Projects
|
FAQ
|
Announcements
#Respectful attitude towards cultural differences. #Experience in IV, ABGA, and catheterization skills. #An experience of medical volunteering that is hard to have in a lifetime.
Hello, I am a nursing student currently on a leave of absence. I participated in a medical volunteer project in Cambodia, a country I had never visited before. I thought I could experience many things that would be hard to do in my own country, so I chose this project to grow and show my abilities abroad.
Through Gap Year, I wanted to reduce my shyness and being overly concerned about what others think. I also wanted to learn and grow in my career. Honestly, I was a bit worried about staying abroad for a long time, but I reassured myself by thinking that I would make friends once I arrived and that I could manage on my own. Before my departure, I felt well-prepared thanks to the support and guidance from Gap Year.
The orientation before my trip helped ease my mind. Thank you for boosting my courage. When I first arrived, I struggled to adapt and thought about wanting to go home. However, I kept telling myself, 'Why did I come here?' and 'Since I'm here, let’s make the most of it,' which helped me adapt and enjoy my stay.
I started my day by waking up at 6 A.M., preparing, and going for breakfast at 7. I had to arrive at work by 8 and volunteered until 11:30, which was the designated time. If I wanted to volunteer longer, I could do that as well. After volunteering, I returned to my place to study, hang out with friends, and occasionally went out to have a nice dinner. Thanks to the care from the staff at the hospital, I had a fun time and could smile a lot.
The doctors and nurses at the hospital were welcoming and kind. There were times when communication was challenging, but I appreciated their efforts to communicate as best they could. I learned practical skills like IVs, ABGA, and catheters that are hard to experience as a nursing student in Korea, thanks to the passionate teaching from the staff. I feel like I had experiences that are hard to come by in a lifetime.
I went to museums during the day and explored various places with my coordinator, so I didn’t get too bored. I met two Korean friends who are my age, and I also connected with local nurses, doctors, and nursing students on Instagram, keeping in touch with them.
As I experienced a different culture, I realized that just because it is different doesn’t mean it’s strange. I learned that showing disdain or making faces in front of people from other cultures is disrespectful. Compared to before, I have grown significantly in my studies related to my major, and I have become more respectful of people from different cultures. I would rate how much this project changed my life as a 9.
For future participants, I hope you don’t think too negatively when tough situations arise. If you focus on what you can do in that situation and take action, you may achieve better results.
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
Home
Take a step out of your comfort zone.
Challenge yourself for your own sake.
Feel complete freedom.
Be happy.
