Barbara Gonzalez Fuentes is a third-year student pursuing a major in Geography and a minor in Africana and Latin American Studies. She chose the GIS & Reserve Management Internship in the Gondwana Game Reserve, South Africa, as this program was a good fit for her academic pursuits, passion for environmental conservation and it allowed her to further develop her current skills in GIS with the aim of enriching her professional and personal growth.
Hi Barbara, what were your first impressions upon arriving in South Africa?
It is difficult to express what this first week has been like in words. I came without expectations, but my experience surpassed any expectations I had and surprised me in beautiful ways. I felt very welcomed and included within the community and was in constant awe at the beauty of the landscape, the sunsets and sunrises, the incredible animals and vegetation we see every day.
Living a simple life here, with only the basics and essentials, has been a refreshing change. It was wonderful to disconnect from technology and the hectic pace of urban life. At times, balancing my responsibilities and duties with the GIS project and writing reflections while participating in all the activities, lessons, and social moments has been a bit challenging. However, as the days went by, I found a routine that suited me best.
Choosing just one memorable moment is difficult because there were so many, but the third official full day on Wednesday stood out to me. We saw the big herd of elephants for the very first time, learned some of their names, and also saw hippos and two ostriches - Roberto and Roberta, for the first time in my life. It felt incredible to learn how to do game transects, start learning the names of each species, and grow more comfortable with my peers as we shared these experiences together.
Looking back after only one week at the camp, all the interns have formed beautiful and deep long-lasting connections with each other, which has been pretty special. Regarding preparation, I feel that coming with an open mind and a willingness to let this experience surprise me has been crucial. Embracing the opportunity to meet new people from different backgrounds and immersing myself fully in all the learning opportunities and obstacles has been the best way to prepare for and handle these challenges.
How would you describe the work you conducted as an intern?
A large portion of my week was spent supporting the team’s activities, including the Elephant Reintegration Trust (ERT) program, conducting vegetation surveys, and helping process all the data collected. Additionally, I was involved in the camp’s chores, like cleaning and cooking. While it has been incredibly rewarding, finding a balance between completing my GIS course, engaging in these activities, and working on my final project was a challenge at times. However, I finalized my online GIS course on time, which was a significant milestone. I then had two potential topics for my final project, and was able to focus on them for the remainder of my time there.
How was multiculturalism supported throughout your internship?
In my internship at Gondwana, I observed multiculturalism being supported in several ways. First, the camp hosts diverse students and volunteers from various countries and backgrounds, naturally fostering an environment of cultural exchange. The program encourages spaces for us to share our backgrounds, traditions, and perspectives through our daily activities and informal interactions.
There is also a strong emphasis on mutual respect and inclusivity. The local staff actively facilitates activities that integrate us all. During our meal times, we all get to share something unique from our home country during our conversations, whether it’s food, traditions, or stories. This not only broadens our understanding of each other’s cultures but also helps in building a cohesive and supportive community.
Lastly, the program’s structure promotes collaboration and teamwork, requiring us to work closely with our peers from different backgrounds to complete our weekly tasks, such as cooking, cleaning the bathrooms, and processing data. This practical experience of working together on projects and daily tasks further reinforces the importance of cultural competence and adaptability.
How did the program contribute to your career goals?
This internship greatly contributed to the achievement of my long-term goals by providing me with a diverse set of skills and invaluable experiences. Every day at the reserve, I gained new knowledge and insights from the rich exposure to various conservation activities and the enlightening conversations with local staff members.
In terms of hard skills, it was incredibly rewarding to learn various strategies for data collection, such as conducting game transects, performing vegetation surveys using quadrants, bird counting, and examining elephant behavior through the Elephant Reintegration Trust (ERT) program. These hands-on experiences were entirely new to me, as was the extensive data processing that we would conduct upon returning to camp in the afternoons. These activities broadened my practical knowledge and technical proficiency in ecological research and conservation practices.
The soft skills I developed were equally important and rewarding. Working as a team daily, making collaborative decisions, and communicating effectively with others are all transferable skills that will benefit me in any future career. These experiences fostered my ability to adapt, collaborate, and lead in diverse settings.
Do you feel differently about your own culture after completing this internship?
Completing this internship program has profoundly affected how I feel about my own culture and lifestyle. The slower, more deliberate pace of life in the bush has changed and healed me in ways I could never have imagined. While I found some similarities with life back home, the deep connection with nature and my surroundings enriched my relationships with those around me, the animals, and even myself.
This state of deeper connection, appreciation, and gratitude brought rapid and enhanced learning and formed deep bonds that I had never experienced before. This change in mindset and lifestyle is something I intend to continue applying in my life. As my supervisor told me during one of our conversations, “I take one day at a time.”
Living in such a tight-knit community for four weeks and learning so much about the big animals, plants, and birds in such a short period of time was truly life-changing and inspiring. This experience has had a profound impact on me, one that I will carry into my future endeavors.
What advice would you give future interns for this program?
My main advice would be to approach the experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn, and that it is always important to be respectful of different customs, traditions, and ways of communication. Take the time to observe and understand the cultural norms and practices of your host community and be flexible, as things may be different from what one is used to back home.
It is also crucial to show genuine interest in learning about other cultures and engage in conversations with locals to gain deeper insights. Also remember that patience and empathy are key to building strong relationships and overcoming cultural differences. Lastly, embrace the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally by stepping out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in the rich cultural diversity and experiences around you.
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