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#Increased confidence, a more regular routine #Experience in animal protection, international exchange #A sense of pride in having done it myself.
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I gained confidence knowing that I accomplished everything on my own.Whenever challenges arise, I believe I can handle them well by thinking of this experience.I used to have a chaotic daily routine, but through this activity, I adopted a more structured life, which has improved my physical and mental health.
The Simple Wild Life of Everyday, Volunteer Work Caring for Abandoned Animals in Tokushima, Japan A Review by Park Subin, Korea GapYear Participant
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# Hello. I am a university student who participated in an overseas volunteer program for animal protection in Tokushima, Japan during my gap year.
Hello. I am a university student who participated in the 'The Simple Wild Life of Everyday, Volunteer Work Caring for Abandoned Animals in Tokushima, Japan'
program for two weeks during my gap year.
Since I dream of becoming a zookeeper, I wanted to engage in various animal-related activities during my gap year,
and while searching, I found out about the overseas volunteer program for animal protection in Tokushima, Japan.
I have always wanted to volunteer for animal welfare, so I applied without much hesitation.
Additionally, the opportunity to work in Japan, a country I have always been interested in, felt very appealing to me.
* For participants who wanted to enhance their confidence and inner growth,daily personalized 1:1 missions were provided, focusing on activities that build confidence and foster personal growth, along with a Korea GapYear Notebook to reflect and plan.
# I wanted to have the confidence to do anything on my own!
Since I usually rely heavily on those around me, I wanted to stand on my own.
If I could adapt well while going abroad alone, I felt that I could handle anything that happens in the future.
I participated in a volunteer program for animal protection in Tokushima, Japan, with the goal of becoming stronger, more grown-up, and more confident.
I gradually prepared everything necessary for departure, such as insurance, using the files provided during the gap year and through internet research.
Thanks to this, I didn't experience any inconveniences while living locally, and I even thought that buying some items locally might be better.
# I was impressed to meet good people with the same intentions!
I participated in activities with a couple from Canada and individuals from Hong Kong and Australia. All four of them spoke only in English.
They were great people who always smiled, initiated conversations, and asked how my day was, leaving a lasting impression.
If I get the chance to participate in the overseas volunteer program for animal protection in Tokushima, Japan, again, I definitely want to study English more so that
I can have more conversations with foreign volunteers who share my interests.
# I gained confidence and matured compared to before participating!
I gained confidence from accomplishing everything on my own.
I believe that no matter what happens, I can handle it well, thinking about this experience.
Also, before participating, my daily routine was all mixed up, but while volunteering for animal protection in Tokushima, Japan,
I became healthier in body and mind by living a regular daily life.
On top of that, my Japanese skills improved enough to hold basic conversations, and, as I gradually opened my heart and observed the dogs approaching me,
I was reminded once again of what the feeling of 'happiness' is.
# A Day in the Life of Animal Protection Volunteering in Tokushima, Japan
I wake up at 9, wash up, get ready, and have breakfast before taking a break.
At 10:30, when the staff comes to pick us up, we all get in the car and head to the activity site, starting our work at 11.
At 12:30, I take a personal break (you can just tell the staff that you need a break at any time!).
After the break, when you go back to the staff, the next activity is walking the dogs. After that, we wash the dogs' food bowls and clean the indoor kennel.
Once all the volunteering is done, it’s around 3:30 to 4, and after getting back in the car to return to the accommodation, the official activities end.
After that, it’s free time, and I usually go shopping at a convenience store or supermarket, prepare dinner, and take a break.
# My Tips for Animal Protection Volunteer Activities in Tokushima, Japan
(Language)
I used both English and Japanese. Since some staff members may have difficulty communicating in English, I recommend studying Japanese before you go!
Even if you only speak in words rather than complete sentences, they will understand, so I hope you memorize plenty of vocabulary.
Also, since all the other volunteers are foreigners, being proficient in English will help you enjoy the activities even more.
(Accommodation)
I stayed in accommodation provided by the organization, and the common areas were shared by both men and women.
You will be living with three cats, so it’s a good idea to bring something to help clean up cat hair (like a lint roller).
You can drink tap water, which is clean, but if you are sensitive, I recommend buying bottled water from convenience stores.
Also, since the soundproofing isn't great, I suggest bringing earphones.
(Meals)
I mostly cooked for myself at the accommodation.
You might find yourself craving Korean food, so I recommend bringing several packs of ramen, gochujang, and other essentials from Korea.
In Japan, there is a separate fish grill on the gas stove, so I often bought fresh salmon at the supermarket and grilled it, and it was delicious.
(Ingredients)
Since it’s a shared accommodation with several people, it's good for hygiene to bring slippers and a tumbler. I used my iPad a lot during my free time and leisure time.
Don't forget to bring the lint roller I mentioned above, and if you're going during the rainy season, raincoats and boots are essential!
Especially the boots (long ones are recommended) are very useful when cleaning the dog kennel, so be sure to bring them no matter when you go.
Also, I recommend purchasing a Suica card (transportation card) locally.
You can use the Suica at convenience stores and large supermarkets. Especially with an iPhone, you can register it, which is very convenient as you don’t have to deal with change.
# Experience the joy of overcoming language barriers!
At the beginning of my gap year, I couldn’t speak Japanese well, so I found it difficult to go out to restaurants and cafes.
However, I felt that if I kept avoiding these situations, it would defeat the purpose of participating in the overseas volunteer activity in Tokushima, Japan,
so I mustered the courage to go out.
It was an excellent choice. The staff were all friendly, patiently waiting and kindly informing us of things we didn’t know.
Don’t be afraid if your Japanese isn’t great; try to start conversations with simple words little by little!
As your Japanese improves, you’ll find more joy in local life.
# My Unique Tokushima Travel Route
I recommend walking to the nearby Daiso.
Walking along the neighborhood alley in front of the elementary school, you’ll hear gentle Japanese coming from various places, see Japanese signs everywhere, and so on.
It really makes you feel like you’re in Japan. It’s a different feeling from just coming as a tourist.
On weekends, it’s nice to take the train to Tokushima Station. There are many restaurants and cafes, making it a great place to hang out.
In Japan, cafes also serve brunch, and the quality is good for the price.
On your days off, wake up as usual and enjoy brunch at a cafe while fully experiencing local Japan!
# My Gap Year!
Experience ★★★★★
: It was meaningful to do what I love in a country I love, and I had many heartwarming moments with the dogs.
Learning ★★★★☆
: I learned how to care for a large number of dogs and gained a lot of practical Japanese skills.
Environment ★★★☆☆
: Before I left, my biggest worries were about transportation and food. Fortunately, the convenience stores had everything I needed, so it wasn't a major issue.
For transportation, if you write down your coordinates in advance and look them up on Google Maps, you'll have no significant difficulties.
Since there's no designated lunch break while working, I made sure to eat a little something for breakfast before starting the day.
Safety ★★★★☆
: There are occasionally some really strong dogs. If you're not comfortable walking them alone, please let the staff know!
Leisure ★★★★☆
: There aren't many things to do near the activity area. However, if you take the train to Tokushima Station, there are many restaurants and cafes, making it great for outings on your days off.
Also, while Daiso and beauty & grocery stores aren't close by, they are within walking distance, and the paths are beautiful and peaceful, so I often walked there.
A vivid review video from participants in the animal protection volunteer program in Tokushima, Japan!
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
