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#From worries about the unknown to confidence in challenges. #I gained teamwork skills and empathy through my volunteer work in Vietnam. #This time gave me a broader perspective and wonderful memories.
Hello. I am a nursing student and I love learning in new environments and communicating with different people. Through this gap year, I participated in the Vietnam overseas volunteer project, experiencing various cultures and having a meaningful time growing. While studying nursing, I wanted to meet people from different cultures directly and help through volunteer work. I chose this project to spend meaningful time and gain a new perspective, not just to travel.
The goal of this gap year was to actively challenge myself in a new environment and build confidence to communicate with different people. I also wanted to develop understanding and empathy for others through volunteering and gain a broader view as a nursing major. Even though it was a relatively short duration of a week, I was worried about the unfamiliar environment and language since this was my first overseas volunteer experience. I studied local culture and basic English phrases before leaving and carefully packed the necessary supplies and documents to focus on volunteer work.
In the host country, we shared our schedule with teammates in the morning before starting volunteer work. In the afternoon, we interacted with local residents or experienced cultural events. In the evening, we reviewed our activities for the day while sharing our reflections with teammates and prepared for the next day's tasks. The combination of volunteer work and cultural experience made our stay fulfilling. The accommodations and work environment were also comfortable, allowing us to focus on our tasks. The pre-departure guidance and local management were well organized, so I could participate in the program with peace of mind.
After actively participating in volunteer activities, experiencing local culture firsthand, and noting my reflections at the end of each day became my unique gap year path. Besides volunteering, I had the chance to enjoy local culture and food, making my experience more enjoyable and well-rounded. This process helped me learn and develop further. I also encountered various values by meeting teammates and local residents during our volunteer service.
The best part was being able to communicate with diverse groups of people through volunteering and experience new cultures. I expanded my problem-solving skills and confidence while living in a new environment despite being away from my comfort zone. Particularly, working collaboratively during service made me realize again the importance of communication and consideration, and I learned the cooperation skills that are essential for nurses. It was a valuable time to reinforce understanding and empathy as a nursing student.
Before joining, I was worried about the unfamiliar environment, but after participating, I gained the confidence to tackle challenges in new settings. I expanded my viewpoint through interactions with many people and learned again about the importance of consideration and empathy. I believe that this overseas volunteering experience will positively contribute to my growth into a nurse. I gained confidence that I have progressed personally, and I have decided to seek new experiences without fear in the future.
While I was generally comfortable in familiar settings, this gap year offered me my first opportunity to volunteer abroad in Vietnam and embrace a new challenge. I was able to connect with various people in an environment with different languages and cultures, feeling the significance of consideration and collaboration firsthand. This gap year was not just a simple trip but rather a meaningful time that granted me a broader outlook and cherished memories.
I encourage you not to shy away from new environments and to participate actively. If you communicate with local people and share diverse experiences with your teammates, you will learn much more than you expect and come back with wonderful memories. If you spent your time with an open heart can turn into a valuable memory that lasts long.
Lastly, I want to thank all the people who carefully supported the process from preparing for this gap year to the end of the program. Because of you, I was able to concentrate on my volunteer work confidently, even in new surroundings, resulting in unforgettable experiences. I hope many more people can enjoy meaningful gap years with great programs in the future. Thank you.
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