Author: field-notes

A Whole New World

Dr. Lisa Nupen OTS  Resident Lecturer Here I am on the Stone Bridge at the La Selva field station. The unique plants and animals that occur in the new world Neotropics makes this an exceptionally exciting and special place for a biologist to visit – especially one like myself, who...

The Unforgettable Adventure

Emma Szegvari Hamilton College African Ecology & Conservation in South Africa - Spring 2020 Here I am identifying, measuring and ringing birds caught in mist nets at Pullen Nature Reserve. After nearly twenty-four hours of travel, I landed in the Johannesburg Airport. My excitement overcame my nerves while driving to...

Solidifying My Dreams

Ben Crooke Skidmore College African Ecology & Conservation in South Africa - Spring 2020 Taking a rest enjoying the scenery from our mountainous and especially rocky Cederberg hike up to Wolfberg Arch! My study abroad experience in South Africa was one of the most illuminative experiences of my life. During...

Saying Goodbye a Little Early

Dr. Laurence Kruger OTS South Africa, Program & Curriculum Director African Ecology & Conservation in South Africa Laurence Kruger, Ph.D This has been a semester like no other. Study abroad is a key part of many undergraduate students these days, and to have their semester cut short, was difficult indeed....

The Best Experience of My Life that Almost Never Was

Alexis Tinoco Washington University in St. Louis African Ecology & Conservation in South Africa - Spring 2020 Me on the left, with a few of my classmates watching the sunrise over Cape Town from the top of Table Mountain. My time in South Africa has undoubtedly been the best experience...

The Meaning of Shingwedzi

Dr. Bernard Coetzee OTS Resident Lecturer African Ecology & Conservation in South Africa Bernard Coetzee, Ph.D A popular stop on every version of African Ecology & Conservation course is Shingwedzi in the north of the Kruger National Park. This region differs markedly from the southern part of Kruger, and is...

Lasting Impact in HaMakuya

Alexis Chan Carleton College African Ecology & Conservation in South Africa - Fall 2019 That's me taking in just one of the breathtaking views that South Africa has to offer. As I write this, I am currently about halfway through my OTS experience in South Africa. So far, I’ve learned field...

There’s No Place Like Palo Verde

Ella Zhao Emory University Tropical Biology in Costa Rica - Summer 2019 That's me on the far left trying to stay warm in the high altitude of the Páramo Palo Verde, light of my life, fire of my mind. My agony, my ecstasy (not the drug). Pa-loh-vur-dey: the tip of...

South Africa in 100 Days

Terrance Mitchell Tuskegee University African Ecology & Conservation in South Africa - Spring 2019 Here I am enjoying the sunset in Cape Town, with Table Mountain behind me. The last 100 days traveling around South Africa has been an experience I will never forget! I have seen and done so...

Lessons from the Road

Scott Dai George Washington University African Ecology & Conservation in South Africa - Spring 2019 As an OTS student, I’m exposed to unique experiences I wouldn’t really get in a typical college class. And with these unique experiences, there are many lessons that have been taught to me throughout the...