I wasn’t sure what to expect as this was my first real time away from home, with no parents, and taking care of myself abroad. Upon arriving, I immediately felt like I was at home, comfortable and amazed at the beautiful landscapes. I was always sure of my goal to become a veterinarian, but working with wild animals only strengthened my desire. This experience really gave me confidence that I didn’t know I was lacking.

I knew I would be working with the cheetahs, I just didn’t know just how closely. The experience to physically work with wild animals and to be able to feel comfortable with being that close was amazing. Being able to also interact with other animals, such as meerkats, gave the experience another dimension. While driving to a safari, we also spotted a leopard just walking – amazing! Seeing these animals in their natural habitat makes me want to ensure their ability to stay that way.

The staff was also amazing in that they made you feel like you were at home with friends. They were kind, knowledgeable and eager to help make this experience exciting and fun. The experience also showed me that you can enjoy your surroundings like the beautiful sunsets, breakfast with friends and not miss your cell phones or social media. The work is hard, but I did not feel like I was hurried or needed to be done quickly to check a text or see what was happening on discord.

One thing I did not think I would be able to do was hike 6 miles (I lost 15 lbs. while I was there!). The breathtaking landscapes were well worth the treks and seeing the beautiful country of Africa was one of the best things I saw. Learning about African culture and tasting their amazing food was a very satisfying experience. My favorite? The pork! It was extremely moist, had amazing spices and was perfect after a hard day’s work.

As a student with ADHD and a definite introvert, this experience allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and see that I can still have an amazing experience. The staff were amazing in helping me come out of my shell, get to know other people, and enjoy this experience in full. If someone is considering this program, or even another program, I would tell them to do it. This experience will make you see the world in a new and different way that will only enhance your own life.

• Name: Jesse Climie
• Status: Senior
• Major: Animal Science
• Hometown: Eaton Rapids, Michigan
• Program: Cheetah Conservation Internship in South Africa