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PROJECT INTRODUCTION
This project involves diving into the sea in Croatia, known as the jewel of the Adriatic, to clean up and make the marine ecosystem healthier. No prior scuba diving experience is necessary. At this international professional scuba diving school, expert instructors will teach you from the very beginning. Those with prior experience can enjoy the project with courses tailored to their existing skills. Engage in a meaningful gap year activity that considers the marine environment while enjoying your vacation and travel!
* This project is operated in accordance with the UN Environmental Program's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12, 14, and 17.
9.4 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
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PROJECT ACTIVITIES
The most romantic city in the Balkans, Split, Croatia, is famous for its breathtaking beauty, with various historical sites preserved along the Adriatic Sea, right above the Mediterranean. However, with the growing environmental pollution these days, Croatia's marine ecosystem is also gradually becoming polluted due to trash. Especially with many tourists visiting both land and sea in Croatia, the country is suffering from the side effects of overtourism, which led the government to actually come up with countermeasures in 2019. Nonetheless, given Croatia's national characteristic of relying on tourism income, there are limitations in preventing environmental pollution through these measures.
In this project, you can participate in activities that involve exploring and cleaning the underwater world through scuba diving for a healthier marine ecosystem. Even if you have no prior experience in scuba diving, you can learn everything from scratch here with the help of a professional instructor. Experiencing the underwater world in Croatia, which holds both Eastern European and Mediterranean vibes, and cleaning it, will make your gap year even more fulfilling.
■ Example Activities
Participants will engage in the above activities.
* This project starts on the first and third Monday of every month, and from May to the end of August, it starts every Monday.
* Check-in is on Sunday, the day before the project starts, and check-out is on Saturday, the day after the project ends.
* The activities of this project may be adjusted flexibly depending on the participant's capabilities and weather conditions. Please inform us in advance whether you have scuba diving experience or certification to select the appropriate course.
Reference! Croatia Weather Information
The highest and lowest temperatures in Croatia from March to October are as follows.
Source: Weatherspark
■ Example Project Activity Schedule
Participants will stay at accommodation located in Split, where they will receive an orientation and meals. The project activities will take place in Omis, a coastal village near Split. Participants will travel individually by bus from Split, and the journey takes about an hour.
Please note that this activity schedule is highly flexible and may change based on local conditions.
| Time | Weekdays During Project | Weekends During Project |
| 07:00-08:30 | Breakfast at accommodation | Free Time |
| 08:30-09:30 | Travel to Omis by bus | |
| 10:00-12:30 | First dive of the day | |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch | |
| 14:00-16:00 | Second dive of the day | |
| 16:00-17:30 | Return to Split | |
| 17:30-19:00 |
Free Time (Rest and travel) |
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| 19:00-22:00 |
Dinner near the accommodation (Free time after dinner) |
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■ Schedule for the Day Before and the First Day of the Project - On-site Orientation
The schedule below is an example of the first week of the project. Starting from the second week, Mondays will follow the same routine as the other weekdays.
It can be adjusted according to your personal schedule.
| Time |
Day Before the Project |
First Day of the Project Monday |
| 07:00-10:00 | Free time and rest after arrival at accommodation | Breakfast at accommodation |
| 10:00-12:30 | On-site orientation | |
| 12:30-14:00 | Lunch at a nearby restaurant | |
| 14:00-19:00 | Split city tour | |
| 19:00-22:00 | Dinner at a nearby restaurant (Free time after dinner) |
* If you wish to continue taking Croatian language classes after the orientation, you can do so for an additional fee. For more details, please contact Korea Gap Year directly.
* A health certificate is required for this project.
■ Example of Certification Process
Depending on the participant's diving experience and skill level, various certifications can be obtained as shown below.
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | |
| Beginner (No Certification) |
Open Water |
Marine Ecosystem Specialty Course |
Advanced Open Water Certification Course |
Exploration Diving |
| Open Water Certification Holder |
Marine Ecosystem Specialty Course |
Advanced Open Water Certification Course |
Fish ID Course, Exploration |
|
| Advanced Open Water Certification Holder |
Marine Ecosystem Specialty Course |
Fish ID Course, Exploration |
Deep Diver Specialty Course |
* If you have no diving experience, you will first obtain the certification (Open Water Certification) to check if you are prepared to dive. This certification covers whether the diver has learned safety precautions, knows how to navigate, and can dive comfortably underwater. From the second to the fourth week, you will obtain the next level of certification. If you already have diving experience, the project activities will proceed according to your skill level and the appropriate course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need to bring my own diving gear?
Please use the local diving equipment provided for this project. :) All the necessary professional diving gear is available for rent, and the rental fee is included in the participation cost. Just bring comfortable swimwear, easy-to-wear slippers, towels, and other personal items.
Q. What kind of certification will I receive upon completing the project?
Upon completing this project, you will receive an internationally recognized SSI (Scuba Schools International) diving certification. The type of certification depends on your diving experience and the duration of your stay, ranging from 'Open Water Diver' to 'Scuba Diver.' If you inform us of your diving experience in advance, we can help you start at the appropriate level.
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This project strictly prohibits unauthorized photography.
SUPPORT
Exclusions
- 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. Established in 2013 and operating mainly in Europe, this organization offers a variety of experiences that foster a sense of responsibility towards social issues. Having worked with over 350 non-profit organizations and contributing more than 40,000 hours, they continuously strive to make a positive impact on society through shared experiences of social responsibility.
