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I’ve met a lot of good people, and I realized that meeting new people, people who are different from me, and spending time with them is really important. I also realized how much I can feel and enjoy these moments. It has made me more proactive, and I’ve become a bit braver, trying new things.
- The simple yet wild life, volunteering for animal rescue in Tokushima, Japan Kim Ji-young, Korea GapYear Participant / 2-week gap year experience |
# I thought it would be fun.
Hello, my name is Kim Ji-young, and I am 22 years old! I’m a very ordinary college student, and after finishing my sophomore year, I decided to take a break from school and participate in a gap year program to figure out what I really want to do.
The main reason I joined this project was because of its activities. I love animals, but I have never been able to have a pet due to my living situation, and I’ve always felt sad about it. I’ve often thought about volunteering for animal rescue in Korea but never took action. So, I was determined to join this project.
Also, I have lived in big cities in Korea and have never lived alone, so I thought it would be interesting to live in an environment completely opposite to my current situation.I also thought it would be exciting to be able to participate in a project during the day and have free time in the evenings and on weekends, and I could even travel around Japan. It was also attractive that the project’s duration and expenses fit my conditions well, especially since it's in Japan, which is close.
# My goal was to discover aspects of myself that I didn't even know existed.
The goal of the project was to explore a different side of myself, because my life so far seemed too monotonous and lacked special experiences. So, I set the goal of discovering a side of myself that I didn't even know existed.
Also, unlike in Korea where there were always people who could help me, I wanted to see if I could manage well even in unfamiliar and solitary situations. Through this, I hoped to become a little braver, take on new challenges, and gain a lot more confidence, so I applied for this opportunity.
# A Day in Tokushima
In the morning, after waking up and having a simple breakfast, I get ready for volunteer work. Between 10:30 and 11:00, the person in charge picks me up from the apartment. When we arrive at the shelter, which is about 10 minutes by car, we start the volunteer work almost immediately. The main task is walking the dogs. I meet several dogs in order and walk around the shelter area.
Afterward, we have lunch between 12:00 and 1:00, and after lunch, I continue walking the dogs. In between, I clean up food and water bowls, pick up waste, and help keep the area around the shelter clean.
Depending on the day, I also clean spaces where the cats are, as well as the cat towers, and sometimes I get to spend time with the cats. By around 5:00 PM, all the dog walks are finished, so I can rest or help with a little cleanup, chat with the staff, and then take the pickup vehicle back to the accommodation. Every day is different, but I usually arrive back at the apartment between 5:30 and 6:00 PM. After that, I have free time!
# It was a time where I could feel many things that I had never experienced before.
First, I was deeply moved by the way the director SUSAN, her husband HITOSHI, and all the staff at the shelter genuinely care for and love the animals. It really touched my heart. If up until now, my love for animals was based mostly on their cute appearances and their beauty, the people here truly understand animals and their bond with them, which made me feel very moved and reflect on myself.
When the staff interacted with the animals and talked about them, their affection and passion were evident, which gave me some motivation and energy. It was an experience that I learned a lot from. Additionally, all the animals at the shelter have their own stories, and at first, I was curious about why certain animals behaved a certain way. But after hearing their stories, I understood and felt closer to them. It felt like we were becoming more and more familiar with each other.
Although we can't communicate with words, day by day, I felt a sense of connection not only with the people but also with the animals, and it was a time where I could feel many things that I had never experienced before.
Also, living in an apartment in Japan, I really enjoyed the experience of doing volunteer work during the day, and relaxing and eating dinner in the apartment in the evenings, which made me feel like I was truly living in Japan. Instead of going to the restaurants I had researched beforehand, I would go into local eateries I happened to pass by, shop at the grocery store or convenience store, and take walks around the neighborhood, which was a different kind of fun compared to traveling. Also, volunteering with friends from other countries and going out to have fun together was a unique and enjoyable experience.
I participated in the project for two weeks, and during the first week, I joined with two other friends from Singapore. We volunteered together, explored nearby restaurants after volunteering, went out to the city, and had an amazing time.We became so close that we still occasionally contact each other through messenger.
# It was a time when I was able to feel many things that I couldn't have felt before.
(Language)
Susan, Hitoshi, and most of the staff members can speak English, but there are also some who cannot. It would be very helpful to know Japanese if you want to talk more with the Japanese volunteers and enjoy your time volunteering.
(Accommodation)
Most of the things you need are available in the apartment, and if anything is missing, volunteers buy and replenish it. It's close to the subway station, and the accommodation is good, except that there aren't many convenience facilities around.
(Meals)
Instead of cooking yourself, you can either go out to eat or make your own food. If you enjoy cooking or are good at it, the kitchen is equipped with all the necessary tools. However, there isn't a big supermarket nearby where you can get fresh vegetables and fruits.
(Things to bring)
I recommend bringing gloves, especially if you are not familiar with rural life! You will have to clean animal waste, do cleaning, and frequently hold the leash, which was very inconvenient for me when I didn’t have gloves at the beginning of the project.
