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#Self-discovery, broadened horizons #Positive interactions, improved English skills #Leisurely culture, depth of relationships
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Being exhausted from social/work life, I felt like I was gradually losing myself. So I wanted to find my "original self, my true self." In fact, while doing the gap year, I had many moments of realization like, "Ah, this is who I used to be!" Meeting new experiences and people helped me rediscover the self I had lost.
A special volunteer trip in Lisbon, Portugal — one of the most beautiful places in the world! Kim SuhyunGapper''s review |
# I was tired of the repetitive everyday life and joined a Portugal gap year to find a new challenge!
Hello! I''m Kim Suhyun. I''m an ordinary office worker approaching my thirties, and with the year almost over...I thought, ''My twenties are ending...'' and resolved that I couldn''t let it pass like this.
Fed up with the same daily routine, I shouted "I''m bored!", handed in my resignation, and planned a trip to Europe with my severance pay.Then I happened to learn about a gap year program, thought "This is it!", applied, and finally left for Europe for the first time in my life!
To be honest, I was most worried about English, but with a positive attitude of "It''ll work out somehow!", I decided to leave it to my future self. Being in an environment where I communicated with foreign friends every day and had no choice but to use English, I found my English improving little by little.Of course, I missed Korea''s spicy food so much that sometimes I couldn''t resist and made it myself! Haha.
*We recommended the Portugal Lisbon gap year—full of positive environments—to Kim Suhyun, who was looking for new experiences after quitting her job!Not sure where or how to start making changes and want a customized plan? We highly recommend a 1:1 consultation with a gap year specialist!
Gap year 1:1 consulting — a certain way to transform your life.
# I wanted to find my true self and develop a broader perspective and mindset.
Through this gap year, I had two goals!
The first was "finding my true self," and the second was "gaining a broader perspective and mindset."
Being worn out by social/work life, I felt like I was gradually losing who I am. So...I wanted to find my original, true self. In fact, while on the gap year, there were many moments when I realized, "Ah, this is who I used to be!" By meeting new experiences and people, I rediscovered the self I had lost.
Also, seeing the diverse mindsets of people from other countries and the broader world, I wanted to pull myself out of my ''frog-in-a-well'' mindset.Living in Korea''s fast "ppalli-ppalli" ("hurry-hurry") culture made me realize how important it is to think more leisurely and accept diverse perspectives.
# I learned how to interact positively within relationships with new people.
The experience of feeling a deep bond with friends from diverse cultures and appearances was truly special!
If I had traveled around Europe alone, I think it would have been difficult to have long conversations with so many foreigners like this.Staying in the same accommodation and doing the same activities naturally helped me form close bonds with foreign friends.
What I learned from my experiences with those friends was inner self-esteem and the willingness to share that confidence with others. It was really impressive to see them praise and encourage others first, and to watch others respond with gratitude and praise in return. Such positive interactions seem to open people''s hearts and deepen relationships.
There are a few friends I''m especially grateful for. Among them, ''Ayoung'' provided a lot of strength and comfort to each of us throughout the trip, ''Bri&Ty'' kindly guided me when I was unfamiliar with things, and ''ily'', who loves Korea, was a sweet friend who responded well to everything I said. I miss my friends so much :)
# Shake off your fears and create your own story!
If someone asked, "How was your gap year in Portugal?", I think I would answer like this.
""Before participating in the gap year I lived like a ''hamster running on a wheel,'' during the gap year I was a ''free wanderer,'' and after returning I became a ''wanderer holding the compass of life.''"I would say that confidently.
And I want to tell this to those who are hesitating about taking a gap year!
If you currently have healthy physical fitness and a flexible mindset, don''t hesitate—just ''GO!''
It will surely be an opportunity to discover yourself and grow through this experience.Shake off your fears and create your own story!
# Volunteering in Lisbon, Portugal — here''s my daily routine!
Because my project runs at night, having my daytime free was something I found very appealing!
I would wake up, have breakfast at the accommodation, and then do some sightseeing in Portugal. After that, I would go to the volunteer site on time and volunteer together with friends from various countries.
I mostly collected food from hotels or bakeries, or mainly did dishwashing.I felt proud to be able to offer a small help to the local community!
# My tips for preparing for volunteering in Lisbon, Portugal!
By following the procedures provided by the gap year program—handling the big things like flight tickets, insurance, and visas first, and then preparing smaller items like personal belongings and travel plans—my pre-departure preparations went really smoothly!
I want to express my gratitude to the gap year program for enabling a safe and well-organized trip :)
# My Portugal Lisbon volunteer gap year was!
Experience ★★★★★
: A unique experience—different buildings, people, food, and so on compared to Korea!
Learning★★★★★
: The relaxed, laid-back vibe typical of Europeans!
Environment★★★
: Six people shared a room with three bunk beds!
Safety★★★★
: Fortunately, we weren''t pickpocketed or overcharged, but we were always on alert!
Leisure ★★★★
: I think I would have been even happier if I could have spent more leisure time in Portugal!
Kim Su-hyunvisited byVolunteer activity in Lisbon, PortugalProject Want more information?!
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