GIS & Reserve Management Internships in Gondwana Game Reserve

Through this internship experience, I discovered the value of adaptability and openness in building connections. By me stepping out of my comfort zone and actively participating in discussions, I was able to foster an inclusive environment. I learned to appreciate the nuances of people’s culture and share my own experiences, which led to more meaningful interactions. This approach transformed my internship into an opportunity for growth, allowing me to form friendships that transcended language barriers and deepened my understanding of global perspectives. This experience reinforced the importance of empathy and communication in overcoming challenges in diverse settings.

My time at the Gondwana Game Reserve went above and beyond any expectations I had. The past four weeks were of incredible growth, both professionally and personally. This internship was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I am beyond grateful for. It was hard to choose only one thing, but the internship provided me with immense personal and professional growth in ways I could have not imagined. I gained so much data-collection experience, from game transects, the bird point counts, helped with the Elephant Reintegration Trust program, learned about the incredible local flora and fauna, and forged lasting connections and friendships I intend to keep nurturing in the coming years. It was also incredibly rewarding at the end to be able to successfully complete my personal GIS research project on Cape Mountain Zebra. I enormously appreciated how all the lectures and teachable moments turned into new knowledge and perceptions of the incredible habitats in South Africa that I did not have before. All the staff and peers I met along the way made this beautiful experience one that I will always remember and that it was very hard to say goodbye to. I am beyond grateful for all the staff that supported us with such dedication along our journey.

My GIS & Reserve Management internship at the Gondwana Game Reserve was amazing! I got to see everything I wanted to, learned a great deal and was given all the support I needed. I saw a lot of animals and met many wonderful people. It was the best month of my life!

The internship at Gondwana Game Reserve has empowered me to be successful in my field of biology. The international experience I've gained has given me a unique edge that sets me apart from many of my peers. Working in a real-world conservation setting in South Africa has provided me with practical insights and skills that are hard to acquire in a classroom setting alone. The hands-on experience with GIS in a conservation context has been particularly valuable. I've learned how to apply GIS tools to real conservation challenges, such as fire risk assessment and habitat mapping. This practical application of GIS has deepened my understanding of the technology and its potential in environmental management. I've also broadened my perspective on global conservation issues, gained insights into how different cultures and communities approach environmental challenges, which I believe will be invaluable in my future career.The networking opportunities have been empowering. I've made connections with professionals in the field, both local and international, which could open doors for future collaborations or job opportunities. I feel more prepared and confident in my abilities to contribute meaningfully to conservation efforts. The combination of international experience and practical GIS skills has given me a solid foundation to build upon as I move forward in my career.

This GIS & Reserve Management internship was my first time traveling alone abroad and it is something I will never forget. Our supervisor ensured that we were supported with our GIS questions and that we were on track within our time frames. Alongside this, he consistently went out of his way to ensure we saw the whole reserve and everything that lived within it, with some unforgettable experiences with the lions, cheetah and elephants. I have also made new friends from across the globe who I look forward to meeting up again with and keeping in touch with moving forward.

My time in Gondwana exceeded all expectations. When I chose to participate in this GIS & Reserve Management internship, I was not expecting to come away with the amazing experiences that I've had. I went with the intention of furthering my mapping skillset and contributing towards conservation in the reserve, and expected to be head down in my work for the 6 weeks. The most rewarding part of my stay was when I submitted my final research project. This was extremely rewarding after all the hard work I had put in over my time here, and was a celebration of all the problems/ challenges that I overcame in the process. In terms of my professional development, as someone who wants to end up working in conservation down the line, I have gained valuable insight into how conservation practices work within a reserve, and have gained specialised knowledge of many plant and animal species. And above all, I have come away confident in using GIS to support decision making, which will be transferrable and beneficial when I start my new GIS role in September.