Alumni Spotlight: Phionah Nakasi

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Phionah was born and lives in Pretoria South Africa. She was born in 1988, has a family and is married. She likes traveling and her dream is to travel the whole world.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program because it was favoring me in terms of time and it was budget-friendly; however, I also always wanted to visit the mighty falls of Murchison as many of my friends visited it and they had amazing pictures showing the activities done.

I also wanted something simple since it was my first time to do a safari in Uganda but I have to admit I got value for my money and very soon am planning a longer trip with the same Company. I liked the way they did there things - so professional and unique.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

*They assisted me in planning my safari based on the little time I had.

*Arranged transportation including transfer to the airport after the tour.

*Booked my accommodation.

*Arranged all activities among others. I didn't arrange anything on my own, everything I left it to the company apart from the air insurance, ticket, and visa.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

First and foremost, traveling overseas is not expensive. Actually, traveling is cheap and always have proper documents that are required in that foreign country you're going on time.

Use online platforms like Go Overseas to read about companies, use tour companies to organize your trip and always move with enough money; for example, in Uganda, you have got a lot to spend on if you use a tour company, which knows the interesting corners and always tell them your special days. I was lucky Patrick asked me if I had any special day during the trip and, indeed, it was my birthday on the last day; little did I know that the company had organized for me something. I was really so happy.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

During a safari, expect to wake up earlier than ever because you need to catch up with the early birders (the animals) during game drives since they come out to feed in early mornings.

Breakfast is always served early morning or after your game drive.

You can decide to spend the whole in the wilderness and move with your packed lunch.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was the food, but surprisingly, I enjoyed the local dishes and hoping to do another trip on basically cultures of Uganda and their unique dishes.

The food always looked appetizing and I had to put it in mind and make my heart believe what my eyes were seeing. That's how I enjoyed the meals.