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#From anxiety about living abroad to the courage to take on challenges #Understanding the medical environment through hospital volunteering #A month of unforgettable connections
I am an ordinary college student in my second year of nursing. During summer break, I became interested in language study abroad and overseas volunteering, and I learned from a senior at my school that the gap year program provided a great opportunity for volunteering abroad, so I decided to join. The time I spent participating in this program turned out to be a valuable experience that I will remember for a long time.
Before leaving, I was someone who worried a lot. While this was not my first time abroad, it was my first experience staying alone abroad for an extended time, which raised many worries. As the departure date approached, I felt increasingly anxious to the point that I didn't want to go. My biggest worry was my lack of confidence in my English, thinking, 'What if I can't adjust well in Vietnam?' I also wondered if I had made a mistake in signing up. Before leaving, I didn't specifically prepare for English and waited while getting ready according to the schedule provided by the gap year program.
My goal was to become friends with people from different countries and directly experience various cultures. Even without perfect English, I wanted to use it in real situations bravely, and even with my lacking skills, I wanted to gain confidence by taking on challenges. I also wanted to learn how to apply the theoretical knowledge from my studies into practical situations.
I could choose the week-long volunteer segments I wanted. While volunteering at the hospital, I became close with Korean seniors and met friends from various countries, as my roommates were from Italy, China, Japan, France, and more. We all left together for the hospital, and the accommodation had a curfew, which provided safety. Upon arriving in Vietnam, I could only manage to speak with a translator at first. Honestly, throughout the first week, I thought, 'When can I go home?' and 'How will I spend a whole month here?' I missed my family and friends a lot, and the unfamiliar environment was not easy to adjust to. However, as time went on, I gradually adapted to the local life.
After the volunteering, I was able to rest at the accommodation or go out freely. I often spent time with my friends eating at restaurants and shopping, and I really liked that I could travel during my free time. Meals were included in the program for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but when I craved something else, I was free to skip a meal and get food outside.
On the weekends, many friends took tours within Vietnam or traveled to Da Nang or Nha Trang. We could take a day off during the week when we wanted, which allowed some to rest from Friday to Monday to travel. I went to Da Nang with Korean friends and took tours with foreign ones. If you join this program with a friend, there are so many places to visit, such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hanoi, and even deserts!
As time went by, I became someone who would approach and talk to foreign friends, even with my broken English. Volunteering at the hospital and learning about the medical settings that differed from Korea was a rich experience for me. I took the opportunity to question my professors about what was different from Korea and what was similar, engaging in a thought process that I think deepened my understanding of my major.
By the last week, I had become so accustomed to this place that I found myself thinking, 'Is it already over?' and 'Why is time flying by?' The time I spent here transformed into a precious space for me. The volunteer periods were different, which meant my roommates frequently changed, and while meeting new people was exciting, I felt the sadness each time I had to part with a friend I had grown close to, wondering when I could see them again. Despite the differences in nationality and language, living together and sharing memories demonstrated that deep connections could form even in a short time.
I initially thought it would be difficult to make foreign friends, but unexpectedly, I found a truly compatible friend that I still keep in touch with. Recently, when that friend visited Korea, we met up and had a great time. This activity has turned out to be a time where I gained special connections and unforgettable memories that surpassed ordinary overseas volunteering.
Regarding this experience, I would say it was a perfect 10 out of 10 in transforming my life. I realized that people can adapt to their surroundings better than expected, and I learned that having courage to approach someone can lead to friendships, even without perfect language skills. While living in an unfamiliar setting, I developed my problem-solving skills and adaptability by forming relationships with new people and dealing with unforeseen circumstances. Most importantly, I gained the confidence and belief that I could manage well even if I was alone.
Before the program, I had great fears about living abroad by myself. However, after my month-long stay, I realized that I can indeed do well on my own more than I thought. I gained the courage to take on challenges instead of fearing new environments, and when facing new challenges, I could now think of it as 'let's at least try.' I believe this program was not just an overseas volunteering activity; it was a valuable experience that prompted me to grow one step further in my personal journey.
To those contemplating joining, I want to say not to worry too much because you will manage when the time comes! Although I went alone with minimal English, I learned so much and had an incredibly happy experience. This month in an unfamiliar place gifted me with relationships I will cherish for a lifetime, and I want to carry forth this experience, pursuing new challenges in the future.
Lastly, I sincerely thank the Korean gap year coordinators who always helped and carefully looked out for me during the month of the program. They quickly answered any questions I had, from preparations before departure to life in the host country. Thanks to their support, I could focus on the program without major worries, even in an unfamiliar environment. Though I had many insecurities about traveling abroad alone, the reassurance that help was always available allowed me to feel safe.
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