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#Learned how to live happily #A broader perspective on the world #Life provides enough time for change
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It was the most special time of my life. Every moment was a new learning experience and an unforgettable memory. I gained a broader perspective on the world, and I learned how to live happily. It became an important turning point in my life. It was enough to change my life.
<Protecting the great outdoors with my own hands! Recovery and healing through environmental volunteer work in Iceland> - A review by gapper Lee Ji-min -
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# Gap year motivation
Hello. I am 21-year-old Lee Ji-min.I am currently one month away from returning to school after a leave of absence and, thinking it was my last chance, I participated in an Iceland environmental protection volunteer travel project.Until I left, I kept wondering if I should quit even if it meant wasting my money...I must have worried about this at least 100 times, no exaggeration.It was my first trip abroad alone, and since it was far from Korea, I couldn''t easily find the courage.Living in worry until departure, I thought, "Alright, just go for it!" and two days before departure I hurriedly packed and headed to Iceland.
# I gained unexpected things that were enough to change my life.
When I decided on a gap year after taking a leave of absence, I didn''t initially go to Iceland hoping for anything in particular. Still, before the camp I told myself I wanted to at least feel this: to overcome everything on my own, become a stronger person, and have a happy time.
I chose it because Iceland, where you can experience the great outdoors and live with foreign friends, simply looked appealing. But in Iceland I gained many unexpected things, and these were enough to change my life going forward.
# After volunteering, during free time I became close with friends and had a great time.
We didn''t do beach cleaning every day. On days when the weather was bad, we sometimes rested at the accommodation or went to a hot spring. The environmental protection activities mainly consisted of two tasks: beach cleaning and trash sorting. These two tasks were done during the day; the group was divided into two and they alternated between the activities in the morning and afternoon. The trash collected during beach cleaning was sorted during the trash-sorting time, weighed, and recorded. That was the daily volunteer schedule, and the rest of the time was free. You could go hiking to see a nearby waterfall, go to a gas station to buy what you wanted, and in the evenings we had campfires, played board games together, or watched movies. More than during the volunteer time, we became very close during free time and had a lot of fun!
# My perspective has broadened.I learned how to express myself confidently.
Together with friends of various nationalities we got along well, perhaps because we were all around the same age, and had a very enjoyable time! We were interested in social issues; one day we all gathered in the living room, talked about social issues in each of our countries, and shared our thoughts on international issues such as human rights and immigration (it wasn''t a planned topic, just a natural conversation that happened when we got together). In Korea, of course, you tend to look at things from a Korean perspective, but talking from and hearing the viewpoints of people from different countries made me think more about global affairs...I came to better understand perspectives from different countries and realized that my own viewpoint was very narrow.When people from so many different countries gathered and talked, myworld of thought also felt like it was expanding.I felt that way. Also, I think I was able to let go somewhat of the Korean habit of trying to look good to others and being overly conscious of what others think.I learned how to confidently state and express my own opinions.
# Meaningful global friends
It was a solo trip abroad, and when I went I was with friends from France, Germany, and China; each group had two or more people of the same nationality. I was the only Korean. At first I felt that having to handle and get through everything alone would be lonely, and I was envious of other friends who had someone who spoke the same language. But after spending time together, rather...I liked being the only Korean. It made it easier to be more proactive in getting close to others and making friends.. Talking about each other''s countries orIt was very helpful for improving our English skills. Even after it was time to part and we said goodbye, we continue to keep in touch via personal social media :)
# To those preparing this project
I don''t think high English proficiency is crucial, but you should be able to handle simple everyday conversations. Basic speaking ability to express your thoughts and opinions—not just listening—is essential.
I don''t think hiking boots and waterproof hiking pants are strictly necessary! Since it''s hard to bring many shoes, choosing either sneakers with a small heel that won''t strain your ankles or a pair of hiking shoes should be fine.
A waterproof jacket is essential!!! When sightseeing you will often get wet, so a waterproof jacket is a must!
