Beautiful Scenery, Engaging Curriculum, and Community Outreach in Kenya

February 16, 2012
Categories:

Kenya + Tanzania: Wildlife Management Studies, SFS students

Name: Christine Miresse
School: University of St. Thomas/Minnesota
Major: Environmental Science
SFS Program: Wildlife Management Studies, Kenya to Tanzania


Tuesday we spent a few hours playing games and interacting with the kids at a local primary school for our first community service day. We organized “lesson plans” beforehand and split into small groups to work with the different grades. The kids were so sweet and everyone had a blast getting to know each other. That is just one fun aspect of the SFS curriculum though! Read more

First Impressions of SFS Tanzania

February 16, 2012
Categories:

Kenya + Tanzania: Wildlife Management Studies, SFS students

Name: Kristin Partin
School: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
SFS Program: Wildlife Management Studies, Tanzania & Kenya

Upon arrival in Kilimanjaro airport of Tanzania, I went through the necessary visa applications, fingerprinting, and luggage collecting. I was blessed to find that all of my luggage had arrived. I was directed outside, where I promptly had a try at my very first Kiswahili conversation with a local, our dereva (driver).

I had taken a few semesters of Kiswahili before, and I must say that my professor has all of my gratitude, for my words were correctly spoken, and polite. The dereva was pleased, and smiling, he helped me follow along with words I was unfamiliar with. I must admit, I too couldn’t keep the smile from my face. I had made a friend within my first few minutes, and it felt like a wonderful start.

My first step, and breath, outside was in Tanzania, and it was brilliant. The sun was shining, the temperature was absolutely perfect, with a spectacular breeze and spots of clouds. I always had considered Africa extremely hot, and here now in Arusha (or more specifically, Moyo Hill Camp) the weather is so perfect it alone would be a reason to live/vacation here.

We drove 2.5 hrs to reach our camp. My dad would be so thrilled to know I’m trucking it across the African soil in a hardcore, tough green Land Cruiser, complete with grilled lights, pop-off roof, and thick-treaded tires.

Within only an hour in Tanzania we spotted giraffes, zebras, and a baboon. We stopped in Arusha for a bit of shopping and money handling, then continued through Mtu Wa Mbu (literally meaning “river of mosquitoes”) and Rhotia, our “local” town.

Night came only too soon, and blissfully so, for after 48 hours of traveling I was quite ready to sleep. I’m still catching up on my sleep schedule.

The night was filled with the sound of the wind, dogs barking, and a lone cricket in our hut that refused to quit chirping between 4:30 and 6 a.m. I can absolutely say with certainty that everything in Africa is indeed bigger, including crickets.

I slept well beneath a canopy of mosquito netting, or chandalua.

My mornings now begin at 6:30 a.m., with a walk around the compound. I highly recommend taking the time to enjoy your mornings here before breakfast, while there’s just a bit of a crisp chill. You’ll meet many locals along the way.

Children often run directly towards me, smiling and waving, some shouting “picha!” and wanting me to take their photograph. They like to see their faces on the camera’s screen. My second conversation ended up being with an mtoto msichana, a small girl of 6yrs that I had taken a picture of on my second day in Tanzania. She gladly told me about her day at school, with a little help from her friends who also wished to talk about their day.

My short time here has led me to two conclusions: life is full of simple magic, and relaxation is key.  Research development and classes here in SFS Tanzania/Kenya are fun, and learning has never been easier. The atmosphere is much more relaxed than my school in NC, and we’re often taking lessons outside.

The research and community work are important, and my friends and I are only too ready to help in any way we can. I’m engaged in my policy class, taking notes in my wildlife classes, and taking time to talk and sing with the staff on the off hours. Everything is like a picture here, one that I’m planning to cart around in my pocket for the rest of my life.

Read More about SFS Wildlife Management Studies

First Impressions of SFS Australia

February 15, 2012
Categories:

Australia: Tropical Rainforest Studies, SFS students

Name: Jillian Guenther
School: Vassar College
SFS Program: Tropical Rainforest Studies, Australia


Why did you choose to study abroad with SFS?
I decided that I wanted to study in Australia for various reasons, including the diversity of both landscapes and organisms, as well as the culture and language. I started looking at different programs offered in Australia but I knew I didn’t want to study at a university. Field work is one of my favorite parts of classes at Vassar so The School for Field Studies seemed promising. The more I read about the program, the more sure I was about attending! I was particularly attracted to the focus on research and policy interacting, and using a case study to learn widely-applicable skills.

