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#More positive personality, improved communication skills #Turtle conservation experience, cultural understanding #Warm memories, a choice without regrets
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Even now, as time has passed, I sometimes miss it and look back at the photos from that time. On one hand, after returning to Korea, the feelings I didn’t fully understand at that time have deepened over time. I find myself thinking, 'That day was like this~' and reminiscing about those wonderful memories.
Supporting the new adventure of baby sea turtles on the beautiful beaches of Bali, Indonesia!
Review by Kim Min-ju, Korea GapYear Participant |
# I’m a college student who volunteered with turtles in Bali, Indonesia!
Hello, I’m a third-year college student.
At first, I was just looking for volunteer opportunities to earn service points, but I found out that a senior from school volunteered through a Korea GapYear Program. Curious about what activities I might do, I thought it would be a good experience, so I applied with a schoolmate for 'Supporting the new adventure of baby sea turtles on the beautiful beaches of Bali, Indonesia!'
I also wanted to visit Bali, and I thought volunteering with baby turtles there would be interesting and fun, so I chose this project!
* For Kim Min-joo, who found it unfamiliar to stay abroad for a long time, customized 1:1 personal missions related to environmental activities were provided daily, along with a gap year journal to reflect and plan.
# I wanted to have new experiences and new encounters.
I didn’t have any grand goals to achieve through my gap year; my main goal was simply to have new experiences and spend time talking and communicating with the locals. <
# This was a great experience for someone like me who is usually quite timid.
I was excited at the thought of volunteering in Bali, known for its beautiful beaches and as a resort destination,
but at the same time, I felt scared and worried since I had never been abroad for an extended period.
Moreover, the idea of living with foreigners made me anxious,
but when I actually got there, everyone was incredibly kind, and whenever I shared my needs or concerns, they would give feedback and help solve them,
which was really nice. I also felt safe, and the people I met, like the ones who picked me up and helped with volunteering, were warm and wonderful.
The two weeks I participated in could be a long time for some and a short time for others,
but during that time, I developed a sense of closeness and fondness for the people I spent time with, and it was sad when it was time to go home.
At first, I thought the time was passing slowly as I adjusted to the new environment and enjoyed the relaxed pace, which was different from Korea,
but as I became more accustomed to it and interacted with people,
it felt like time flew by, which left me feeling quite regretful.
Thanks to the wonderful memories, I remember feeling good all the way home.
# It was fascinating to see the differences between the turtle I had in Korea and the turtles here.
I used to have a turtle, and it made me reminisce about those days.
The turtle I had looked different from the turtles I met in Bali, both in appearance and shape.
The turtles here swim in the ocean, so their flippers are shaped like wings,
and maybe that's why they looked cute while waddling around in the water.
Besides baby turtles, I also got to meet some really big turtles,
and I have to admit that the large ones were a bit scary since I was only used to seeing the small ones
# Even after returning to Korea, I often reminisce, thinking, 'That day was so nice.'
Through the animal and environmental volunteering in Bali, Indonesia, I was able to experience other aspects of life that are different from Korea.
At first, I was shy and uncomfortable because I didn't have much experience talking with foreigners,
but as I lived together and grew attached to them, I found that my feelings of discomfort and shyness faded away.
I often encountered lizards that I don’t usually see in Korea,
and since the accommodation was made of wood and environmentally friendly, I also came across ants, mosquitoes, and other creatures.
At first, the different way of living felt strange and overwhelming,
but on the other hand, I was really grateful for the consideration of those who helped me adapt, like by installing mosquito nets.
The driver who was in charge of the pickup was such a nice person, so I always felt safe and enjoyed the rides to our volunteer activities,
and I definitely had a safe experience, meeting great people and making wonderful memories.
Even now, as time passes, I sometimes miss those days and look back at the photos from that time.
On the one hand, after returning to Korea, the emotions I didn't realize at that time become deeper and remain in my memory as time passes.
I often recall pleasant memories saying, 'It was like that on that day~.'
# What does a day of animal and environmental volunteer work in Bali, Indonesia look like?
I wake up early, have breakfast at the accommodation, and move to the turtle volunteer site.
Upon arrival at the volunteer site, I take care of the turtles by washing them or burying their eggs.
After lunch, we have some free time or take a walk around the area to explore the neighborhood.
In the evening, we have dinner and some more free time.
# My Personal Tips for Animal and Environmental Volunteer Work in Bali, Indonesia!
(Language)
English is mainly used during the activities. I found Papago to be very helpful.
(Meals)
This project provides meals! It’s a good idea to bring some Korean food for when you miss it.
(Packing)
I packed everything I needed, so I didn’t miss anything, haha. Since the weather can be tricky, it would be good to bring mosquito repellent, mosquito spray, hats, etc. Be sure to check your checklist and pack carefully!
# My Experience of Animal and Environmental Volunteer Work in Bali, Indonesia!
Experience ★★★★★
Learning ★★★★
Environment ★★★
Safety ★★★★★
Leisure ★★★★
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