# My life has changed.
I''d rate the change in my life 10 out of 10.
My perspective on happiness seems to have changed.Before joining the project, I thought I could only feel happy when everything around me went perfectly as I wanted or when there was something to celebrate. But on this trip to Iceland, I learned that if I smile first, I become happy.I think I learned how to make myself happy, rather than waiting for something to give me happiness.
# Recommended self-guided travel route
In your free time, I recommend exploring downtown Reykjavik on a self-guided trip. Rather than listing a few spots, since the city center is small and can be seen quickly, it''s nice to walk slowly and take in Reykjavik at a leisurely pace.
# The most special time of my life
Living and traveling in Icelandwas the most special time of my life.Although the friends I met for the first time had different nationalities and languages, we quickly grew close by communicating in English. We had different cultural backgrounds, but when music played we danced and sang together and became one. In those moments, borders, language, and differences didn''t matter.
We also went to a downtown cinema to watch a movie none of us had seen before, and in the evenings we shared our thoughts and dreams. It may seem small, but thatevery moment was a new lesson and an unforgettable memory for me.
The experience in Icelandopened my eyes to view the world more broadly and instilled in me the confidence to genuinely connect with diverse people. The time I spent here became an important turning point in my life, beyond a simple trip.
# Thank you, Korea Gap Year staff
Thank you to the staff who explained everything well before I left for Iceland :)
#My gap year!
Experience★★★★★
: The experiences in Iceland were even more special because they were things others haven''t even tried.
Learning★★★★★
: Learned from people of other countries how to live more happily and enjoy life.
Safety★★★★★
: There were no dangerous situations.
Leisure★★★★★
: The time spent sitting in a hammock, listening to music, leisurely looking at the scenery of the Bru area and feeling the chilly breeze was pure happiness.
Environment★★★★★
: All activity spaces were spacious and comfortable.
A new challenge, the beginning of growth!
Korea Gap Year accompanies Lee Ji-min''s journey.
|
It was the most special time of my life. Every moment was a new learning experience and an unforgettable memory. I gained a broader perspective on the world, and I learned how to live happily. It became an important turning point in my life. It was enough to change my life.
<Protecting the great outdoors with my own hands! Recovery and healing through environmental volunteer work in Iceland> - A review by gapper Lee Ji-min -
|
# Gap year motivation
Hello. I am 21-year-old Lee Ji-min.I am currently one month away from returning to school after a leave of absence and, thinking it was my last chance, I participated in an Iceland environmental protection volunteer travel project.Until I left, I kept wondering if I should quit even if it meant wasting my money...I must have worried about this at least 100 times, no exaggeration.It was my first trip abroad alone, and since it was far from Korea, I couldn''t easily find the courage.Living in worry until departure, I thought, "Alright, just go for it!" and two days before departure I hurriedly packed and headed to Iceland.
# I gained unexpected things that were enough to change my life.
When I decided on a gap year after taking a leave of absence, I didn''t initially go to Iceland hoping for anything in particular. Still, before the camp I told myself I wanted to at least feel this: to overcome everything on my own, become a stronger person, and have a happy time.
I chose it because Iceland, where you can experience the great outdoors and live with foreign friends, simply looked appealing. But in Iceland I gained many unexpected things, and these were enough to change my life going forward.
# After volunteering, during free time I became close with friends and had a great time.
We didn''t do beach cleaning every day. On days when the weather was bad, we sometimes rested at the accommodation or went to a hot spring. The environmental protection activities mainly consisted of two tasks: beach cleaning and trash sorting. These two tasks were done during the day; the group was divided into two and they alternated between the activities in the morning and afternoon. The trash collected during beach cleaning was sorted during the trash-sorting time, weighed, and recorded. That was the daily volunteer schedule, and the rest of the time was free. You could go hiking to see a nearby waterfall, go to a gas station to buy what you wanted, and in the evenings we had campfires, played board games together, or watched movies. More than during the volunteer time, we became very close during free time and had a lot of fun!