What were your first impressions of Australia?
My first impression of Australia came from the airplane. As I stared out the window, I could see through the clouds: the ocean, the coast, houses, roads, ponds, forests – it was beautiful! When we landed in Cairns, I could smell the rainforest from the second I stepped off the plane. The air was warm and moist, the sky was thick and blue, and the mountains were incredibly green. Even the grass by the runway was greener than I’d ever seen.

In the airport and everywhere we’ve gone since arriving, people have been exceptionally friendly and willing to share their perspectives. In the Atherton Tablelands, people work hard and are proud of their work despite their struggles. Overall, it’s a wonderful place!

What were your first impressions of The SFS Center for Rainforest Studies?
The field station is wonderful! We turned down the access road and I got more excited with every bump in the road! The Center is welcoming and well-equipped with everything from ID books to games. The staff is so energized and the community culture is strong. The cabins are quite cozy and the walk to class is gorgeous, though a bit of a work-out. I have already seen so many animals!

What do you think the biggest challenge will be for you this semester both academically and culturally?
The biggest challenge has actually been maintaining a solid connection with home while remaining present in this experience. Thankfully, everyone here is very supportive and classes are engaging. Academically, it has proven challenging to adjust to the format of the classes in the program. At Vassar I have a lot more time to complete my readings and assignments while being involved in other organizations. The amount of structured time at SFS takes getting used to. I also am adjusting to a different working space and having to organize myself differently without the typical dorm and school supplies. I did not bring my laptop to the field station so this also requires shifts in my academic habits.

What are you looking forward to the most about the semester?
I’m excited about being in a new place and I look forward to learning as much about it as I can. I’m very excited about the home stay. Academically, I’m looking forward to the Directed Research. I’m also looking forward to bringing this knowledge home.

Give three words that best describe how you are feeling right now.
Grateful, tired, and psyched!

Read More about SFS Rainforest Studies

First Impressions of SFS Australia

February 15, 2012
Categories:

Australia: Tropical Rainforest Studies, SFS students

Name: Matthew Manley
School: Clark University
SFS Program: Rainforest Studies, Australia


Why did you choose to study abroad with SFS?
It seemed like a great opportunity to gain important skills in my field while studying in a new exciting place. Australia is an incredible country that I have always been interested in. This just seemed like too good an opportunity to pass up.

What were your first impressions of Australia?
The sheer beauty of the countryside was the first thing I noticed. The rolling green hills interrupted by sprawling mountain ranges of rainforest are an absolutely incredible sight to see. Driving anywhere is a pleasure and everything is new and exciting. The people have been very welcoming thus far although I do feel like they like to pull your leg a bit about being an American student in Australia. Living within the rainforest has made for an interesting dynamic as well. Most Australians don’t live in the rainforest so we are living differently than most people would.

What were you first impressions of The SFS Center for Rainforest Studies?
It is an incredible place to be. You are surrounded on all sides by beautiful rainforest. Walking to and from your cabins forces you to experience the forest as much as possible. Although the placement is rural, the Center has all the amenities and is pretty self-contained. The food has been great thus far thanks to our incredible chef, Iris. The Center is definitely small by most standards but it acts as a great meeting place for all of us.

What do you think the biggest challenge will be for you this semester both academically and culturally?
The academic schedules are definitely going to be rigorous. Based on the outline of the coursework thus far it seems like it is going to be a very busy semester. This is exciting though because we will be kept busy with not only indoor lectures but extensive outdoor field work and trips around the area to learn through real life examples. I have not encountered any problems thus far culturally aside from the local Australian humor which can be a bit dry at times!

What are you looking forward to the most about the semester?
I am especially excited for the longer trips that we will be taking throughout the area. Also I am looking forward to the Directed Research portion of the semester. It seems like that will be a great experience in which students can really study what they are particularly interested in.

Give three words that best describe how you are feeling right now.
Excited, tired, hot!

Read More about SFS Rainforest Studies

Research, Composting, and Bonfires

February 13, 2012
Categories:

SFS students, Turks & Caicos: Marine Resource Management Studies

Name: Dr. Heidi Hertler
Position: Center Director
Program: Marine Resource Studies, Turks & Caicos

Spring 2012 arrived on a great note – all seem happy and are adjusting well to island life.  The weather has been perfect, ideal for enjoying the natural resources that surround us. We have three new faculty this spring, two returning from years past, with over ten peer review publications under their belts on South Caicos marine resources and fisheries.

