtle conservation experience, local connections #A sense of fulfillment and reward different from travel
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Watching the endangered turtles made me realize the value of life, and I am trying to practice reducing plastic use as much as possible. I want to return during the season when I can actively help with the birth of baby turtles. I came back with a heart full and fulfilled in a way that regular travel cannot offer.
Supporting the new adventures of baby sea turtles on the beautiful beaches of Bali! Review by Jeon Yeong-a and Jo Gyu-hyun, Gap Year Participants |
# Hello. I am a working mom who went on a gap year with my son for six days.
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Hello! I am a working gapper who participated in the program "Supporting Baby Sea Turtles on Their New Adventures at the Beautiful Beaches of Bali" for six days with my child!
Because my child loves animals and plants, they naturally became interested in the Earth's environment.
As I planned a trip focused on animals and environmental protection, I discovered a suitable gap year program and decided to participate.
Each day, customized 1:1 personal missions were provided, allowing me to actively engage in environmental protection activities and create memories with my child, along with a gap year notebook to reflect on and plan.
*Mrs. Jeon Young-a, who wanted to create special memories with her child through environmental protection activities, received tailored personal missions that allowed her to actively participate in environmental protection activities and create memories with her child, along with a gap year notebook to reflect and plan for herself.
>> Go to Korea GapYear Mission
# I wanted to create opportunities for my child to have the experiences they desire!
Through this gap year, I wanted to create an environment where my child could go in the direction they want to pursue.
Also, I wanted to create fun memories by volunteering together with my child at least once.
Before departing, I knew nothing about Bali, so I read several books about it and joined a Bali travel cafe to
gather information.
The materials and orientation provided by the gap year program were also very helpful in understanding
Bali.
# I made local friends!
I became friends with a brother who is the second generation protecting a turtle sanctuary, following in their
father's footsteps.
I also got really close to the local people who were in charge of transportation and accommodation, and on
the day of departure, my child almost cried when saying goodbye.^^
# I have realized the value of life and actively practice environmental protection.
Watching a turtle nearing the end of its life, I felt overwhelming emotion when we returned the healed turtle to the sea.
I realized once again the preciousness of life that I had taken for granted.
We also participated in cleaning up plastics and plastic bags that hurt turtles on the beach.
After returning to Korea, I naturally started to refrain from using plastics and straws.
It was a time of enrichment as I could closely see the lives of local residents while engaging in volunteer work rather than just sightseeing,
and my heart was filled with the pride of contributing to their lives.
I returned with a fulfilled and enriched heart that I could not experience on a typical trip.
# What is a day like in Bali's Animal Protection Volunteer Program?
In the morning, we carried out volunteer activities and took a 2-hour break in our rooms at noon.
In the afternoon, we participated in activities or had time for sightseeing. The entire schedule usually ended around 5 to 6 PM!
After dinner, it’s all free time! :)
# If you are interested in animals and the environment, everyone should participate!
From April to October is the turtle breeding season, so you should go during that time to care for and
release baby turtles.
We visited in January because of the kids' vacation, so we could only feed sick adult turtles or baby turtles,
bathe them, and clean the tanks,
but we couldn't release any. Outside of the breeding season, there are hardly any outside visitors at the
turtle sanctuary, making it quite peaceful.
If you go during the breeding season, you’ll have a much more fulfilling experience every day.
For those who love animals or are considering a career related to animals, and for those
interested in the Earth's environment,
if you want to do fun volunteer work with your young children, you will surely gain a lot!
I was so impressed that I want to visit again during the season when I can actively help with the birth of
baby turtles! Hehe.
# My tips for a unique overseas volunteer experience in Bali!
-Language
Bali and English are commonly used. It was interesting to note that Balinese and Indonesian are different.
Most of the time, they just change the type of sauce with the chicken legs. Nasi goreng (fried rice) and mee
goreng (fried noodles) are both delicious, and there are also a few dishes that aren't on the menu.
I stayed in a traditional Balinese house. While it might be somewhat inconvenient compared to modern
buildings,I think living like a local in a traditional Balinese house was a refreshing experience, and I was
able to adapt to the local lifestyle quickly.
The kitchen lady served delicious meals freshly made for each meal. Breakfast was light and American-
style,while dinner was served as a course with appetizers, soup, main dishes, and dessert. However,
although there were many main dish options,
most of them were just different types of chicken legs with varying sauces. Nasi goreng (fried rice) and
Mie Goreng (fried noodles) were all delicious that weren't on the menu.
Mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a hat are essential, and it's a good idea to bring along some indoor slippers to use in the room.
During the rainy season, the temperature at night is around 20 to 22 degrees, and since it rains, be sure to bring long sleeves and long pants!
Since the water is hard, it's convenient to bring a tumbler and fill it with filtered water from the water dispenser for brushing your teeth.
In addition, if you bring a travel wallet card and a three-outlet power strip, it will make your life more convenient.
Also, since there aren't any supermarkets nearby, those who love Korean food should pack instant noodles and pre-cooked rice from Korea.
On the other hand, you don’t need to bring too many clothes. The laundry is cheap, so you can wash often :)
You don't need to bring mosquito nets either, as they are provided at the accommodation.
# My Gap Year!
1. Experience ★★★★★ 5/5
: It was meaningful to engage in turtle protection and care activities that I couldn't experience in my country.
2. Learning ★★★★★ 5/5
: I learned a lot about animal ecology and environmental protection.
3. Environment ★★★★★ 5/5
: Since it’s not a popular area for Koreans, I primarily encountered Australians and Europeans, giving me a chance to experience various cultures from different countries.
Additionally, the environment allows you to see Bali as it is, not just the tourist spots, which greatly helps in understanding the country of 'Bali.'
4. Safety ★★★★★5/5
: The turtle sanctuary and accommodations, as well as transportation, are all safe. The locals are very kind, and
what I remember most is that everyone smiled when our eyes met.
5. Leisure ★★★★★5/5
: There’s about a 2-hour rest period before the afternoon activities, during which you can record the activities and relax at your leisure.
The afternoon activities also end around 5 or 6 PM, so after that, you can have dinner and spend your free time as you like.
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