# My perspective has broadened.I learned how to express myself confidently.
Together with friends of various nationalities we got along well, perhaps because we were all around the same age, and had a very enjoyable time! We were interested in social issues; one day we all gathered in the living room, talked about social issues in each of our countries, and shared our thoughts on international issues such as human rights and immigration (it wasn''t a planned topic, just a natural conversation that happened when we got together). In Korea, of course, you tend to look at things from a Korean perspective, but talking from and hearing the viewpoints of people from different countries made me think more about global affairs...I came to better understand perspectives from different countries and realized that my own viewpoint was very narrow.When people from so many different countries gathered and talked, myworld of thought also felt like it was expanding.I felt that way. Also, I think I was able to let go somewhat of the Korean habit of trying to look good to others and being overly conscious of what others think.I learned how to confidently state and express my own opinions.
# Meaningful global friends
It was a solo trip abroad, and when I went I was with friends from France, Germany, and China; each group had two or more people of the same nationality. I was the only Korean. At first I felt that having to handle and get through everything alone would be lonely, and I was envious of other friends who had someone who spoke the same language. But after spending time together, rather...I liked being the only Korean. It made it easier to be more proactive in getting close to others and making friends.. Talking about each other''s countries orIt was very helpful for improving our English skills. Even after it was time to part and we said goodbye, we continue to keep in touch via personal social media :)
# To those preparing this project
I don''t think high English proficiency is crucial, but you should be able to handle simple everyday conversations. Basic speaking ability to express your thoughts and opinions—not just listening—is essential.
I don''t think hiking boots and waterproof hiking pants are strictly necessary! Since it''s hard to bring many shoes, choosing either sneakers with a small heel that won''t strain your ankles or a pair of hiking shoes should be fine.
A waterproof jacket is essential!!! When sightseeing you will often get wet, so a waterproof jacket is a must!
# My life has changed.
I''d rate the change in my life 10 out of 10.
My perspective on happiness seems to have changed.Before joining the project, I thought I could only feel happy when everything around me went perfectly as I wanted or when there was something to celebrate. But on this trip to Iceland, I learned that if I smile first, I become happy.I think I learned how to make myself happy, rather than waiting for something to give me happiness.
# Recommended self-guided travel route
In your free time, I recommend exploring downtown Reykjavik on a self-guided trip. Rather than listing a few spots, since the city center is small and can be seen quickly, it''s nice to walk slowly and take in Reykjavik at a leisurely pace.
# The most special time of my life
Living and traveling in Icelandwas the most special time of my life.Although the friends I met for the first time had different nationalities and languages, we quickly grew close by communicating in English. We had different cultural backgrounds, but when music played we danced and sang together and became one. In those moments, borders, language, and differences didn''t matter.
We also went to a downtown cinema to watch a movie none of us had seen before, and in the evenings we shared our thoughts and dreams. It may seem small, but thatevery moment was a new lesson and an unforgettable memory for me.
The experience in Icelandopened my eyes to view the world more broadly and instilled in me the confidence to genuinely connect with diverse people. The time I spent here became an important turning point in my life, beyond a simple trip.
# Thank you, Korea Gap Year staff
Thank you to the staff who explained everything well before I left for Iceland :)
#My gap year!
Experience★★★★★
: The experiences in Iceland were even more special because they were things others haven''t even tried.
Learning★★★★★
: Learned from people of other countries how to live more happily and enjoy life.
Safety★★★★★
: There were no dangerous situations.
Leisure★★★★★
: The time spent sitting in a hammock, listening to music, leisurely looking at the scenery of the Bru area and feeling the chilly breeze was pure happiness.
Environment★★★★★
: All activity spaces were spacious and comfortable.
A new challenge, the beginning of growth!
Korea Gap Year accompanies Lee Ji-min''s journey.
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