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#Formation of a new self; positive change #Stronger bonds with international friends; volunteer experience #Freedom in forming relationships abroad; the importance of adapting to the environment
I am always grateful for the opportunity to make many connections because I was able to cast off discrimination and prejudice in a foreign place and freely make friends. Although the time we spent together was short, that makes it even more bittersweet and I miss them greatly.
- Vietnam volunteer work with children with disabilities / Kim Hyo-jeong, gap-year family gapper / 10-week gap year |
Currently, South Korea is,
60,000 middle and high school students drop out each year; 346,000 people in their 20s are just idle because they have no dreams; the one-year turnover rate after employment has entered the 40% range,75% of university students are not satisfied with college life, and more than 80% of office workers say they do not feel happy.
Many people tell them to dream, but to solve this problem that lacks practical methods and support,we want to bring the ''gap year'' to South Korea.
''Gap year'' (Gapyear)is a time to either combine study and work or pause briefly and, through various activities such as volunteering, travel, internships, education, or starting a business,set the direction for the future; it is a culture recommended in the U.S., Europe, Japan, and other countries.
#The First Step in My Change
I had consulting before the program, and during it I was frustrated with myself for not opening up; I also thought the consultant would be disappointed in me and think, ''they''ll give up soon.'' Contrary to my expectations, the consultant kept scheduling meetings, and after many sessions a trust developed and I became convinced it was my last chance in life, so I applied for the project as recommended.
The fact that someone waited for me unfailingly seems to have been the first start of my change.
#Processes of Change
I had three goals before leaving: laugh a lot, talk a lot, and interact with the children.But contrary to my expectations, during the first month I was very negative in that difficult situation; I avoided talking to people and found it hard to interact with the children. Of course, I was able to experience volunteering to help children in poor conditions while working, and that was an important part, but it was difficult to achieve the purpose I had come here to accomplish.
So after giving feedback to the staff about my condition, while working I was able to achieve the three things I wanted. Especially at the end, I had days so happy I could hardly believe it.
#Daily Routine
Every morning and afternoon I take one different child separately and do one-on-one activities.
I prepare everything for the activity on my own: ideas, materials, execution, and reports.
Lunchtime is about four hours, but because it''s far from the accommodation I always buy lunch near the center and spend the remaining time in a cafe.
When I get home, after dinner I drink beer and either go for a walk to the supermarket or prepare for tomorrow''s class.
#My Great Role Model, Seamus
I remember Seamus, with whom I did a homestay when I traveled to Sapa. I was very lonely because I worked alone for a whole month and had to spend most of the day alone,All of Seamus''s attitudes, as a former public elementary school English teacher in Australia, became an excellent role model for me in my subsequent work.At the first institution I was able to relieve much of my worry and burden about work, and at the second institution I was able to use that as a basis to get along better with the children and interact more actively.
#I Was Able to Create a New Me!
As a result, more people came into my life and there were many people I wanted to see.I am always grateful for the opportunity to have made so many connections because I was able to shed discrimination and prejudice in a foreign place and freely make friends.Although the time we spent together was short, that makes it all the more bittersweet and I miss them greatly.
Also, after visiting Vietnam,Over time I realized I had naturally changed a lot.After spending two months in my situation, watching the people I met and adopting the things I wanted to emulate so they naturally became my own, and conversely resigning myself to and reflecting on the things that made me negative, before I knew it I think I became a new person.
Tips for people planning a gap year in Vietnam
While living there, there was a language barrier due to Vietnamese, but communication was often difficult even in English. You need to be able to express your opinions and feelings well, and it’s very frustrating if you can’t say what you want to say properly.If you practice speaking English to some extent before going, daily life will be easier.
Also, if I were to recommend destinations,I personally recommend Tam Coc, south of Hanoi.If you travel in spring or summer rather than winter, any destination in Vietnam is likely to be good. In Tam Coc you can ride a boat for nearly two hours, and looking out at the open natural scenery is good for organizing your thoughts and clearing your mind.
My gap year...
Experience★★★★★
Life during the two months was by no means easy, but I have no regrets and it was fun.
Learning★★★★☆
While working, since volunteering is something I’m responsible for, there is a lot to learn.
Environment★★☆☆☆
Personally, I’m sensitive to environmental allergies, so I had a hard time because of Vietnam’s weather and accommodation.
Safety★★★☆☆
It’s safe as long as you are careful about traffic such as motorbikes and cars.
Leisure★★★★☆
There isn’t much to properly relieve stress, but there is plenty of free time.
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Our gap year program loves the 100 gappers!
Even if the activities or experiences of the gappers during their gap year differ from your own thoughts,No malicious comments, please.!:(
For the protection of Gapper users'' dignity and rightsindiscriminate malicious comments toward Gapper users
will not only be managed and deleted internallybut will be actively and strongly responded toWe plan to take such measures.
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
