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#From fear of a strange environment to confidence in taking on challenges #Understanding different ways of life #The most challenging and meaningful time
I wanted to understand the world a bit more widely through new experiences, so I participated in various volunteer and overseas activities. During this time, I joined a gap year project in Chiang Rai, Thailand, where I helped with child care and local volunteer programs that involved cleaning up homes in flood-affected areas and spending time with local children.
Initially, I had a simple desire to volunteer abroad for new experiences, but I also wanted to test myself in an unfamiliar environment and see how living in a completely different place would affect my life. I wanted to know how I would solve problems and build relationships with people in a new environment, and I hoped to change my perspective on the world a little.
Before leaving, I was worried since my language skills weren't perfect and the local environment was unfamiliar. I prepared by researching Thai culture and basic living information and gathering necessary supplies. However, upon arrival, I found many more diverse situations than I had prepared for and realized that the most important preparation was to be open to accepting any situation.
During the first month, I taught English to children in a small village. I woke up around 8 AM, had breakfast, and shared the day's schedule with the program coordinator. In the morning, I prepared teaching materials or planned activities, and in the afternoon, I moved to the village to conduct English classes. After the classes, I would spend time with the kids or prepare for the next day's lesson.
In the following month, the activities changed significantly due to flooding in northern Thailand. I departed around 6 or 7 AM to help with cleanup and environmental organization in flood-affected areas and typically returned to the accommodation around 6 to 8 PM. The experiences over the two months were challenging in different ways, but I learned and felt a lot during that time, which was enriched by living conditions that were not easy.
Working on activities allowed me to make friends naturally with various people. I became close with Thai friends working at the local organization and spent time having everyday conversations. Even though our language and culture were different, we quickly bonded by sharing our lives and thoughts. Many of the other volunteers came from English-speaking countries like the USA, UK, Australia, or Europe, so we had many opportunities to hear different perspectives and thoughts about their lives and cultures. After activities ended, we would gather to talk about what happened during the day or share stories about our countries. Even with language barriers, there were many moments when we laughed and helped each other, which made me feel the warmth of people. I realized that things I took for granted might not be the same elsewhere and that there are many ways of life in the world.
Overall, there weren’t major dangers, but I experienced uncomfortable situations while traveling alone. Basic caution is necessary, especially for women traveling alone. I believe it is important to approach new environments with an open mind to flexibly accept unexpected situations rather than striving for perfection in preparation. My time in Chiang Rai was challenging due to the unfamiliar environment, tough activities, and different lifestyles and cultures. In the moment, I sometimes wondered why I had come so far. But looking back now, I see that it was the hardest yet most meaningful time, and I can say it had a significant positive impact on my life, earning a score of 10.
Before my gap year, I feared new environments more, but afterward, I gained the confidence to face any situation. That experience made me a bit stronger, and I feel much lighter about many things than before. Even though it was tough, it ended up being the best portfolio and taught me the importance of truly experiencing the moment. Currently, I work in the field of international development cooperation and experience various social issues and settings. Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to challenge myself in a new environment through the gap year experience, allowing me to have a remarkable time in my life.
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