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I think joining the project was really the right choice. Especially if you participate in activities related to your interests like I did, you can''t help but feel satisfied. It was a great time that let me clearly realize what I''m lacking while also being healing.
[Overseas Volunteering / Trip to Australia] A vast continent with foreign friends: an Australian environmental conservation volunteer project
Lee Ah-young, GapYear member Gapper (24, university student) / 2 weeks of gap year
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# Environmental conservation volunteering that I joined without hesitation because I usually have a strong interest in the environment!
There was very little information about overseas environmental volunteering, so I wondered if it might be on a site called GapYear (I had heard of it from a friend who once went on a program), and when I checked it was there, so I applied without hesitation.Because I''ve always been very interested in the environment and really wanted to try it.
Actually, I once stayed abroad for a long time, and at that time I felt, ''I definitely want to live in Korea. Let''s not think about living abroad,'' so honestly I was worried about staying overseas for a long period. Still, I really wanted to do environmental volunteering abroad, and I thought that if I focused only on the project, time would pass quickly, so I applied.
To be honest, I prepared for departure at the last minute. I think I started packing two days before leaving. I''m a bit lazy, so it''s usually like that for me. Still...The GapYear packing checklist was quite helpful!
I didn''t exchange much money (350,000 won), and I made a lot of transportation mistakes and had a few unnecessary expenses, so I ended up short on money at the end. T_T Be sure to bring a card...
* For Lee Ah-young, who lacked confidence and had many concerns about a career in the environmental field,she could build confidence; a tailored 1:1 personal mission for new perspectives and challenges was provided daily, and a GapYear notebook was provided to reflect on oneself and make plans.
# The interesting tea-time breaks and the natural environment that was a pleasure to the eyes no matter where you went
A typical day in the project iswaking up in the morning and having breakfast, working, having tea time, working again and having lunch, working more, and then finishing.After that it''s free time and we mostly go out here and there with the team leader. Then we come back to have dinner together and have free time again; sometimes we go into town, sometimes we rest at home.
On the last day (Friday) we have free time near the harbor and take a ferry to the city.
The work was harder than I expected in the first week and I struggled because I lacked stamina, but in the second week I adapted and I think I did well.I found the culture of always taking a break for tea time interesting and nice.Especially for me, I can''t get through a day without caffeine, so the coffee I drank at that time felt very precious. Also,because the natural scenery was beautiful, even though we were working wherever we went, it was a pleasure to the eyes.
And I noticed that the schedule after volunteering can also be adjusted according to your own plans, so keep that in mind!
By the way, English — English is important. Most people who come are English speakers. I''m already shy, and using imperfect English in front of English speakers made me feel even more intimidated. I think this was more an issue of my personality, so it''s probably not something to worry about in general.
Still,the people who come to do environmental volunteering were all kind and took good care of me. It all depends on how you approach it.It''s just that I''m timid and very shy, so I didn''t do well. Usually you can go through it just fine~~
# I''m really glad I joined the project! A healing time with a night sky full of seemingly pouring stars
I think joining the project was really the right choice. Especially if you participate in activities related to your interests like I did, you can''t help but feel satisfied.It was a great time where I could clearly realize what I was lacking while also finding it healing.
While working on the project, I felt I should learn English, and I was moved by the night sky full of stars that seemed like they would pour down. I also thought I should look into other environment-related activities.
I just wanted to try environmental volunteering — I''m glad it happened, and it gave me time to better decide my career path.I think that was the case. Also, I think living without Wi‑Fi would be a really meaningful experience for Koreans. You end up going to bed early and waking up early automatically!! The night stars are so beautiful and reading books is enjoyable.
# My gap year tip
(Language)
I''m shy and timid, so not being good at English was quite difficult for me. But people who are outgoing and confident will probably be fine even if they don''t speak English.
(Accommodation)
During the volunteer work we stayed in one house by room, and on weekends we stayed in a nearby hostel''s women-only room. The lodging was fine.
(Meals)
The meal menu was fixed, so in practice there wasn''t much need to bring Korean food.They cooked tasty, vegetarian-friendly food, so it was a pleasant experience.
(What to bring)
Since you''re working, bring anything you think would be useful while working.Arm sleeves and face covers were all useful. A handheld fan was also nice. Also be sure to bring emergency medicine (both oral and topical) and insect spray.I think they will be necessary.
Also, if it''s winter a sleeping bag will help with insulation. And bringing detergent or similar will make things more convenient.
My gap year is
Experience ★★★★★
Learning ★★★★★
Environment ★★★☆☆
Safety ★★★☆☆
Leisure ★★★★★
