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Exciting environmental conservation volunteering in New Zealand's nature with friends from around the world

#Global perspective; increased confidence #Practical environmental conservation experience; improved English skills #The importance of nature; the value of cooperation

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    Participating in hands-on environmental volunteer work through the gap year project and solving problems gave me a broader perspective and allowed me to feel the importance of environmental conservation firsthand. It was an important turning point that strengthened my goals in the eco-friendly field.

     

    Having fun volunteering for environmental conservation in New Zealand''s nature with friends from around the world

    Lee Cho-hooA gapper''s review

     

     

    # Being exposed to diverse cultures and exploring New Zealand''s unique ecosystem was a major draw.

     

    Hello! I am Lee Cho-hoo, a student majoring in Biological Sciences.

    I chose this gap year project because I have a deep interest in conserving the natural environment and wanted to improve my English by interacting with people from other countries. In addition, I wanted to directly apply the knowledge I learned while majoring in Biological Sciences in the field, and explore New Zealand''s unique ecosystem that you can''t experience in KoreaI wanted to do that. Additionally,gain meaningful experience through volunteer work, and explore various regions of New Zealand on weekends through independent travelThe fact that I could do that was also a big attraction of this project.

     

     

    At first, I wasn''t without worries about staying abroad for an extended period.I worried about adapting to a new environment or facing difficulties due to language barriers, but I thought these experiences would instead become greater challenges and opportunities for growth. My expectation that it would be an opportunity to meet new people and learn within diverse cultures outweighed my worries,Through this,I was confident that I would gain a broader perspective.

     

    * For Lee Cho-hoo, who was very interested in environmental conservation, I recommend volunteer work in New Zealand''s environmental conservation where you can use your life sciences background to experience significant challenges and growth!If you want to know where and how to start making changes and receive a customized plan, I highly recommend one-on-one consulting with a gap year specialist!

    A sure way to change your life: Gap Year 1:1 Consulting

     

     

     

    # I wanted to make a practical contribution to environmental conservation and develop a global perspective.

     

    Through the gap year, Ihad two goalsI sought to achieve them.

    First, As a Biological Sciences major, I wanted to directly apply what I learned in the field and make a tangible contribution to environmental conservation.

    Second,To broaden my horizons through experiences in new environments and cultures, and especially to improve my global awareness and English skills through communication with foreigners.This goalwas.

     

     

    # I realized the importance of conserving the natural environment through hands-on experiences showing how small actions add up.

     

    Through volunteer activities in New Zealand, I was able to directly experience the importance of conserving the natural environment and realized how small actions can lead to big changes. The value of responsibility and cooperation in the process of working with team members to achieve goalsI learned, andthe ability to adapt flexibly to new environments and solve problemsI was able to develop.

     

     

    Also,Meeting the local team leaders who led the program was also very important. They had deep knowledge and passion about the local community and environmental issues, and they taught us a lot.ProThroughout the program, conversations and feedback with them gave me great inspiration, andthey made me realize that volunteering can lead to meaningful experiences rather than just being simple tasks.

     

     

    # I was able to broaden my global perspective by communicating with people from diverse cultures.

     

    The best part of this program was being able to volunteer with foreign friends and become friends with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Above all, the experience of broadening my global perspective through communicating with people from various cultures left a deep impression and was a great learning experience.Not only volunteer activities, but also during free weekends when schedules matched, it was really nice to go around together, enjoy New Zealand''s beautiful scenery, and engage more deeply with each other.

     

     

    However, there were communication difficulties due to a lack of English skills. At first, communication was not smooth and there were frustrating moments, but fortunately many foreign friends helped me a lot.They always kindly explained things and helped me understand the parts I found difficult.Thanks to that, my English gradually improved, and I gained the confidence to naturally communicate with people from different cultures and backgrounds. By overcoming these difficulties, I was able to accumulate increasingly enjoyable and meaningful experiences.

     

     

     

     

    # Beyond the meaning of simple volunteer work, it was a special time in which I was able to grow as a person.

     

    This program, which began in New Zealand, had meaning beyond simple volunteering. Comparing before and after participating in the gap year,the biggest changes are a global perspective and increased confidence.Before participating, I had theoretical knowledge about environmental issues but lacked practical experience in solving actual problems.By participating in real environmental volunteer activities through the gap year project, I gained a broader perspective in the process of solving problems and felt firsthand the importance of environmental conservation. It was an important turning point that solidified my goals in the eco-friendly field.