Also, considering that this is a rural and outdoor project, it would be good to bring a hat or other items suitable for the season when you are volunteering. I also recommend bringing old shoes or shoes you don't mind wearing while volunteering.
# To prospective participants
Even if the language isn't directly important to the project, I think language plays a huge role in getting closer to the friends and staff you'll be working with! You don’t need to be super fluent, but being able to have daily conversations with people you share your day with will be beneficial both in the short and long term. Honestly, the more proficient you are in the language used in the project, the better!
I’m not really sure what everyone expects when they join the project, but one thing I’d like to say is that the project might be different from your expectations! It’s good to focus on the positive, but it’s also important to think more specifically about the daily reality (especially if you’re staying for a long time!) before choosing the project you’ll participate in!
Unlike Korea, where everything is comfortable and familiar, in a foreign country, something as simple as buying detergent at the supermarket might not be so easy. But don’t worry too much! Although the language is different, it’s still a place where people live, so it’s not something to be too concerned about. Of course, you shouldn’t come without preparing at all, either!
In conclusion, after carefully choosing the project! If it seems like a good fit and you think you’ll be able to do well, just set aside your worries and go for it!!! You’ll meet unexpected, valuable connections and have lots of fun memories that will suddenly come to mind!!Expect wonderful and surprising encounters, and loads of happy memories!
# My Tokushima Travel Spots
There isn’t much to do around the apartment, so you'll likely head towards Tokushima Station often. I recommend trying it by bike instead of taking the JR train. Near Tokushima Station, be sure to watch an Awa Odori performance at the Awa Odori Hall and take the Bizan cable car to enjoy the stunning night view of Tokushima!
Near Tokushima Station, there's a river, and if you walk along the river, you'll find a large alley with many restaurants and shops making it a great place to have dinner! Also,if you're lucky, between 8 and 9 PM, you can see the Awa Odori performances by students and local residents!
Additionally, not far from the apartment,there's the lowest mountain in Japan. It's on the way to the shelter, so the staff may introduce it to you. It's quite surprising because it takes less than 30 seconds to reach the top, which feels anticlimactic but still fun. In the evening, the sky is beautiful, abnd riding a bike around the neighborhood is also a great way to spend your time.
# My Own Tokushima Travel Spots
Before participating, I was a bit defensive in my personality, but, I think I’ve become more proactive and open now.
I’ve met a lot of good people, and it’s important to meet new people, people different from myself, and to be together. It has made me realize again how much I enjoy and learn from these experiences. Because of this, I’ve started approaching others more and trying new things, becoming a bit braver. I'm becoming more courageous, trying new things, and reaching out more.
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I’ve met a lot of good people, and I realized that meeting new people, people who are different from me, and spending time with them is really important. I also realized how much I can feel and enjoy these moments. It has made me more proactive, and I’ve become a bit braver, trying new things.
- The simple yet wild life, volunteering for animal rescue in Tokushima, Japan Kim Ji-young, Korea GapYear Participant / 2-week gap year experience |
# I thought it would be fun.
Hello, my name is Kim Ji-young, and I am 22 years old! I’m a very ordinary college student, and after finishing my sophomore year, I decided to take a break from school and participate in a gap year program to figure out what I really want to do.
The main reason I joined this project was because of its activities. I love animals, but I have never been able to have a pet due to my living situation, and I’ve always felt sad about it. I’ve often thought about volunteering for animal rescue in Korea but never took action. So, I was determined to join this project.
Also, I have lived in big cities in Korea and have never lived alone, so I thought it would be interesting to live in an environment completely opposite to my current situation.I also thought it would be exciting to be able to participate in a project during the day and have free time in the evenings and on weekends, and I could even travel around Japan. It was also attractive that the project’s duration and expenses fit my conditions well, especially since it's in Japan, which is close.
# My goal was to discover aspects of myself that I didn't even know existed.
The goal of the project was to explore a different side of myself, because my life so far seemed too monotonous and lacked special experiences. So, I set the goal of discovering a side of myself that I didn't even know existed.
Also, unlike in Korea where there were always people who could help me, I wanted to see if I could manage well even in unfamiliar and solitary situations. Through this, I hoped to become a little braver, take on new challenges, and gain a lot more confidence, so I applied for this opportunity.
# A Day in Tokushima
In the morning, after waking up and having a simple breakfast, I get ready for volunteer work. Between 10:30 and 11:00, the person in charge picks me up from the apartment. When we arrive at the shelter, which is about 10 minutes by car, we start the volunteer work almost immediately. The main task is walking the dogs. I meet several dogs in order and walk around the shelter area.
Afterward, we have lunch between 12:00 and 1:00, and after lunch, I continue walking the dogs. In between, I clean up food and water bowls, pick up waste, and help keep the area around the shelter clean.
Depending on the day, I also clean spaces where the cats are, as well as the cat towers, and sometimes I get to spend time with the cats. By around 5:00 PM, all the dog walks are finished, so I can rest or help with a little cleanup, chat with the staff, and then take the pickup vehicle back to the accommodation. Every day is different, but I usually arrive back at the apartment between 5:30 and 6:00 PM. After that, I have free time!
