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#Volunteering that utilized my major, became braver #Deepened music education; adapted to life in Cambodia #A time for self-reflection
First of all, it was nice because the volunteer work made use of my major, so it wasn''t a big burden. While teaching classes with the students, I actually learned things as well, and it was a good experience to be exposed not only to classical music but also to Cambodian music.
And the vocal students I remember areWe struggled to communicate in a language that didn''t work well, but perhaps because of that they are even more memorable,I think the times we spent together will remain as good memories. -Make your heart race with music! Cambodia cultural and arts volunteer work / Chae Yerin gap-year traveler / 8-week gap year |
#My goal was to return having at least found some direction.
Hello.My name is Chae Yerin. After graduating from university, I spent a gap year doing cultural and arts volunteer work in Cambodia.Looking at various volunteer projects, I thought about which volunteer work would suit me best and what I could do to help others.
Then I found a project related to music education volunteering that I had been interested in for a long time,and I chose it thinking that if I used my major I could participate more confidently.
Actually, before leaving I had only stayed abroad for up to two weeks at most and had only taken short trips, so I was a bit worried.Could I really adapt well to the heat, the local food, and an environment different from Korea?Because of these concerns, I think I worried the most when deciding the length of the volunteer period.
Through this volunteer work, I considered what I truly want to do and what I will do when I return to Korea,and thought about what goals I would live with,
Even if I didn''t find the answer, my goal was to return with at least some direction.
#It was a good experience to be exposed not only to classical music but also to Cambodian music.
A typical day of the volunteer work was
9:00-12:00 Vocal department class (accompaniment)
12:00-13:00 Lunch break
13:00-14:30 Piano class
In the morning I accompanied the vocal students, and in the afternoon I gave piano lessons to piano majors or students who wanted to learn piano.
First of all, it was nice because the volunteer work made use of my major, so it wasn''t a big burden. While teaching classes with the students, I actually learned things as well, and it was a good experience to be exposed not only to classical music but also to Cambodian music.
I would also like to thank Professors Ryu Ki-ryong and Seo Ji-young, vocal department professors, who took care of me locally.Just having Korean professors there was a source of strength; they helped me a lot and looked after me, so I think I adapted to the local area more quickly.
And the vocal students I rememberAlthough we had difficulty communicating in a language we didn''t know, perhaps because of that they are even more memorable,The times we spent together will remain as good memories.
# My gap-year tips
(Transportation)
You can take a tuk‑tuk to the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh. From in front of the lodging it takes about 20 minutes and costs around $3. Tuk‑tuk drivers often overcharge foreigners, so be careful of drivers who quote outrageous fares.
(Language)
It''s good for both sides to learn simple greetings. If you search ''Khmer'' on YouTube, you can findmany videos, so it''s a good idea to learn basic conversational phrases before you go.And during volunteering, it''s also important to try to speak with the students in the local language.
(Accommodation)
The accommodation provides one fan per person, and you must pay an extra fee to use the air conditioning and water heater, so discuss with your roommates and split the cost when using them.
(Meals)
Breakfast is simple—toast and fruit—and lunch is provided as a packed meal.Lunch consists of rice and one side dish, which may be a bit disappointing.Dinner is served in Western and Cambodian styles.Those sensitive to strong flavors may not find the food to their taste.
(What to bring)
It''s good to bring lots of books from Korea to read during your free time.Also, many indoor places use air conditioning, so a thin long‑sleeve shirt will be useful.You''ll also be less prone to sunburn, and wearing a cardigan or shirt over your bag reduces the risk of pickpocketing.
(Advice for prospective participants)
You may feel confused because of the different culture and values compared to Korea.
While volunteering here, don''t dwell on Korea—it''s best to try to understand and accept Cambodian culture and live accordingly.
# My recommended places to visit in Cambodia
Sihanoukville has several beaches,
and among them I recommend Otres Beach.It''s quiet and clean, and resting by the sea makes you feel like all your fatigue melts away.
# As I adapted to the Cambodian environment, I became more relaxed about everything and seem to have become braver.
Before coming for volunteer work, in Korea it felt like I was always saying ''hurry, hurry''. As I adapted to the Cambodian environment, I became more relaxed about everything and seem to have become braver.
My gap year
Experience★★★★☆
It was a good experience to put my major to use.
Learning★★★★☆
Watching the students, I felt many things, and while teaching I actually learned some things myself.
It gave me an opportunity to think more deeply about music education.
Environment★★☆☆☆
There is a lot of dust, and many mosquitoes and various insects.
Safety★★☆☆☆
You don''t have to be overly on guard, but you should always be careful when moving around.This placeThe sidewalks are not properly developed, so there are many times when you have to walk on the road; since there are many motorcycles that run red lights and drive the wrong way, you should be careful when walking around.
Leisure★★★☆☆
There are many cafes and restaurants near the accommodation, and a large shopping mall is a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride away, so there are plenty of things to do.And on weekends, I recommend traveling to other places such as Kep, Sihanoukville, Kampot, and Siem Reap.
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
