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PROJECT INTRODUCTION
Experience various activities with children! The time and activities you share with them can help them grow.
This project supports and helps children who are relatively disadvantaged in educational benefits at an after-school center in Split, Croatia. The children here are in situations where they lack family care or have no place to go after school. Help the local teachers at the after-school center and engage in various activities with the children! Spending time with these children, who don't often experience diverse cultures, will broaden not only their perspectives but also yours.
* This project is operated in accordance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 10, and 17.
12.1 Week
Based on past participants’ experiences, we’ve organized the common themes of learning, reflection, and growth by time period.
What makes this project special
Grow
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PROJECT ACTIVITIES
Participants will engage in volunteer activities at the after-school center and act as positive role models for the children, leading various activities proactively. Interactions with the children will be conducted in English, and since English conversation and writing are particularly challenging for these children, communicating with them in English will provide them with a valuable opportunity.
◼︎ Example Activities
- Plan and conduct various after-school activities (teaching Korean, clay art, singing together, dancing, running a cooking class, playing outdoors, etc.)
- Assist with the children's studies and homework
- Mentor the children through conversations on various topics
- Help with auxiliary tasks for the local staff
You can also engage in various activities of your own initiative. Since the project is run with volunteer leadership, you can conduct diverse activities with the children.
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Play with the children in Korean!
With growing interest in Korean culture, there's a rising curiosity about the Korean language as well. If there are children interested in learning Korean, you can help as a native speaker. Unsure how to engage them? You can teach them to write their names in Korean, introduce basic Korean conversation, or interpret and sing along with popular Korean song lyrics. Anything that allows for fun interaction is welcome. :)
The main goal of this project is to provide a space where children can benefit educationally and grow socially. The lack of safe after-school spaces can expose children to negative situations such as crime. Therefore, participants will become part of the center and spend time with the children to help them grow positively.
Additionally, these children have limited opportunities to experience different cultures and values. Therefore, interaction with multinational volunteers can be a significant stimulus and growth point for them. Just by meeting and spending time with participants from cultures different from Croatia, the children’s perspectives will expand. The essence of this project is to naturally add diversity to their lives and positively impact them.
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- This project starts on the first and third Monday of each month and ends on Friday. (From May to the end of August, it starts every Monday.)
- Check-in is on Sunday, the day before the start of participation, and check-out is on Saturday, the day after the end of participation.
* Generally, weekends are off, and activities are conducted from Monday to Friday.
■ Project Activity Schedule
Volunteer activities are approximately 3–5 hours per day and are scheduled in the morning, afternoon, or evening depending on the organization.
The schedule below is an example of the first week; from the second week, Monday will follow the same schedule as other weekdays.
Schedules may vary depending on your personal schedule.
■ Additional Information
- In the morning, you will receive useful information on Croatian culture, local introductions, project details, basic Croatian language, safety precautions, etc. After lunch, there will be a 2-hour city tour around Split. If needed, this time can be used to purchase transportation cards, local SIM cards (up to 10 euros), and exchange money with the help of local staff.
- Saturdays and Sundays are free time, and you can explore the city or travel to other parts of Croatia or European countries.
- If you prefer to have lunch provided by the project at the volunteer activity site, you can pack your meal as a lunchbox during the restaurant's operating hours. (Lunchbox case provided)
* If you wish to continue Croatian language classes after the orientation, you can enroll by paying an additional fee if you are interested. For more details, please contact Korea Gap Year.
* This project requires a criminal background check and a health certificate.
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Q. I don't have any educational experience. Can I still apply? Don't worry! The only special requirement for the project is a criminal background check*. The local organization will provide guidelines and materials to assist you. Additionally, your abilities and English level will be considered for activity placement, so there's no need to be concerned :) Reviewing videos or articles on early childhood education or youth activities before starting can be very helpful!
Q. Can I conduct English classes? English classes can only be conducted by those with experience or qualifications in English education, and you can arrange separate English class times with the local organization. If you wish to conduct English classes, please contact Korea Gap Year for further inquiries. :)
Q. What is the age range of the children? The age range of the children varies by organization but is generally between 5 and 17 years old.
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This project strictly prohibits unauthorized photography.
I had a great time in Split! I particularly enjoyed talking and interacting with people from around the world. The organization I worked with gave me many opportunities and respected what I did. Thanks to that, I made some great connections. It was truly an unforgettable experience.
Ewelina
This volunteer experience was exactly what I wanted. The children were great, and everyone I met in Croatia was very warm and kind. For those who want to help others with what they can do, I want to say that this project and Croatia are truly the best.
Luis
* Detailed participant reviews can be found at Gap Year Stories (click).
* More participant reviews can be found at the bottom of the project page under "Participant Reviews".
SUPPORT
Excluded Items
- Round-trip airfare
- Other local expenses (overnight stays, dining out, transportation, etc.)
- Individual travel insurance
INSTITUTION INTRODUCTION
This project is run by a *B-Corp certified social enterprise. Founded in 2013, this organization, which operates mainly in Europe, offers various experiences that allow individuals to feel responsible for social issues. Having worked with over 350 non-profit organizations and contributed more than 40,000 hours, they consistently strive to make a positive impact on society through shared experiences of social responsibility.
