OTS African Ecology and Conservation is Fantastic!

OTS's program is the epitome of "once in a lifetime." The access granted to the program by South African National Parks allows students to do research directly in Kruger National Park, walking through the savanna with zebras and giraffes watching from a few hundred feet away! The staff are all incredibly accommodating and do everything in their power to not only make you feel welcome and safe, but to push you to grow as a student and a scientist, fostering an environment where everyone feels comfortable asking questions. The views, both of the landscapes and animals, are indescribable. I wish I could retake this program every year.

A few things of interest: The food is FANTASTIC. I would do anything to eat that food again, the catering service staff are geniuses. There are only a few times (a week max) in which there is no phone service, and honestly the "forced" break from technology was pretty nice. The accommodations are super comfortable, with AC for those super hot days! I honestly have no big complaints.