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#Grew through courageous challenges #Wildlife rescue and reading #Freedom; the value of time alone
If you undertake a gap year project alone, it can be a really boring and lonely time, but on the other hand, you can gain the freedom to be truly relaxed, have plenty of time to think, and not have to worry about what others think.
Don''t be afraid of being alone; I hope you summon the courage and take on the challenge. Volunteering to rescue rare wild animals in Singapore that are physically and mentally injured. Cha Ji-uk, gap-year participant (23, university student) / 4-week gap year |
# I joined because I wanted to try an animal-related gap year project.
Hello, I am Cha Ji-uk, currently 23 years old and studying in the Department of Animal Science at university.
The reason I chose the project of volunteering to rescue rare wild animals in Singapore that are physically and mentally injured is that I have loved animals since childhood; my childhood dream was to be a zookeeper, and I entered the Department of Animal Science, which is related to animals.
As I have such a strong interest in animals and usually wanted to try volunteering I took this opportunity to participate in an animal-related gap year project.
* For Cha Ji-uk, who had a strong desire to gain diverse experiences and stimulation, personalized one-on-one daily missions on self-reflection, aptitude, and career were provided, and a Gap Year Note that allowed him to reflect on himself and make plans was also provided.
# I set five goals for this gap year and left.
Since it was my first time going abroad alone for an extended period, I worried a lot about communication and about what would happen if an accident occurred, but although it''s in Southeast Asia, Singapore''s public safety was really good and Even though I couldn''t speak English well, I kept using it, so many communication issues were resolved.
Before leaving, I searched a lot of information about Singapore''s exchange rate, laws, precautions, tourist spots, and restaurants, downloaded the checklist provided by Gap Year to check what items I needed and whether I had forgotten anything, downloaded books and movies to see in Singapore, and made travel plans.
II set these five goals for this gap year and left.
1. Improve English skills
2. Overcome my timid nature
3. Change my habit of traveling without plans
4. Overcome my fear of wild animals
5. Change my perception of Southeast Asian people
# A day''s schedule in Singapore
* Wake up at 9 AM
– Simple breakfast
– Wash up
* Start work at 9:30 AM
– Wash the iguana enclosure
– Wash the monkey enclosure
– Scooping the turtle tank
– Preparing animals'' lunch (fruit, vegetables, rice)
* After 1 PM lunch
– Spray warm water on the iguana to regulate its body temperature
– Clean the turtle''s shell and apply medicine
– Decorate with wood and plants for the animals'' environment
– Change the water in the turtle tank
– Prepare the animals'' dinner
* Workday ends at 5 PM
# That is what it truly means to love animals.
First, the most memorable moment was the day I went out on my first rescue operation and saw a spitting cobra for the first time,The day I captured the cobra alive myself and released it back into the wild is the most memorable.
I learned a lot from the people I worked with; first, I didn''t know there were so many people doing volunteer work. Seeing the people who volunteered with me this time,''Seeing people who do volunteer work in the time after their own jobs made me realize that this is what it truly means to love animals.''I felt that deeply.
Also, I enjoyed the new experience of living with foreign friends during this project. And as a result,I think I gained confidence in English.
# After my gap year
Before participating in the gap year project, I never even considered traveling alone or going to unfamiliar places to work,I didn''t know I could speak English this well,and that I had the courage to start conversations with people.
I used to spend every day only playing games and drinking with friends, but through the gap year project I was able to read books I never thought I would read, have more conversations with friends instead of playing games, and make future plans.
# For prospective participants
If you undertake a gap year project alone, it can be a really boring and lonely time, buton the other hand, you can gain a relaxed freedom with lots of time to think and not having to worry about others'' opinions.
You can do only what you want, like sitting by the river spacing out for two hours or spending a whole day in a café reading and watching movies, and since you have to handle everything on your own without others'' help, you can develop yourself—English skills, confidence, sociability, etc.
Don''t be afraid to go alone; muster the courage to take on the challenge.
# My gap year tips
- Language
When you encounter a word you don''t know, instead of searching the internet, ask a foreigner directly what it means.
- Accommodation
I hope you have no expectations at all. The environment is really not good.
- Meals
I recommend bringing as many food items from Korea as possible. While participating in the program you''ll really miss Korean food, and the staff at the organization are vegetarians so you may not be able to eat meat. Bring lots of ramen, kimchi, and other instant foods.
- What to bring
Mosquito repellent and mosquito medicine are essential. Also, I recommend packing clothes and luggage lightly.
# My personal Singapore travel TIP
1. When booking your flight, be sure to check whether baggage is included.
2. Check whether the airline frequently changes flight times.
3. Use the subway and buses.
4. When taking a taxi, check and verify the driver''s face.
Singapore:
Changi Airport – MRT – get off at Chinatown – eat mango shaved ice – after sightseeing rent an ofo and go to Clarke Quay – eat bak kut teh at Clarke Quay – wander around drinking beer at Clarke Quay – ride a bike to the Merlion statue – take photos in front of the Merlion – go to Marina Bay – see Gardens by the Bay – watch the fountain show and fireworks in front of Marina Bay – after that go back to Clarke Quay – try the Zouk club at Clarke Quay.
