Before participating, I was the type to get easily annoyed by even small things, but after participating I think I made a lot of progress in that regard. My patience increased! The harder it is, the more it will be remembered and the more rewarding it will be. If not now, when would you have another experience like this!! You can do it!
Volunteering to rescue rare injured wild animals in Singapore Kim Minju, gap year participant (21 years old, university student) / 1-week gap year |
# I wish I had an activity in my life that I could proudly talk about
Hello, I''m Kim Minju, a second-year student in Mechanical and Automotive Engineering at Keimyung University. I like hands-on activities and I also enjoy exercising.
When I first said I was going to do overseas volunteer work, many people around me asked, ''You''re an engineering student—why would you go out of your way to suffer?'' I wanted to break that kind of stereotype and way of thinking, andI thought I would like to try overseas volunteering at least once, so I applied. I thought it would be nice to have an activity in my life that I could proudly talk about—that''s why.
* For Kim Minju, who wanted new experiences and stimulation,activities to enjoy with foreign friends and daily customized one-on-one personal missions for new experiences and challenges were provided, and a Gap Year notebook to reflect on herself and make plans was also providedThey were provided.
After applying for the project and until departure, I didn''t really think much. As for supplies, I just packed whatever came to mind. I even packed items I wondered whether I needed. You never know with people.^~^
# A day in Singapore, even experiencing the direct rescue of rare wild animals!
The local routine was to wake up at 9am and start activities at 9:30. I usually skipped breakfast, washed my face, then put on lotion, sunscreen, mosquito spray, arm sleeves, and hiking boots and went straight to clean the facility''s enclosures. We fed the animals and sometimes prepared the feed ourselves. The cages we cleaned changed daily so it''s hard to be exact, but we usually cleaned monkey or iguana enclosures.
By helping with facility work like this, lunch was at 1pm. The facility prepared meals, but the strong smell of the spices didn''t suit my taste, so I mostly ate the ramen I brought from Korea. After resting until 2:30pm, we went back to the facility and helped with various tasks. We repeated this until 5pm, then showered, had dinner, returned to the accommodation, and rested.
Once a week we went out to rescue animals; because the schedule was to ride along by car and observe, it was easy and it was my favorite day.It was.
I could see that many locals also came here to volunteer. Among them I met a friend named Ash; we added each other on social media and got closer while talking about Korea and various other topics.
# A time to train body and mind and try new experiences
I applied because I wanted to train my body and mind and experience new things, so I think I achieved my initial goals. Also, since I participated in the summer season it was really hot and mentally challenging, but because of that it became more memorable and I was able to build my patience.
Before participating I used to get irritated by trivial things, but after participating I think I made a lot of progress in that area. My patience increased!
To give advice to future participants,The harder it is, the more memorable and rewarding it will be. If not now, when will you have such an experience again!! You can do it!
# My Gap Year Tip
(How to get there)
I took public transportation (bus) and then grabbed a taxi to the facility.
(Language)
I had difficulties because the English and pronunciation were different from what I learned in Korea. But after about three days my ears got used to it and I could understand most conversations. Speaking was hard, but over time I got used to that too.
(Accommodation)
The accommodation was worse than I expected, and there was no air conditioning so it gets very hot in the summer. The shower is set up so you can feel close to nature. ^~^ It was a different experience and also enjoyable. I don''t think you''ll regret going.
(Meals)
The spices were unbearable. It might be a good idea to bring some ready-to-eat food from Korea.
(What to bring)
- Useful items to have: portable fan, hat, cup noodles, mosquito spray, arm sleeves
Even things you wonder whether to pack will become useful at some point if you bring them along.
(Travel)
You should definitely visit Universal Studios, haha.
My gap year was
Experience★★★★★
It was a unique experience and helped me develop tolerance to the heat.
Learning★★★★★
I could feel a spirit of sacrifice and a strong sense of earnestness.
Environment★☆☆☆☆
I had difficulty adapting to the environment. But because it was tough, it became a more memorable gap year experience.
Safety★★★★☆
It felt safe. The staff were all kind and friendly.
Leisure★★☆☆☆
It''s located outside town, so you need to go into the city to find things to enjoy. The project activities were somewhat difficult. If you want a relaxed experience, it''s probably better not to participate.
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