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#Increased self-understanding; a more proactive personality #Hands-on experience in environmental conservation; friends from diverse nationalities #Appreciation for things I took for granted; the importance of being considerate
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Before, I was always at home living the same way, but after going out and living for a short time, I think I got to know myself better. I came to understand my travel style, my personality, and what I like and dislike more clearly. These are things I would never have known before participating. I felt that learning about myself by knowing what I like is important.
-Vast continent Australia environmental conservation volunteer project / Baek Ji-hye, gap year participant / 2-week gap year |
#I needed something to immerse myself in
My name is Baek Ji-hye, and I am a 25-year-old woman.
I was stressed about career concerns and wanted to go somewhere; I needed something to focus on to put my complicated thoughts aside for a while.Then I happened to come across a gap year program. I wanted to travel, and I chose this meaningful program. Also, since my major is related to the environment, I thought that participating in activities there might help me think more deeply about my career, so I chose environmental conservation work.
I wanted to sort out the complicated thoughts in my head. My goal was to have time to reflect on myself, and through that I hoped to become more proactive and passionate. Until now I wasn''t interested in programs like this, and I was too lazy to participate in events during university. I think that by participating in the program with clear motivation, I achieved that goal.
#My day in Australia
Every week the team leader and the activity location changed. The first week was camping, so we drove with teammates to the campsite and lived there for a week. By 8:30 AM we finished breakfast and got ready, then drove to the activity site. For the week we mainly removed plants that harm the environment. There was a lunch break, and all activities finished at 2 PM.
After that, everyone enjoyed free time. However, because we had to make dinner together while camping, we prepared and ate meals together at dinner time, and afterwards we played games with the team members.
Thinking back on those routines,I often remember how the team members helped each other in difficult situations.I spent two weeks on a team with a Japanese friend; although we couldn''t communicate well verbally in the tough mountains, we relied on each other a lot and I felt that my Japanese friend was very considerate. I was often moved — to the point of wondering whether I could be as considerate — and each time I reflected on whether I had shown any sign of struggle and wished I could give that friend the same feelings.
There were also two Chinese sisters and a Taiwanese couple on the team. The Chinese sisters met me at the accommodation before activities started and approached me first; they told me about the activities and we talked about traveling in Brisbane ahead of time, which helped me become close to them first and adapt well.
Also, the Taiwanese couple were very kind and sociable.Theyseemed curious about people and appeared to enjoy getting to know others.Theyasked me many things about myself as soon as we met, and that made me feel very good.TheyNow that I think about it, I regret that I didn''t ask them more about themselves. I was envious of their lifestyle of traveling to many places together with friends and enjoying diverse cultures.Iwas.
We encouraged each other when things were hard and worked together, and outside of work hours we ate together and talked about personal and cultural topics, which made us grow close. Although communication was limited because of language barriers, we became close and I felt very sad when we parted. Afterwards, while at the accommodation or traveling, I thought that even if someone is a foreigner and we can''t communicate well, they can still become a friend, so I should take the initiative and open my heart.During that time I reflected on whether I had been passive, waiting for someone else to approach me first.
#I learned the importance of myself and of things I had taken for granted
Before, I was always at home living the same way, but after going out and living for a short time,I think I got to know myself better.I came to understand my travel style, my personality, and what I like and dislike more clearly.
These are things I would never have known before participating. I felt that learning about myself by knowing what I like is important.
Also, living there alone made me think a lot about how precious my parents and friends in Korea are.
I was reminded once again of the value of things I had taken for granted.
#A word to people planning a gap year
Everyone’s personality is different, but I wish people would be more proactive in talking to their teammates. Some lose confidence because they have to use English, and some wait for others to come and speak first, but if you approach others with confidence you can enjoy your time more.
Unlike foreigners you meet briefly while traveling, spending a whole week together doing the same activities with people from different cultures is a rare opportunity.Finding things in common can make you feel excited and happy, and seeing differences can bring many surprising and amazing experiences, so I hope you keep an open mind and enjoy your time together.
#Recommended travel route in Australia
After the activities ended I had one day left, so I planned a nearby trip because I wanted to travel. There was nothing more to do in the city and I wanted to try different experiences and activities. I briefly went to the Gold Coast, and a Japanese friend recommended the Sunshine Coast, so I went to Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast.
I went without expectations because it felt like a waste to let the time pass idle, and it turned out to be wonderful. The resort there had a different charm from the Gold Coast, and as a holiday spot frequented by Australians it had many well-developed resorts and leisure facilities. The quiet river and the town with yachts were pretty, enjoying a meal while listening to live music at night, and the sea with a sunrise in the morning — it was my favorite destination during the trip.If you go to Brisbane later, I definitely recommend visiting Mooloolaba, which is about three hours away.
My gap year...
Experience★★★★★
Because it was my first time doing volunteer work and traveling abroad alone, it was a very meaningful experience. In particular, since the activities were done together with teammates, I learned cooperation and consideration, and by living with people from different countries I gained new experiences.
Learning★★★★☆
Through volunteering in difficult situations I learned a sense of accomplishment and responsibility, and in group activities I learned consideration and cooperation.
Environment★★★☆☆
The weekend accommodation is good, but if you stay at a campsite or base camp the living conditions are not very comfortable. However, because it’s in nature, it isn’t extremely harsh.
Safety★★★★☆
The country is generally safe, but I think it''s more dangerous than Korea to be out late at night.
Leisure★★★★★
Volunteer activities finish around 2 PM, and after that it’s free time. It’s nice to be able to spend free time socializing with teammates.
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
