After completing an AmeriCorps service term, Nick joined our GIS & Reserve Management internship in South Africa, to bridge the gap between academic theory and environmental practice.
As a Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology student - and former AmeriCorps Coach - Nick gained vital field experience and academic credit in preparation for a Master’s in Environmental Conservation.
Nick used his Segal Education Award to cover the program and academic credit costs - something he would encourage other AmeriCorps alumni to consider. Read on to learn more about Nick’s 12-week intern abroad experience in one of Africa’s great reserves.
Hi Nick! What was your role as a GIS & Reserve Management intern like?
My tasks included camera trapping and identification through field research and studies, game transects in order to understand current populations in the reserve and their viability, vegetation surveys in order to understand the flora’s viability and their importance to the fauna. I also created a GIS project on a resident animal, their habitat, and/or how they interact with their environment within the Gondwana Game Reserve.
Part of the reason I love wildlife conservation is the field aspect. It is 100% hands-on and always exciting. Everything in this internship has allowed me to thrive, including my learning style because the only way to collect data is by going out into nature and finding it. This has kept me engaged and enthusiastic every single day.
Why did you choose to do this particular environmental internship in South Africa?
My long-term goal is to make a lasting impact in conservation in the United States. Learning GIS was a good way to get my foot in the door somewhere and to be able to apply for a Master’s degree. Through this program, GIS & Reserve Management, the specific skills I learned were camera trapping, field research and safety, vegetation importance in a habitat, and GIS. All of these can be directly applied to a career in the States.
Through the internship experience, I was able to achieve my goals in field research experience, GIS Certification, and wildlife experience. This has really empowered me to be more successful in my career field.
What were the particular highlights of this experience for you?
I chose Gondwana for the field experience and the GIS certification, but I left with far more. My greatest accomplishments in my time there are the relationships and knowledge I gained. My time in Gondwana served as a vital proving ground, providing me with the field research experience and QGIS proficiency needed to succeed in wildlife conservation. Achieving these certifications and hands-on milestones empowered me to move forward in my career with confidence and technical expertise.
Did you face any challenges, if so, how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenges to morale in field research are certainly loneliness and homesickness. We spend a lot of time in nature, which is very healthy, but you trade the people at home for it. This definitely makes you miss the people closest to you, and it can be challenging to even get a phone call through with the wifi availability.
One positive technique we used to keep people in a good mental shape was to switch up the menu. We all wrote down three dishes that remind us of home, and at least one from each person made the main menu. This was a great idea and it worked like a charm.
What advice would you offer to prospective interns?
Go into it without any expectations of new people, treat everyone with respect, be open to showing your own culture & try something new and different.
What advice would you offer to AmeriCorps Alumni?
Take some time to think about how your Education Award can benefit you the most. If that means paying off your student loans or going back to school, great. If it means gaining experience you can put on your resume to set yourself apart, while having an adventure abroad, also great. For me, I decided to use my Award to go to a destination on the other side of the world, and I am so glad I did. The relationships I made and skills I gained are invaluable. I could have put my Education Award towards my Master’s degree, but I am so glad I chose this path. Ultimately, you get to choose yours, but I would encourage you to give an international internship or volunteer program some genuine thought.
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FAQs
You can apply your Segal Education Award toward future education costs at a Title IV institution or repaying student loans. You can also use your award for other opportunities, like traveling internationally with us! Reach out to our team, so we can talk you through how to make this happen.
The enrollment and academic credit fees through Warren Wilson College start at $2599 USD for up to 5 credits. The remaining balance of your Education Award can go towards program fees, travel expenses, learning opportunities (cultural tours and excursions, language lessons, SCUBA certification, accommodation upgrades, and more). How much of your trip is covered will vary depending on your chosen destination, project, duration, number of academic credits, add-ons, and the amount of funding you have available. With a full term Education Award, you could travel for one week up to six months! Learn more here.
Intern Abroad HQ is intended to provide internships to people at various levels, so the experiences can be introductory. All applications are received as a formal expression of interest, so if you’re not sure whether or not you could be accepted, the best thing to do is just apply! If you meet the eligibility requirements, you’ll receive guidance on how to confirm your participation. At the same time, if you’re not sure what program would be best for you, and if you have questions about it, the Program Managers will also be available to assist and provide further clarifications in a consultative manner.
Interns should have some relevant experience and study trajectory which is leading toward a career related to your internship. Internships can always be adapted to people who are at different levels, so you’re welcome to apply. Likewise, recent graduates are welcome, if you’re seeking to gain more exposure in the field, to build your practical experience and boost your resume.
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