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#Became less passive and gained confidence #The sense of accomplishment from carrying out my goal #Grew to like animals more
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I decided on a gap year project, and by creating and carrying out new experiences abroad, I feel more confident than before. There are things I personally want to do or try, but I feel I hadn’t actually put them into practice. On this occasion, by carrying out my goals, I felt a sense of accomplishment and confidence.
Short but full of healing! Enjoy a volunteer trip caring for rescue animals in Split, Croatia Kim Hyunseop — a gapper''s review |
I am a 25-year-old college student who loves animals and travel.
I usually like animals and travel, and wanting to have various experiences abroad, I applied for the Croatia rescue-animal volunteer program and participated for three weeksI participated.
* For Mr. Kim Hyunseop, who wanted to actively make lots of foreign friends while volunteering with rescue animals abroad,a customized 1:1 personal mission to get close to foreign volunteers was provided every day, and a Gap Year Note to reflect on himself and make plans was also provided.
# I wanted to change my shy self, have various experiences, and I was also interested in animal activities.
Although I had many overseas experiences, I wanted to try something new. In particular, I wanted to change my shy self and have a variety of experiences.
Since I was on a leave of absence, I also wanted to try various things and develop myself
If I was going to do it, I wanted experiences related to nature and animals that I likeI decided on a gap year because I wanted to do a lot of those.
Basically I prepared according to the guidance, and I studied the local weather, culture, etiquette, and basic language before going.
When I participated, the Croatian staff were so friendly and fun that it felt like I only needed to show up!
# It was so moving that the stray dog I had been caring for was adopted and went on to live happily.
Every moment of the Croatia rescue animal volunteer work remains memorable; the local Croatians were really kind,
and the volunteers from the UK and Canada who volunteered with me were nice too.
As part of the volunteer activities, there was an event where rescue dogs and college students from around Europe were invited to walk together through Croatian parks and the city,
with the rescue dogsWalking with them, being able to interact a lot with local college students and their culture was also a new and enjoyable experienceIt remains memorable.
Still, if I had to pick the most memorable moving experience, it was that the rescue dog I had been caring for recovered its health and was adopted by an owner.
Seeing an animal I had been with living happily was truly moving.
# I became more confident and grew to love the things I like even more.
Deciding on the gap year project and creating and carrying out new experiences abroad made me more confident than before.
There were things I personally wanted to do or try, but I don''t think I actually put them into practice.
Taking this opportunity to carry out my goals gave me a sense of achievement and confidence.
In particular, I grew to like the animals I had liked even more.
To those of you who will participate in the gap year project! Croatia is really a safe and wonderful country,
If you actively participate, you''ll have a wonderful experience!
# What is a typical day like at the Croatia stray animal protection volunteer program?
In the morning, after breakfast at the accommodation, we take a bus to the activity site.
At the activity site, we volunteer for about 4–5 hours starting around 11 a.m., then return to the accommodation.
After activities, you can spend leisure time with fellow volunteers or have personal time.
# My recommended Croatia travel route!
It''s about a 4-hour one-way bus ride from Split to the Dubrovnik area.
It''s great to visit over a weekend!
On weekdays, you volunteer and have relaxed time,
On weekends, taking a 1-night, 2-day trip to nearby areas like this lets you enjoy Croatia more fully.
# My Croatia stray animal protection volunteer gap year:
Experience★★★★★
I liked dogs but had never owned one; being able to care for them freely and have diverse, fresh experiences was great. Living in Europe was also very nice.
Learning★★★★★
While actively cooperating with volunteers from different nationalities, I learned a lot about teamwork, culture, and more.
Environment★★★★
Since it’s a facility with many abandoned dogs, there was an animal smell even though it was kept clean. I had no prior experience raising a puppy, so I needed some time to adjust at first, but it improved soon.
Safety★★★★★
The project itself was very safe and good for relaxing. From my personal experience, Croatia felt safe — I could walk around alone at dawn.
Leisure★★★★★
The area where the project took place has historical sites and several museums, and the coastline was so beautiful it was great for relaxing!
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
