Swamp to Savanna: South African Wildlife Conservation

Kylie Stainback Start Date: Apr 3, 2025 - End Date: Oct 2, 2025
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • South Africa

My Travel Story

by: Kylie Stainback Start Date: Apr 3, 2025 - End Date: Oct 2, 2025
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Study/Degree Abroad
The chance to study African wildlife and conservation has been the driving force behind my academic journey since I decided to go to college at the age of 23. In the years since, I have worked hard to seek out opportunities that would bring me closer to this dream - such as working for a nonprofit organization for Madagascar conservation and education outreach, as well as volunteering to study camera trap footage for University of Florida professors conducting ecological research in South Africa. 

I am grateful for the time it has taken to find the right program for me as it has given me time to let my dreams evolve. My courses at UF have taught me about ethical international conservation work and why it is important to consider local communities who may feel the effects of conservation efforts and ecotourism in their homelands. Since then, I have been committed to ensuring the work I do not only protects plants and animals, but people as well. 

This February I was offered a position to study abroad in the fall semester with the Organization for Tropical Studies African Ecology and Conservation program. This program is important to me because it encapsulates my values as an aspiring conservationist. Not only will I be given the opportunity to develop a strong portfolio of ecological research experience to use as I apply to graduate schools, this program will also focus on the socio-economic implications of conservation efforts as it applies to the native Venda community in South Africa. Furthermore, I will be able to work closely with conservation experts and develop relationships that may allow me to continue my work in African wildlife conservation beyond my time in the OTS program. 

The price tag of a program like this is daunting, especially for a non-traditional, first-generation student who relies solely on a limited amount of student loans to fund my education. However, the life-changing benefits I will recieve in return are priceless. As I continue to apply to scholarships and work extra jobs over the summer to help fund this program, I will be sacrificing other opportunities to gain necessary experience to continue in my career. It is a chance I'm willing to take because I want this more than anything else. Undoubtedly though, I will need all the support I can get.
  • South Africa

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