     

     

    Also, my English skills and communication abilities improved greatly. At first, I had difficulties due to the language barrier, but through continuous interaction with foreign friends, my English improved naturally and I gained confidence. At first, I intended to address environmental issues, but gradually in that process I realized that communicating with people and growing together is the true value I realized.In addition to this, I learned the value of teamwork and cooperation, and my understanding of new cultures increased. I felt that I had grown through my gap year.

     

     

    Before I left for New Zealand, I also spent time with various worries. I would like to offer a small piece of advice to those who have concerns similar to what I had.

     

    First, I would advise adopting a flexible mindset. There can be learning in unexpected situations, so I hope you approach them with an open mind.

    Second, communication is important.

    Even if there is a language barrier, you can learn a lot if you proactively ask questions and reach out. Lastly, it would be good to participate in volunteer activities sincerely and enjoy the experience.

     

     

     

    # What does a day of environmental conservation volunteering in New Zealand look like?

     

    The program starts every Friday. On the first Friday we held a brief orientation (OT), then moved to a hostel in Auckland city and had free time over the weekend. On the second Monday at 8:00 AM we left the hostel, bought necessary food ingredients and supplies, then went to the volunteer site, settled our luggage, and began volunteering.

     

    On Mondays volunteering starts at around 1:00 PM, and from Tuesday to Thursday volunteering usually runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Volunteer hours include two tea breaks and lunch, so the actual volunteer time is about six hours a day. Friday is a non-volunteering day; volunteers visited nearby tourist sites with the team leader, then returned to the Auckland city hostel and had free time over the weekend. This schedule repeated weekly.

    I visited many places during my gap year, but here are the most enjoyable itineraries. :)

    [ Personal schedule before the project started ]

    11:35 Board Sky Drive (Airport to Sky City)

    12:15 Arrive in Auckland city

    12:45 Arrive at the accommodation.

    13:30 Best Ugly Bagels 🥯

    14:30 Albert Park

    15:30 Giapo🍦

    15:35 Queen St and sightseeing around the city

    18:00 Woolworths shopping

     

    [Project weekend personal schedule]

    10:00 (Departure) Auckland central (12:00 arrival)

    12:10 Hello Rosie 🍔

    12:55 Bus No.10

    13:35 Hamilton Gardens

    17:00 Duck Island Ice Cream

    18:00 Hamilton central (18:20 departure)

    In addition,Auckland Zoo, Sky Bar, Waiheke IslandI visited many other places like these — if you''re traveling to New Zealand, I highly recommend them!

     

     

     

    # My tips for preparing for New Zealand conservation volunteer work!

     

    Before departure, I thoroughly prepared by actively using the checklist and various information provided by the gap year program. It was very helpful; I received detailed guidance from preparing necessary documents to information about daily life there.In particular, I prepared thoroughly to adapt to the unfamiliar environment by studying New Zealand''s climate and culture in advance and preparing equipment and clothing suitable for the expected activities.

     

     

     

    # My New Zealand conservation volunteer gap year!

     

    Experience★★★★

    : Through various volunteer activities, I felt the importance of environmental protection and gained valuable experiences that broadened my global perspective.

     

    Learning★★★★

    : I took part in solving real environmental issues and learned problem-solving skills through cooperation and communication.

     

    Environment★★★★

    : The accommodation where we stayed was spacious and nice. Surrounded by forest, you can see countless stars at night, and it felt like being one with nature.

     

    Safety★★★★★

    : Safety training and management were thorough during the volunteer activities, so I was able to participate safely.

     

    Leisure ★★★★★

    : Besides volunteering, I used my free time to travel and had an enjoyable time interacting with various cultures and people.

     

     

    Lee Cho-hoovisited byNew Zealand environmental conservation volunteer project​​​ Want more information?!

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Why This Project

What makes this project special

#Freedom & Happiness#Rest & Recovery#Wisdom & Capability#Environmental conservation activities#Living in nature#New Zealand travel#Environmental volunteering#Loving the world#Australia travel#Beautiful nature#Healing in nature#Teamwork experience with international friends#Regaining self-esteem#Experience practicing environmental protection#Developing my assertiveness#Gaining a sense of accomplishment#Recovering myself#Healing emotional wounds

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