Our proposed research for this semester includes a study of the local lemon shark population and an analysis of fishing techniques. We also hope to improve our site composting and expand our garden, both of which will serve as a demonstration for the local community. The waterfront operation is running smooth – students have done checkouts and are well into their field identification exercises. But it’s not all work on South, we enjoyed an evening on the beach with music and a bond fire and Superbowl Sunday was hosted at the local hotel.

We are looking forward to a productive semester.
Read More about SFS Marine Resource Studies

Sun, Sand, and Inquisitive Minds

February 13, 2012
Categories:

SFS students, Turks & Caicos: Marine Resource Management Studies

Name: Lizzie Wilson
School: Austin College
Major: Environmental Studies
SFS Program: Marine Resource Management Studies, Turks & Caicos

For the students on South Caicos island, life has been nothing but sand, seawater, and sun bathing. Over the course of the first week, we’ve taken part in several snorkels and a dive for those who are certified. These have been both recreational and educational, supplementing our learning about the local ecology, history and resource management plans of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

A trip to East Bay allowed for exploration in small groups, and down-time has allowed us all to investigate the small town of Cockburn Harbor. The native “Belongers” have been an incredible help when it comes to understanding our surroundings. They’re often more than willing, excited even, to share information and their culture with our inquisitive minds. Eduardo, the environmental policy professor here on South Caicos, was also able to arrange a tour of a small fish-processing plant. Read more

First Impressions of SFS Kenya

February 13, 2012
Categories:

Kenya + Tanzania: Wildlife Management Studies, SFS students

Name: Asha Misra
School: University of Rhode Island
SFS Program: Wildlife Management Studies, Kenya & Tanzania

Why did you choose to study abroad with SFS?
I’ve known since I started at URI that I wanted to study abroad. I also knew I didn’t want a “normal” sit-in-a-classroom-in-a-different-country experience. The way I saw it, classrooms would look the same no matter what country they were in. That’s why when I saw the SFS booth at URI’s study abroad fair, I was determined that this program was made for me.

What are you first impressions of Kenya?
Kenya actually reminds me a lot of India. I have family there so I’ve been a few times, and as we drove from Nairobi to Kimana, I found myself making all kinds of connections to things I’ve seen in India. One major difference: the attitude towards foreigners here. Everyone is so friendly! Even the airport employees were nice! Also, we saw wild zebras and giraffes in the scrubland beside the highway, and, having only seen them in zoos before, I was pretty enthralled right from the start.

What are you first impressions of the Center’s Kilimanjaro Bush Camp?
The Center for Wildlife Management Studies is beautiful! When we arrived, all the faculty and staff were lined up to greet us. It was such an awesome way to “come home.” I have felt so welcome here from day one. I think the staff is my favorite part about the Center. They all want to talk to us and teach us Swahili and they always answer our questions no matter how ridiculous.

What do you think the biggest challenge will be for you this semester both academically and culturally?
I think that my biggest academic challenge will be getting used to this new learning environment. There is so much to do and see here and trying to focus on schoolwork when I’d rather watch the baboon family play is really hard! My biggest cultural challenge will be learning how to deal with the Maassai Mamas! They are the women in the Massai tribe who make gorgeous jewelry and sell it in Kimana. They are the most aggressive saleswomen I have ever encountered! I tried every Swahili phrase I know to try to convince them that I didn’t want to buy any jewelry…but they are relentless! Bartering is not something I am used to, and I hope to be a proficient by the end of the semester!

What are you looking forward to the most about the semester?
I’m definitely looking forward to going back to Amboseli! On our next trip (which just so happens to be on my birthday!) we will be working with Kenya Wildlife Service to do mammal counts. I’m also really excited to go to other parks like Serengeti, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Manyara in Tanzania.

Give three words that best describe how you are feeling right now.
Happy. Excited. Grateful.

Read More about SFS Wildlife Management Studies

First Impressions of SFS Costa Rica

February 22, 2012
Categories:

Costa Rica: Sustainable Development Studies, SFS students

Name: Patrick Ronay
School: Gonzaga University
SFS Program: Sustainable Development Studies, Costa Rica

“Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?”  - R. Browning

Why did you choose to study abroad with SFS?
I find that many of my peers will describe their study abroad program as an “experience” due to subjective variables. But what I have found insofar with SFS is that I will, upon return, be able to say I received an education in every sense of the word. The evidence available will be objective spanning from the knowledge gained and enhanced, cultural literacy and self-development obtained. At the very least, the SFS program will supplement my understanding of sustainability and then form and imbue the foundation for a life of environmental stewardship, which is an immense blessing in itself.

