Q: Could you briefly describe the volunteer work you did in Indonesia? 

A: I participated in a summer volunteer program in Indonesia. Our team primarily focused on building a new library for local students. The volunteer work was divided into four main categories: constructing the library, painting murals, teaching, and cultural activities. Each team member was assigned to one of these categories, and I was responsible for art and Korean language education. 

Q: Did you experience any culture shock or memorable moments during your time in Indonesia? 

A: I initially thought Indonesia, as a Southeast Asian country, would have a Buddhist cultural background. However, I was surprised to learn that 87% of the population is Muslim. This was evident as many women wore hijabs in their daily lives. Another shock was the lack of English education. Even young elementary school students couldn't understand basic English words, which made communication challenging. 

Q: What differences between Indonesia and Korea stood out to you? 

A: The most striking difference is how deeply Islam is embedded in the daily lives of Indonesians. Religious practices, like prayer and dietary restrictions, are integral to their lifestyle, which is quite different from Korea. Additionally, the weather in Indonesia is very humid and hot, much more so than in Korea. Despite the extreme heat, many women wore hijabs and seemed completely unbothered. I was impressed by how well they had adapted to such conditions. 

Q: How have you grown or changed since participating in the volunteer program? 

A: I’ve realized how much my perspective on life has changed since the program. In Korea, I would never think of going to bed without showering after coming home, but in Indonesia, I learned that these comforts are not a given. This experience made me more appreciative of the small things in life. Additionally, since we had to manage everything on our own, I’ve gained a lot of confidence. 

Q: What are your overall impressions of the volunteer program? 

A: I was really impressed by the maturity and dedication of some of the team members. Even though they were undoubtedly struggling, they didn’t show it and instead helped others, keeping the atmosphere positive. These people left a strong impression on me. Although I went into the program thinking I would be the one helping others, in the end, I feel like I gained much more from the experience.