*B-Corp: An international certification tool for measuring a company's public and social value
■ A Note from the Head of the Organization
Hello! I’m Rita, the founder of the organization.
Volunteering abroad is a great opportunity to meet new people from diverse cultures and learn new skills. Engaging in activities that focus on helping local communities while immersed in their culture is a meaningful experience that is hard to grasp without firsthand involvement. Even investing just 3 to 5 hours a day can have a significant impact on the community.
How about spending some time for yourself in beautiful and pleasant Croatia, dedicating just a part of your day to volunteering? It will surely help you grow beyond your expectations.
ACCOMMODATION INTRODUCTION
Participants will use a hostel provided by the local organization. The accommodation focuses on maintaining a balance with nature to create a sustainable world, featuring furniture made from locally produced organic materials and evoking a vintage feel. The local organization is committed to reducing water usage and engaging in environmental protection through local food production and consumption. You will have access to a dining room and lounge where you can interact with volunteers from various countries.
| 4-8 person rooms (mixed/gender-separated) / Lockers available for personal items / Wi-Fi /
Air conditioning / Bedding / Towels provided / Dining room / Lounge / |
The accommodation is located in the center of Split, within a 5-minute walk to the bus stop that connects to the volunteer work location and a 10-minute walk to the city center. The area around the hostel is well-equipped with supermarkets, cafes, ATMs, pharmacies, and other public facilities, providing a convenient living environment. Additionally, you can use the laundry service provided by the hostel for approximately €10 per load.
Three meals a day are provided. Breakfast includes toast, cereal, spreads, fresh fruit, eggs, tea, coffee, and juice in the shared space. Lunch and dinner are served at a restaurant located below the hostel, where you can enjoy traditional Croatian dishes made with fresh local ingredients. You can choose from vegetarian, meat, or fish options, and meals will be prepared according to your order.
- This project tends to fill up quickly, so we recommend that those who wish to participate apply as soon as possible.
- If you prefer a single room, please contact Korea Gap Year for individual inquiries.
LOCATION INTRODUCTION
■ Location: Omiš, Croatia
Croatia occupies part of the Balkan Peninsula and is a must-visit country for those traveling to Eastern Europe. Known for its beautiful old towns, stunning beaches, and over a thousand islands, Croatia has a rich cultural diversity influenced historically by both the Romans and the Turks, reflecting both Mediterranean and Eastern European influences.
The Split where your accommodation is located, is Croatia's second-largest city and a major port. Friendly to tourists and filled with a peaceful atmosphere, this city was spared from bombing during World War II, preserving important landmarks like Diocletian's Palace and the old town.
The project will take place in Omiš, a former pirate stronghold from the 13th to 15th centuries. Although not well-known in Korea, Omiš is famous in Europe as a vacation and sports activity destination. Where the Cetina River meets the Adriatic Sea, Omiš offers dramatic landscapes with rugged mountains, gorges, flowing rivers, and wide seas, living up to its reputation.
Despite its relatively unspoiled natural environment, Omiš's old town is similar to other Croatian cities and offers the opportunity to enjoy fresh seafood dishes, making it a small but charming place.
Eligibility
- Individuals who can communicate in English
- Adults aged 18 and over
- Those looking to experience Eastern European and Mediterranean vibes during a unique vacation
- Those with no diving experience but who want to enjoy the sea and contribute to marine ecosystem conservation
- Those who want to try scuba diving while traveling around the world
- Individuals seeking a fun and fulfilling time combining travel and volunteering
- Those who want to work as a team with divers from various countries to create a healthy marine ecosystem
SCHEDULE AND PRICES
■ The project starts on the first and third Mondays of each month. (From May to the end of August, it starts every Monday.)
■ The minimum duration for participating in this project is 1 week.
■ 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 full payment is not possible, you can pay a registration fee of 500,000 KRW in advance and the remaining balance within 2 weeks. Based on the date of the registration fee payment, the process for confirming project participation will begin, including checking availability and slots. Early reservation is important for securing your preferred dates and duration! (Non-refundable once confirmed.)
* However, if the start date is approaching, the deadline for paying the remaining balance may vary depending on the situation.
■ Early Bird Discounts and Emergency Application Information
It is recommended to apply for all Gap Year projects at least 3 months before the project start date due to the standard application process and preparation time. The principle is to apply no later than 2 months before the start date. However, if there are unavoidable circumstances or urgent needs, you can use the emergency application service by paying an additional fee for expedited processing.
* Although we assist with expedited processing, there is generally time required for communication with local agencies and confirmation of participation, so those using the emergency application service must actively cooperate with the Gap Year operation team.
** You can receive an early bird discount by applying at least 180 days before the start date.
*** Emergency application service can be selected from the options above. For inquiries related to emergency applications, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
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- Provided Services: Automatic application for Gap Year missions and notes / Full provision of OT materials upon confirmation of participation / Additional deployment of urgent personnel / Support in preparing necessary documents, etc.
* For those having difficulty calculating dates, please refer to the Naver Date Calculator >> Naver Date Calculator
** Note: In case of extremely urgent applications, there may be no slots available due to local circumstances, and the process will follow the Gap Year refund policy. Also, any issues arising from participant non-cooperation will be the participant's responsibility.
