Projects
|
FAQ
|
Announcements
#Confidence in pursuing a nursing career; became more extroverted #Medical volunteer work in Cambodia; growth through hands-on experience #Growth, gratitude, satisfaction
Whether being a nurse truly suits me, or if it was just a choice I made when I was immatureWhen I was worrying whether this career path would lead my life to happiness, I discovered a gap year.If there''s one of the best things I did during my year off, it was going on an overseas medical volunteer trip through a gap year.
Medical volunteer work in Cambodia treating children that anyone can participate in. Lee Eun-chae, gap-year participant (gapper) (23, university student) / 4-week gap year |
# If there was one best thing I did during my year off, it was going on an overseas medical volunteer trip through a gap year.
Hello. I am a fourth-year nursing student, but I am currently on a leave of absence.If there''s one of the best things I did during my year off, it was going on an overseas medical volunteer trip through a gap year.I am introverted and timid, cautious in everything, so I don''t make decisions well and am indecisive.
I am a fourth-year nursing student, but I wasn''t confident about my career path in nursing. Whether being a nurse truly suits me, or if it was just a choice I made when I was immatureWhen I was worrying whether this career path would lead my life to happiness, I discovered a gap year.
* For Lee Eun-chae, who wanted new experiences and to explore career paths,A mission to rethink her career, and a tailored 1:1 personal mission for new experiences and challenges were provided daily, and a gap year notebook to reflect on herself and make plans was also provided.
# Through this gap year project — the medical volunteer service — I wanted to experience what the job of a nurse is like.
Because I was worried whether nursing suited me, I wanted to experience the job of a nurse through this gap year medical volunteer project., and because I am very timid by nature, I find it difficult to talk to strangers.
So through this gap year I wanted to change myself to be more extroverted and able to comfortably talk with others.
# I was able to think, ''I want to work as a nurse in a wider setting.''
The local project consisted of morning and afternoon volunteer sessions. The morning ran from 8 to 12 and the afternoon from 2 to 4, with the afternoon program being optional. If you arrived at 8 a.m., there was a medical consultation until 9, after which medication administration and dressing changes were carried out.
Through this opportunity I felt the merits of nursing and came to want to enter clinical practice as a nurse.Also, I realized that I, who thought my world was everything, was a frog in a well.'' I was able to think, ''I want to work as a nurse in a wider place.''
# I think I became someone who can naturally ask for help and lean on others.
Among the people who stayed at the same accommodation as me, there was only one other Asian besides us. She was a 22-year-old girl who came alone, unlike me, and I thought she was really amazing and lovely. I am so happy that I could meet her even briefly, talk a lot, and spend a lot of time together.I really hope that she finds her own path later and is happy.
I used to try to deal with difficult situations on my own, worrying and struggling by myself, but through this gap year volunteer project I think I''ve become someone who can naturally ask for help and rely on others. I''ve also become able to stay relaxed and not get stressed over small things.
# My gap year TIP
- Language
It''s good to study a bit of conversational English, and it''s very helpful to learn simple Khmer greetings.
- Meals
The flavors typical of Southeast Asia are strong. Kimchi is sold cheaply (about $1) at a nearby supermarket, so you don''t need to bring it; you can cook in the first-floor kitchen.
- Accommodation
The lodging is much better than I expected. However, for convenience it''s good to bring or buy slippers; there is air conditioning, a water purifier, and a refrigerator, and there''s a market nearby, so it''s more convenient to not bring much and buy things there.
- Packing list
- Items I missed / items that would be useful: if I had to pick one, sunscreen? (Most items can be purchased)
- Items that were handy: water bottle, sunglasses, hat.
- My advice to future participants about what to bring
Bringing a water bottle was really convenient for me.
# My Cambodia travel TIP
Cambodia is between Vietnam and Thailand. Before visiting Cambodia we flew into Vietnam''s airport and traveled in Vietnam. After finishing medical volunteering in Cambodia, we went to Thailand for a short trip and then returned to Korea. We traveled by bus. It takes a long time, but it''s very cheap and you can visit three countries in a short period. This might be useful to consider.
My gap year was
Experience ★★★★★
During nursing clinicals I would barely get to observe various activities once or twice a day, but in just one month I could do them myself, and several times at that, so I think it was a really great experience.
Learning ★★★★☆
Hands-on learning was more prominent than theoretical learning.Whenever I asked, they explained things diligently and encouraged me a lot.
Leisure★★★☆☆
There were quite a few places to go on weekends and many pretty cafes!
Capturing the growth journeys
of our participants.
