KNU 해외봉사활동 to Bau-bau, Buton Island, Indonesia

At first, I would like to thank to Mr. Oh Myeong Seok who chose me to accompany Korean friends to go to Indonesia in this Voluntary Program. I was very glad knowing that I will go to my country for doing this program.

Before going, of course we prepared everything that we need in the lecture. Actually, I and other member from English education team felt not sure about what kind of lectures we would teach in the school because we did not know the English level of the students. Moreover, we did not know also which students would we teach. However, finally we could decide and make our lecture perfectly.

The departing day was coming, I couldn't believe that finally our team would go to Indonesia. We were very excited although we had to go early in the morning, around 3 AM. Looking at our flight schedule, I was a little bit speechless because the time that we needed to reach Bau-bau city were so long.

When I arrived in Jakarta, I felt so tired because I had to wait for the Koreans to make visa on arrival. It took quite a long time. After that, we also had to change our money to Rupiah. 그때 정신이 없어서 정말 힘들었다.

I think our journey was really a very long journey. We took airplane for 3 times and speed boat for 1 times. However, it is all healed because unexpectedly when we arrived at the port of Bau-bau, we were welcomed by the students who wore Bau-bau traditional clothes. I think it was a huge welcoming party that was presented to us. I really didn't expect about that before. They brought us to the city major's house and we had our dinner there. We also watched some performances from the students.

Arriving at our lodging, we had meeting to discuss what to prepare for our first lecture even though we were so tired.

The next day, we got up early because the school starts at 7 AM everyday. Before starting, we talked with the school headmaster to ask which class would we teach. Unfortunately, we couldn't use our syllabus because everyday we had to teach different class. So, I and other member of English education team had to think hardly again about our lecture.

Finally, we didn't really face any big problem at all. The students were so nice, kind, and friendly. They liked us until we got very close. Everyday after the class is finished, they came to our lodging just to talk, meet, and take picture with us. I was so happy. As an Indonesian, I was really glad because I could share my experiences about studying in Korea to them. I gave them spirit to study harder. They said they want to be like me, though I think I still have many shortages (부족). I felt so touched because of that. I got some presents and letters from the students. :)

Nirwana Beach, Bau-bau

Besides that, by joining this Voluntary Program, it gives me a lot of new experiences. I could see another side of Indonesia which I have never imagined before that I could visit Buton Island. I got new Korean friends whom I regard as my real brothers and sisters in Korea, since I never had a Korean best friend before. I would like to say very thanks to them who always helped and cheered me when I was down especially after I got stressed because of the translation job. I think Voluntary Program is a very worthwhile thing to do.