Category: Undergraduate

Impalas, the South African Squirrel

Alana Herr Washington University in St. Louis African Ecology & Conservation in South Africa - Spring 2023 Hello from South Africa! My name is Alana and I’m a junior at Washington University in St. Louis majoring in biology with a concentration in ecology and evolution. I’m interested generally in ecology...

An Experience That Marked My Soul

Darilis Martinez-Torres University of Puerto Rico -Mayaguez Tropical Biology in Costa Rica - Summer 2022 Exploring the Palo Verde Wetlands The tropical biology course allowed me to develop in many different areas, both academically and personally. I was able to learn a lot about myself during the past month and...

Birding and Learning

Martin Stoner Macalaster College Tropical Biology in Costa Rica - Summer 2022 Spreading my wings! I arrived in San Jose with no idea of what to expect. Of course, I knew what the course was "supposed" to be like, but I really did not know what was in store for...

Three Stations in 30 Days

Arlene Polar Purdue University Tropical Biology in Costa Rica - Summer 2022 Here I am, making friends with a horse grasshopper I would like to say that this has been the best experience I have gone through. The Organization for Tropical Studies has given me the opportunity to make memories,...

More than a Research Station

Julia Morin University of Connecticut African Ecology & Conservation in South Africa - Spring 2022 There is so much to discover in South Africa! OTS’ field station in South Africa, the Skukuza Research Station is the headquarters for the African Ecology & Conservation semester program. It is a beautiful research...

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...