*B-Corp: An international certification tool to measure the social and environmental performance of companies
■ Recommendation from the Director
Hello! This is Rita, the founder of the organization.
Volunteering abroad is a great opportunity to meet new people from diverse cultures and gain new skills. Engaging in activities that help local communities while focusing on the culture of a different country is a meaningful experience that is hard to understand without experiencing it yourself. Even investing just 3-5 hours a day can have a significant impact on the local community.
How about spending some time for yourself in the beautiful and pleasant Croatia, while dedicating just a portion of your day to volunteering? It will surely help you grow beyond your expectations.
ACCOMMODATION INTRODUCTION
Participants will stay in hostels provided by the local organization. The accommodation focuses on maintaining harmony with nature to create a sustainable world. It features a vintage aesthetic with furniture made from locally sourced organic materials, allowing you to experience positive future design. The local organization is committed to reducing water usage and participating in environmental protection by producing and consuming food locally. The accommodation includes a dining room and lounge where you can interact with volunteers from various countries.
| 4-8 bed rooms (mixed/gender-separated) / Lockers for personal belongings / Wi-Fi /
Air conditioning / Bedding / Towels provided / Dining room / Lounge / |
The accommodation is located in the center of Split, with a bus stop for commuting to the volunteer activity site within a 5-minute walk, and the city center is a 10-minute walk away. The area around the hostel is well-equipped with supermarkets, cafes, ATMs, pharmacies, and other public facilities, making it a convenient living environment. Additionally, laundry services are available at the hostel for approximately 10€ per load.
Meals are provided three times a day. Breakfast includes toast, cereal, spreads, fresh fruit, eggs, tea, coffee, and juice in a communal area. Lunch and dinner are served at a restaurant located below the hostel, offering traditional Croatian dishes made from fresh local ingredients. You can choose from vegetarian, meat, or fish options, which will be prepared and ready for you upon ordering.
- This project tends to fill up quickly, so we recommend applying as soon as possible if you wish to participate.
- If you wish to request a single room, please contact Korea Gap Year for individual inquiries.
LOCATION INTRODUCTION
■ Location: Croatia, Split
Croatia occupies part of the Balkan Peninsula and is a must-visit country for those traveling in Eastern Europe. Known for its beautiful old towns, dazzling beaches, and over a thousand islands, Croatia has been influenced historically by both the Romans and the Turks, making it a culturally diverse region with significant Mediterranean and Eastern European influences.
Split is the second largest city in Croatia and a prominent port city. Friendly and peaceful, this city was spared from bombing during World War II, so its important landmarks have been preserved. The main historical site of Split, the Palace of Diocletian from the Roman era, along with the old town, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is beautifully preserved. Experience the project in Split, a city with both Eastern European and Mediterranean vibes. The Roman-era scenery, lively atmosphere, delicious Mediterranean food, and warm sunshine will invigorate your experience.
Eligibility
- Individuals who can communicate in basic English
- Adults aged 18 and over
- Those interested in experiencing and volunteering in Croatian and neighboring European cultures
- Those who wish to volunteer while interacting with children in English
- Those who want to volunteer in a safer place compared to other European countries
- Those seeking meaningful experiences during European travel or study abroad
SCHEDULE AND PRICES
■ The project starts on the first and third Monday of each month. (From May to the end of August, the project will start every Monday.)
■ The minimum duration for participating in this project is 2 weeks.
■ The cost of this project can be found at the top of this page, where detailed prices are provided by duration and option.
■ Gap Year Mission Scholarship (▶ More Details)
■ Installment Payment Information
If you are unable to pay the full amount, you can make an initial deposit of 500,000 KRW and pay the remaining balance within 2 weeks. The process to confirm your participation will be initiated from the date of the deposit, and availability and TO (Terms of Offer) will be checked. Early reservation is crucial for securing your desired dates and duration! (No refunds once participation is confirmed)
* However, if the start date is approaching, the payment schedule for the remaining balance may vary depending on the situation.
■ Early Bird Discount and Urgent Application Information
It is recommended to apply for all Gap Year projects at least 3 months before the project start date due to the normal processing time and preparation period. The latest application deadline is 2 months before the start date. If you need to apply urgently, you can use the urgent application service by paying an additional fee, and we will assist with the fastest processing possible.
* Although we strive to assist with the fastest processing, there is basic time required for communication with local agencies and confirmation of participation. All procedures will be conducted in the same manner as regular applicants, so those using the urgent application service must actively cooperate with the Korea Gap Year Operations Team.
** Applicants who apply 180 days before the start date can receive an early bird discount.
*** Urgent application services can be selected from the options above, and for inquiries about urgent application services, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
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- Provided: Automatic application for Gap Year Mission and notes / OT materials provided upon confirmation of participation / Emergency personnel additional placement / Support for preparing documents if needed, etc.
* For those who have difficulty calculating dates, please refer to the Naver Date Calculator >> Naver Date Calculator
** Note: In the case of extremely urgent applications, there may be no available TO due to local circumstances, and procedures will proceed according to Gap Year refund regulations. Problems arising from participant non-cooperation are the responsibility of the participant.
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