# It was a time where I could feel many things that I had never experienced before.
First, I was deeply moved by the way the director SUSAN, her husband HITOSHI, and all the staff at the shelter genuinely care for and love the animals. It really touched my heart. If up until now, my love for animals was based mostly on their cute appearances and their beauty, the people here truly understand animals and their bond with them, which made me feel very moved and reflect on myself.
When the staff interacted with the animals and talked about them, their affection and passion were evident, which gave me some motivation and energy. It was an experience that I learned a lot from. Additionally, all the animals at the shelter have their own stories, and at first, I was curious about why certain animals behaved a certain way. But after hearing their stories, I understood and felt closer to them. It felt like we were becoming more and more familiar with each other.
Although we can't communicate with words, day by day, I felt a sense of connection not only with the people but also with the animals, and it was a time where I could feel many things that I had never experienced before.
Also, living in an apartment in Japan, I really enjoyed the experience of doing volunteer work during the day, and relaxing and eating dinner in the apartment in the evenings, which made me feel like I was truly living in Japan. Instead of going to the restaurants I had researched beforehand, I would go into local eateries I happened to pass by, shop at the grocery store or convenience store, and take walks around the neighborhood, which was a different kind of fun compared to traveling. Also, volunteering with friends from other countries and going out to have fun together was a unique and enjoyable experience.
I participated in the project for two weeks, and during the first week, I joined with two other friends from Singapore. We volunteered together, explored nearby restaurants after volunteering, went out to the city, and had an amazing time.We became so close that we still occasionally contact each other through messenger.
# It was a time when I was able to feel many things that I couldn't have felt before.
(Language)
Susan, Hitoshi, and most of the staff members can speak English, but there are also some who cannot. It would be very helpful to know Japanese if you want to talk more with the Japanese volunteers and enjoy your time volunteering.
(Accommodation)
Most of the things you need are available in the apartment, and if anything is missing, volunteers buy and replenish it. It's close to the subway station, and the accommodation is good, except that there aren't many convenience facilities around.
(Meals)
Instead of cooking yourself, you can either go out to eat or make your own food. If you enjoy cooking or are good at it, the kitchen is equipped with all the necessary tools. However, there isn't a big supermarket nearby where you can get fresh vegetables and fruits.
(Things to bring)
I recommend bringing gloves, especially if you are not familiar with rural life! You will have to clean animal waste, do cleaning, and frequently hold the leash, which was very inconvenient for me when I didn’t have gloves at the beginning of the project.
Also, considering that this is a rural and outdoor project, it would be good to bring a hat or other items suitable for the season when you are volunteering. I also recommend bringing old shoes or shoes you don't mind wearing while volunteering.
# To prospective participants
Even if the language isn't directly important to the project, I think language plays a huge role in getting closer to the friends and staff you'll be working with! You don’t need to be super fluent, but being able to have daily conversations with people you share your day with will be beneficial both in the short and long term. Honestly, the more proficient you are in the language used in the project, the better!
I’m not really sure what everyone expects when they join the project, but one thing I’d like to say is that the project might be different from your expectations! It’s good to focus on the positive, but it’s also important to think more specifically about the daily reality (especially if you’re staying for a long time!) before choosing the project you’ll participate in!
Unlike Korea, where everything is comfortable and familiar, in a foreign country, something as simple as buying detergent at the supermarket might not be so easy. But don’t worry too much! Although the language is different, it’s still a place where people live, so it’s not something to be too concerned about. Of course, you shouldn’t come without preparing at all, either!
In conclusion, after carefully choosing the project! If it seems like a good fit and you think you’ll be able to do well, just set aside your worries and go for it!!! You’ll meet unexpected, valuable connections and have lots of fun memories that will suddenly come to mind!!Expect wonderful and surprising encounters, and loads of happy memories!
# My Tokushima Travel Spots
There isn’t much to do around the apartment, so you'll likely head towards Tokushima Station often. I recommend trying it by bike instead of taking the JR train. Near Tokushima Station, be sure to watch an Awa Odori performance at the Awa Odori Hall and take the Bizan cable car to enjoy the stunning night view of Tokushima!
Near Tokushima Station, there's a river, and if you walk along the river, you'll find a large alley with many restaurants and shops making it a great place to have dinner! Also,if you're lucky, between 8 and 9 PM, you can see the Awa Odori performances by students and local residents!
Additionally, not far from the apartment,there's the lowest mountain in Japan. It's on the way to the shelter, so the staff may introduce it to you. It's quite surprising because it takes less than 30 seconds to reach the top, which feels anticlimactic but still fun. In the evening, the sky is beautiful, abnd riding a bike around the neighborhood is also a great way to spend your time.
# My Own Tokushima Travel Spots
Before participating, I was a bit defensive in my personality, but, I think I’ve become more proactive and open now.
I’ve met a lot of good people, and it’s important to meet new people, people different from myself, and to be together. It has made me realize again how much I enjoy and learn from these experiences. Because of this, I’ve started approaching others more and trying new things, becoming a bit braver. I'm becoming more courageous, trying new things, and reaching out more.
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