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#Discovering a new me and growing #A new direction in life, good relationships #The joy of overcoming fear
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"I'm glad I took on a new challenge," I want to praise myself.
A volunteering trip full of leisure in Bali, Indonesia, where you can experience the most beautiful sunsets in the world Review by Korea GapYear Participant Josindeok |
# Hello, I’m a primary school teacher with 20 years of experience, recently back from building new experiences.
Hello. I’m a teacher who’s spent 20 years educating children in primary school. Nowadays, I enjoy traveling freely, meeting new people, and accumulating new experiences. I’ve always loved traveling, so I’ve been to many places abroad, but this was my first overseas educational volunteering experience.
Although I was particularly interested in volunteering to teach Korean, it was challenging to find an opportunity at the time I wanted. Just as I was feeling a bit disappointed, Korea GapYear recommended English teaching instead and guided me through the program. With a mindset to try something new, I decided to participate in this program. Since I had an interest in English and was studying it consistently, I thought teaching might also improve my English skills.
*Jo Sin-deok, who has taught children for many years, originally hoped for Korean language volunteer opportunities. However, due to scheduling limitations for Korean education at that time, we thoroughly checked her desired gap year path and suggested a suitable English teaching volunteer activity instead. Through personalized guidance, she was able to complete a satisfying gap year. If you’re considering activities or want recommendations, we encourage a Korea GapYear Consultation!
>> If you want program recommendations, connect with us (Korea GapYear) on What's App here!
# Through new and unfamiliar experiences, I discovered a new me.
Through this new experience, something I had never tried before, I wanted to discover a new “me” and create a new life direction. Although I had taught students for a long time and traveled abroad often, participating in this program was a completely new experience. Teaching English instead of Korean was also new, and it brought a different feeling than anything I had done before.
# There was a unique warmth that I felt, different from teaching children in Korea.
The students who came to attend the class were truly dedicated, and every time the class ended, each one would come to me individually to express their gratitude. It was very touching and felt different from teaching kids in Korea.
Aside from the students, I’ll never forget the guide I met at the local organization. From my arrival at Bali airport to the moment I left, they were always by my side, helping me in both Korean and English. Thanks to them, even though I was traveling alone, I didn’t feel lonely, and I was able to conduct all my classes smoothly. I also got to meet many local residents, elementary and high school students, and other volunteers of various nationalities staying at the same place.
Since it was an English teaching volunteer program, I thought I would only be teaching English. However, when I mentioned my interest in teaching Korean, the local organization set up a Korean class for me, for which I was extremely grateful! Luckily, the guide who spoke Korean was around, so I could hold both English and Korean classes :) I was pleasantly surprised to meet many people interested in Korea and its culture.
Since many were just beginning to learn English, some had difficulty with basic communication. During 1:1 mentoring, I sometimes wondered how to communicate effectively. Fortunately, I had brought an English book from Korea, so we would read it together, and I’d explain what they didn’t understand, which naturally led to conversation. Also, in Korean classes, I introduced traditional Korean games (like Yut Nori, Gonggi, Jegichagi, and Ttakji Chigi), and used them to explain Korean culture after the lesson. They really enjoyed it! Bringing materials and supplies helped make the class fun and was beneficial to the lessons as well!
# Overcoming fear and finding joy in challenges can’t be compared to anything else.
Before trying something I’ve never done, I always feel a mix of fear and excitement! Overcoming fear and boldly facing new encounters brings a joy that’s impossible to compare with anything else. Unexpected emotions and thoughts lead me naturally to new worlds.
Through this challenge, I was able to feel and realize once again what’s most important when meeting others, what it means to accept a new culture and naturally integrate within it, and what truly makes my heart flutter.
That’s why I want to tell myself, ‘It was definitely worth challenging myself to try something new.’ I want to keep moving forward, not hesitating to try new things. I’m proud of the confidence I’ve gained to take on whatever my heart leads me to as the protagonist of my own life.
# Daily life on my Bali volunteer trip!
In the mornings, I would give one-on-one English mentoring to local residents for about an hour, and then we’d do various local experiences together in Bali, like making sea salt bath bombs and crafting canang sari, which helped me connect more closely with the locals.
After lunch, I would gather local students for a class. If there was heavy rain or not many students could gather, I’d sometimes hold the class after dinner. Additionally, I requested a chance to teach at a local elementary school in Bali, which I was lucky to get! (Whether you can do Korean classes or teach at an elementary school may vary depending on the timing, so it’s good to talk to the Korea GapYear Team before you go to discuss your project.)
Outside of work, I mostly rested at the accommodation and would sometimes take a walk along the beach nearby.
# My own tips for preparing for a Bali Volunteering!
Since I've traveled abroad many times before, I wasn’t too worried. Before departing, I followed the instructions on the Korea GapYear website step-by-step. Whenever I had questions or concerns, I reached out to the coordinator and resolved them as I went along. Overall, the preparation went smoothly.
# My Bali Volunteer Experience /Volunteer Travel Gap Year!
Experience ★★★★★
: I met new people, formed new relationships, learned about a new culture, and gained fresh experiences :)
Learning ★★★★★
: I learned the warmth of greeting everyone I met with a smile and friendly words, even if they were strangers.
Environment ★★★★
: Although it was very hot and there were many bugs due to the season, I soon realized that it was nothing once I got used to it!
Safety ★★★★★
: With people always looking out for me and showing care, I felt just as comfortable as I would at home~
Leisure ★★★★
: Although I didn’t explore many places in Bali, it was the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the refreshing view of the ocean right before my eyes.
If you're curious about the Bali Overseas Volunteer/Volunteer Travel Project that Jo Sin-Deok participated in?!
Click on the banner below!
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Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
