|
I got to know myself better, and my confidence and self-esteem increased. I reduced my tendency to worry and became much bolder. I no longer hesitate to express my thoughts and opinions to people, and I constantly strive to be a better person. I stopped obsessing over small things and started looking at the world from a broader perspective, which has expanded the range of my happiness.
[Overseas Volunteer/External Activity] Fun English Teaching Volunteer Work with Friends in Chiang Rai, Thailand
Yang Hae-mi, Korea GapYear Participant (24, University Student) / 4 Weeks of Gap Year
|
# 'Let’s Make a Starting Point for Changing Myself with a Gap Year' A Great Success!
Hello, I am Yang Hae-mi, a university student majoring in Early Childhood Education. During this winter break, I volunteered to teach English to kindergarten children in Chiang Rai, Thailand.
The reason I chose this project is that I thought volunteering was something I really needed. I wanted to share my talents with others who needed them, and I also wanted to grow personally. As for why I chose Thailand, I’ve always wanted to visit. The food is amazing, and I find the unique atmosphere of Thailand very attractive.
I had a lot of experience traveling abroad since I was young, and I had also lived abroad for a month, so I wasn’t worried about staying overseas for a long period. In fact, I was looking forward to it. I wanted to get out of the group and space I was in at that time. So, after reading the orientation materials provided by the gap year program and packing my bags, I didn’t really prepare much else.
I believe that starting is half the battle. My goal was to use the gap year as the starting point to change myself.
# What I realized most while working on the project was about 'myself'
My daily schedule for the project starts by waking up around 8 AM, quickly washing up, and heading to breakfast. While having breakfast, we have a brief group meeting at 8:30. At 9, we take the Songtao to our volunteer locations, and for those volunteering with children, we return around 1–2 PM.
After coming back, we rest for a bit, have a meeting with the other volunteers who are looking after the children at 3 PM, and it wraps up around 4. The day ends there, and after dinner, we have free time. This schedule goes from Tuesday to Friday, and on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, you can enjoy some free travel.
What I realized most while working on the project was about myself. I had never really had the chance to think about who I am (what my personality is, what I like, what I dislike, etc.). But during this time, I had a lot of opportunities to have conversations with myself.
And the foreign friends I lived with, as well as the kindergarten kids, really liked me. They liked me just as I am, without any conditions or judgments, and through this, I realized that I am someone worthy of love.
I also made Thai friends and friends from various other nationalities. Spending four weeks together with them made them feel like family. Even now that I'm back in Korea, we still keep in touch. I think the fact that we can’t see each other often makes our bond even stronger. I feel lucky to have made great foreign friends in life.
Especially, I traveled with my foreign friends every weekend, and every day was great, making it a special experience for me. The most memorable trip was the one where we rode motorcycles. My dad always told me not to ride motorcycles, especially when abroad, so I was hesitant at first, but once I did, it felt exhilarating, like breaking a long-held taboo.
Although I was too scared to drive and just enjoyed the ride in the back seat, I think it was more special because I could do it without my parents around and because I wasn’t in Korea.
# It's not a big deal once you try it! Don’t let vague fears make you miss the turning point in your life!
Looking at the changes before and after participating in the gap year project, the biggest difference now is that I have come to understand myself better, and my confidence and self-esteem have increased. I have also reduced my habit of worrying and have become much bolder. I no longer hesitate to express my thoughts and opinions, and I am always striving to become a better person. I no longer obsess over small things and look at the world with a broader perspective, which has expanded my sense of happiness. I have become more considerate and respectful of others' situations, opinions, and thoughts, and my thoughts and actions have become more relaxed.
For those who are planning to participate in this project, just like me, you may have many concerns and need a lot of courage at first, but once you’ve thought it through, go ahead. It’s even better if you don’t hesitate and just go.
Looking back, I realized there was no need to worry. I'm really glad I went, and I can honestly say it was a good choice. In the end, it wasn't that big of a deal. Don't let vague fears stop you from seizing turning points in your life.
# My Gap Year Tips
I arrived a day early and stayed at a guesthouse. As soon as I picked up my luggage and stepped out of the airport, the owner of the guesthouse was already there waiting for me. The host was right there to greet me.
(Language)
Before you go, it’s a good idea to practice some basic conversation skills in Korean. I thought I wouldn’t need much English in Thailand, but most of the people I lived with spoke English as their first language.
For me, I went without any preparation, and because I couldn’t hear well or join in conversations, I felt discouraged and lost my confidence in the beginning. So, while I was there, I made sure to study English conversation on YouTube whenever I had some free time. Don’t make the same mistake I did—prepare beforehand and you’ll have a much better experience!
(Accommodation)
At first, my impression was that it was "worse than I expected." But the place has been, and will continue to be, there—whether we go or not, whether we leave or not. Instead of expecting to change something or complaining, I believe we should try to understand them and approach the situation with an open heart.
At first, it might be surprising, but after living there for a few days, you'll adjust quickly. You'll also realize that it's not the form of the living space that's important; life can go on without any problems.
(Meals)
Thai food seems to suit the tastes of Korean people well. Almost every meal includes rice, and spicy dishes are common. Because of this, I didn’t really miss Korean food. I was so pleased with the taste of the food that I completely forgot about the cup noodles, seaweed, and gochujang (Korean chili paste) I had packed just in case.
(Packing Tips)
If you’re going during the dry season, make sure to bring a sleeping bag. It’s also a good idea to bring sleepwear. I thought it would be hot, so I packed mostly short-sleeve shirts and shorts, but it was so cold in the early mornings that I woke up several times, shivering in my sleep. It really gets cold at night. It stays chilly until morning, so I recommend bringing a light down jacket. Personally, I found it convenient to pack a light cardigan and sweatpants to wear around.
Experience ★★★★★
Simply going abroad alone and interacting with locals is an incredible experience.
Learning ★★★★★
Since people from various countries come together, you get to learn about their diverse ways of thinking and cultures, which broadens your perspective on the world.
Environment ★★★★★
The peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, combined with nature, needs no further explanation.
Safety ★★★★★
There is no need to worry about walking around late at night alone, and even if you did, it’s not particularly dangerous.
Leisure ★★★★★
You have far more leisure time than time spent volunteering or preparing for classes.