What were your first impressions of Costa Rica? 
My expectations of Costa Rica were slightly obscured by persons who had vacationed here and experienced the ready-made parts of the country rather than the environment in which we find ourselves. They all spoke very fondly of this country, but I knew my experience would drastically differ. I find myself quite smitten with our circumstance as it presents a pace of life that coincides well with my demeanor. The setting contains beauty, both natural and artificial, that carries a refreshing humbleness that is much welcomed.

What were your first impressions of The SFS Center for Sustainable Development Studies? 
The field station is simpler than I expected. The absences from our affluent lives (e.g. hot showers, cell phones) gave an initial shock to some, but, simultaneously, that deepened the allure of this program. I have already come to the realization that my time here will be greatly defined by my daily patronizing of the Center’s porch and its hammocks.

What do you think the biggest challenge will be for you this semester both academically and culturally?
The term academically, to me, goes far beyond the classroom and encompasses many variables of my education at the university level. Therefore, the adjustment will be just as complex. At Gonzaga, I have been privileged enough to become enmeshed in the community through a variety of campus resources and, most importantly, relationships. The relationships there have furthered my development intellectually and spiritually and removing myself for a semester period will take its toll on me, yet perhaps this novel environment will allow for a type of growth that my current level of maturation demands.

Culturally, the language barrier is the most imposing, immediate challenge. I’m also curious to see my reaction (if exposed) to the portions of the country where, as some say, cultural imperialism has begun.  How this will alter my perspective, in many different regards, cannot be foreseen.

What are you looking forward to the most about the semester? 
The opportunity to learn and grow amid new stimulation and like-minded peers is fantastic.

Give three words that best describe how you are feeling right now.
Pure, blessed, and entranced.

Read More about SFS Sustainable Development Studies

First Impressions of SFS Turks and Caicos

February 22, 2012
Categories:

SFS students, Turks & Caicos: Marine Resource Management Studies

Name: Doug Rice
School: Clark University
SFS Program: Marine Resource Management Studies, Turks and Caicos


Why did you choose to study abroad with SFS?
I wanted a study abroad program where I would have a truly unique experience as opposed to taking normal classes. SFS has so many chances for hands-on experience and field work and that was really important to me.

What were your first impressions of the Turks and Caicos?
My first and most memorable experiences in the TCI were at customs in the airport and in the bank on South Caicos.  The lines took significantly longer than comparable lines in the United States, but no one was angry or hurried at all. People just stood in line playing cards and making jokes. I knew that this country full of laid-back people that run on island time!

What were your first impressions of The SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies?
I felt like it was slightly smaller than I expected and very open to allow the ocean breeze to blow. Seeing the view for the first time was amazing! No matter where you are, you need only turn your head for a view of ocean. Hands down the most beautiful place I’ve ever (or probably will ever) live!

What do you think the biggest challenge will be for you this semester both academically and culturally?
Definitely focusing on school work when it is so warm and beautiful all the time! Culturally it will probably be interacting with TCI islanders on nights out, but I’m brushing up on my Dominoes skills!

What are you looking forward to the most about the semester?
Getting to know all the other students and staff, so many awesome people! I am also looking forward to semi-weekly dives and Directed Research. Crossing my fingers to work with eagle rays!

Give three words that best describe how you are feeling right now.
Exhausted, ecstatic, and energized!

Read More about SFS Marine Resource Studies

The Wonder of Tanzania

February 8, 2012
Categories:

Kenya + Tanzania: Wildlife Management Studies, SFS students

Ashley Fehringer
Penn State
SFS Wildlife Management Studies, Tanzania 

After a long and tiring three day journey of seeing nothing but airports and the insides of planes, we have finally made it to our new home in Moyo Hill Camp. At the Kilimanjaro airport we were greeted by faculty and staff of the SFS team and we began our 3 hour trek through northern Tanzania in our safari jeeps.

The ride was unbelievable; we were in an entirely different world, a world were livestock roam in open range and Maasi peoples still live their lives as they have for centuries. We also drove through the city of Arusha, which is unlike any city I have seen before. It may not have beautiful skyscrapers or open grassy parks, but the beauty of the city was in the culture of its people. Read more

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