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#Focused on myself and discovered who I am #Indirect study-abroad experience, spirit of volunteerism #The realization that it's okay not to be perfect
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Other participants with warm hearts will welcome you, and the warm country of Vietnam will greet you. JUST DO IT!
The Love Sharing Project with Innocent Children! Vietnam Ho Chi Minh Caregiver Song Min-jae Korea GapYear Participant's Review
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# Hello, I'm a 6-year working professional.
Hello, I’m Song Min-jae, a 6-year working professional. Recently, I realized that in order to achieve what I want to do, effort is necessary, and the first thing I started with was obtaining certifications in areas of interest, which led me to decide to participate in overseas volunteer work for the second time.
I thought this would be a great opportunity to participate in overseas volunteer work in a field I’ve always been interested in, so I joined the project.
Ultimately, I was uncertain which project to choose, but considering that I like children and had a joyful trip to Vietnam with my mother a few years ago, I decided to go with the Vietnam Ho Chi Minh overseas childcare volunteer project.
# I was planning a new experience in my field of interest and meaningful rest.
Even during my work life, whenever I had time on Saturdays, I used to spend time assisting the elderly at a day care center, helping with activities and meals. One day, I thought that if there was an opportunity to help people of any age or nationality in need, I would love to try it.
On the other hand, I wanted to find the answer to the "WHY" during this gap year—what I like and why I like it. Of course, since it was only two weeks, I can't say I found a perfect answer, but thanks to the volunteers and the children's untainted innocence I met locally, I was able to express myself more during the time spent together, discover new sides of myself, and have a little more time to focus on myself. That alone made it a satisfying experience.
*For Song Minjae, who chose his first overseas volunteer experience as a new challenge in his field, personalized 1:1 missions were provided every day to help him quickly adapt to the local environment and focus on the experiences he wanted.
# You don’t have to be perfect, and there’s no need to rush!
Normally, I’m the type to make perfect plans before going on a trip, but this time, I prepared for the departure a bit differently. Instead of making plans for big tourist spots or looking for popular restaurants, what mattered most to me was thinking about what kind of special experience I could give the children. So, throughout the preparation, I was filled with both excitement and a little worry. The checklist provided by Gap Year for pre-trip preparation was a big help.
I arrived in Ho Chi Minh on December 24th, which was Christmas Eve, and since it was the holiday, the volunteers who were already there were not at the accommodation. I remember spending a lonely Christmas Eve on my first day, haha. But that didn’t last long! Unlike my first day, on the second day, I had the chance to greet people, and I enjoyed a Christmas party. From then on, my happy gap year truly began!!
As someone who experienced a lonely evening on my first night, haha, one thing I want to share is that there’s no need to rush! I realized that I didn’t need to feel anxious or in a hurry.
# What is a typical day like in the Vietnam Ho Chi Minh childcare volunteer gap year program?
I usually woke up in the morning, greeted with a "Good morning," and had breakfast together before heading to the volunteer site. In the morning, I taught English by showing pictures to the children, and afterward, we had lunch assistance and a break. In the afternoon, we continued with more English lessons and meal assistance. Therefore, this volunteer work was manageable for anyone interested in childcare!
Also, the project I participated in had a local coordinator in charge of volunteers and a manager who provided information to volunteers, which made it easier to settle in and live well.
# If you dream of a meaningful overseas trip or life, consider a volunteer gap year!
Personally, I would recommend a gap year for people who feel tired from doing work that doesn’t suit them, those who want to study abroad but feel financially burdened, or those who feel like they are losing themselves due to the pressure of others’ opinions. I highly recommend it!
Although it was a short period of two weeks, in my case, I was able to experience an indirect study abroad experience through the English spoken everywhere I went, I was able to find myself without the burden of others' gazes, and it was a time when I could fully focus on myself.
Other participants with warm hearts, who want to volunteer and work together, will welcome you, and the warm country of Vietnam will also embrace you. JUST DO IT!
# My Tips for Preparing a Gap Year Volunteering in Ho Chi Minh!
(Meals)
For breakfast, salads, crepes, bread, and eggs are served at the restaurant, which gives a feeling of satiety without being overwhelming. When I participated, lunch was simple local food like pho or banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), which is lighter compared to Korean lunch, so it felt light to me. Sometimes I bought drinks or had desserts at cafes! If you like to have a hearty meal, I recommend bringing Korean protein bars! They were very useful for me!
(Packing)
Since I am someone who tends to pack a lot even for a 1-night 2-day trip, I didn’t have any problems with missing items!
Things that were useful to bring from Korea were a hairdryer and a mosquito repellent bracelet. I also like taking photos, so I brought several outfits, and I don’t regret that either!
One way to lighten your luggage is to buy towels at a local Vietnamese store and leave them behind when you go. I also recommend buying local clothes at places like Ben Thanh Market!
# My Gap Year Volunteering Experience in Vietnam!
Experience ★★★★★
Learning ★★★★★
Environment ★★★★★
Safety ★★★★★
Leisure ★★★★★
If you are interested in more information about Minjae Song's Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City Childcare Volunteer Gap Year Project,
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