Journey of a life-time

I spent 5 months in Nature’s Valley to complete my MSc degree in animal behaviour and ecology. Why there? Well, I had always dreamt of living in Africa and I was allowed to go abroad for my last internship. So I took this opportunity, sent a few emails, did some Skype meetings and decided to settle to NVT.

When I arrived from France, I was a stressed to run my own project (getting out of my comfort zone wasn’t so easy) but the staff was very understanding and my research work went smoothly. We even published the study in a peer-reviewed scientific journal! After this experience, I graduated with honours and completed a PhD (call me doctor :P). I will soon start a new adventure as a post-doctoral fellow in the behavioural ecology field in UK/Panama.

Along my own MSc project, I had the opportunity to join the other NVT volunteers on various missions such as bird ringing, bird monitoring, CWAC, education, etc, which I enjoyed very much (bird ringing remained my favourite so far). Taken together, I saw how a NGO runs.

I was living in a big house with the other volunteers. I met incredible people, made new friends. I am still in touch with some of them. The energy I felt was amazing and new. You’re away from your friends/family and it can be difficult sometimes, but when you’re in such beautiful, safe place like Nature’s Valley, you want to enjoy your experience the best you can, so does everyone. When I was there five years ago, the volunteer group clicked and we had a blast! I have so many wonderful memories from my journey, I did not regret my choice a single moment.

I was crying when I left France and even more when I had to say goodbye to Nature’s Valley and friends. But guess what? I’ll be visiting again soon for holidays! Ready for some tears (of joy)!