My gap year is
Experience ★★★★★
Learning ★★★★★
Environment ★★★★☆
Safety ★★★★☆
Leisure ★★★★★
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If you undertake a gap year project alone, it can be a really boring and lonely time, but on the other hand, you can gain the freedom to be truly relaxed, have plenty of time to think, and not have to worry about what others think.
Don''t be afraid of being alone; I hope you summon the courage and take on the challenge. Volunteering to rescue rare wild animals in Singapore that are physically and mentally injured. Cha Ji-uk, gap-year participant (23, university student) / 4-week gap year |
# I joined because I wanted to try an animal-related gap year project.
Hello, I am Cha Ji-uk, currently 23 years old and studying in the Department of Animal Science at university.
The reason I chose the project of volunteering to rescue rare wild animals in Singapore that are physically and mentally injured is that I have loved animals since childhood; my childhood dream was to be a zookeeper, and I entered the Department of Animal Science, which is related to animals.
As I have such a strong interest in animals and usually wanted to try volunteering I took this opportunity to participate in an animal-related gap year project.
* For Cha Ji-uk, who had a strong desire to gain diverse experiences and stimulation, personalized one-on-one daily missions on self-reflection, aptitude, and career were provided, and a Gap Year Note that allowed him to reflect on himself and make plans was also provided.
# I set five goals for this gap year and left.
Since it was my first time going abroad alone for an extended period, I worried a lot about communication and about what would happen if an accident occurred, but although it''s in Southeast Asia, Singapore''s public safety was really good and Even though I couldn''t speak English well, I kept using it, so many communication issues were resolved.
Before leaving, I searched a lot of information about Singapore''s exchange rate, laws, precautions, tourist spots, and restaurants, downloaded the checklist provided by Gap Year to check what items I needed and whether I had forgotten anything, downloaded books and movies to see in Singapore, and made travel plans.
II set these five goals for this gap year and left.
1. Improve English skills
2. Overcome my timid nature
3. Change my habit of traveling without plans
4. Overcome my fear of wild animals
5. Change my perception of Southeast Asian people
# A day''s schedule in Singapore
* Wake up at 9 AM
– Simple breakfast
– Wash up
* Start work at 9:30 AM
– Wash the iguana enclosure
– Wash the monkey enclosure
– Scooping the turtle tank
– Preparing animals'' lunch (fruit, vegetables, rice)
* After 1 PM lunch
– Spray warm water on the iguana to regulate its body temperature
– Clean the turtle''s shell and apply medicine
– Decorate with wood and plants for the animals'' environment
– Change the water in the turtle tank
– Prepare the animals'' dinner
* Workday ends at 5 PM
# That is what it truly means to love animals.
First, the most memorable moment was the day I went out on my first rescue operation and saw a spitting cobra for the first time,The day I captured the cobra alive myself and released it back into the wild is the most memorable.
I learned a lot from the people I worked with; first, I didn''t know there were so many people doing volunteer work. Seeing the people who volunteered with me this time,''Seeing people who do volunteer work in the time after their own jobs made me realize that this is what it truly means to love animals.''I felt that deeply.
Also, I enjoyed the new experience of living with foreign friends during this project. And as a result,I think I gained confidence in English.
# After my gap year
Before participating in the gap year project, I never even considered traveling alone or going to unfamiliar places to work,I didn''t know I could speak English this well,and that I had the courage to start conversations with people.
I used to spend every day only playing games and drinking with friends, but through the gap year project I was able to read books I never thought I would read, have more conversations with friends instead of playing games, and make future plans.
# For prospective participants
If you undertake a gap year project alone, it can be a really boring and lonely time, buton the other hand, you can gain a relaxed freedom with lots of time to think and not having to worry about others'' opinions.
You can do only what you want, like sitting by the river spacing out for two hours or spending a whole day in a café reading and watching movies, and since you have to handle everything on your own without others'' help, you can develop yourself—English skills, confidence, sociability, etc.
Don''t be afraid to go alone; muster the courage to take on the challenge.
# My gap year tips
- Language
When you encounter a word you don''t know, instead of searching the internet, ask a foreigner directly what it means.
- Accommodation
I hope you have no expectations at all. The environment is really not good.
- Meals
I recommend bringing as many food items from Korea as possible. While participating in the program you''ll really miss Korean food, and the staff at the organization are vegetarians so you may not be able to eat meat. Bring lots of ramen, kimchi, and other instant foods.
- What to bring
Mosquito repellent and mosquito medicine are essential. Also, I recommend packing clothes and luggage lightly.
# My personal Singapore travel TIP
1. When booking your flight, be sure to check whether baggage is included.
2. Check whether the airline frequently changes flight times.
3. Use the subway and buses.
4. When taking a taxi, check and verify the driver''s face.
Singapore:
Changi Airport – MRT – get off at Chinatown – eat mango shaved ice – after sightseeing rent an ofo and go to Clarke Quay – eat bak kut teh at Clarke Quay – wander around drinking beer at Clarke Quay – ride a bike to the Merlion statue – take photos in front of the Merlion – go to Marina Bay – see Gardens by the Bay – watch the fountain show and fireworks in front of Marina Bay – after that go back to Clarke Quay – try the Zouk club at Clarke Quay.
My gap year is
Experience ★★★★★
Learning ★★★★★
Environment ★★★★☆
Safety ★★★★☆
Leisure ★★★★★
What makes this project special
