Photography Programs Abroad

Wow, can't say much for now until we are done, but so far in our 7th day on 10 days safari, I can't hesitate to say we are enjoying each minute of our journer. Our guide sounds like university lecturer not missing a single details in his explanations on animals, plants, he seems to know every bird we see, every person we meet they seem to know him even at the maasai village seemed like his second home and made us feel like we belonged there. I recommend every bit of Astute Africa Safaris

Our 4th safari in Africa turned out to be the most memorable safari in Kenya as family ever. Thank you, Astute team for a well-executed holiday, from planning, booking to the actual 7 days safari to Samburu, Aberdare, Naivasha and Maasai Mara before flying to Diani beach (the best beach, friendly people everywhere). Our guide Simon is the best of all very calm but jovial all the way.

We were looking to book a 1 week safari in Kenya and after some research, came across Astute Africa Safaris. From the start, communication was quick, clear and very smooth with various options to choose from. They helped us organize the entire trip, including whole safari as a package. We spent 2 nights at Masai Mara with great game drives daily where we had incredible experience both with our guide and interacting with Masai people at the Masai village. We then headed to Lake Nakuru and then Lake Naivasha where we did boat ride and crescent Island walking tour. We ended we 3 days at amboseli, wow, the view of mt. Kilimanjaro every morning was amaizing. Overall our guide made it all possible and shared a lot of interesting information about animals we sighted and about the country. Thank you Team Astute Africa safaris from reservation who made communication very easy and smooth to Moses our friendly guide.. We highly recommend them and maybe next time we shall add an extra night at maasai mara and amboseli

I recently finished the four-week cooking course with Mente Argentina, and it exceeded my expectations in every way. This course stood out because it felt personal and genuine. The instructors shared technique their love of Argentine food and culture in an engaging manner. I left with more confidence in the kitchen and a real appreciation for Argentine hospitality and friendship. If you want something meaningful, hands-on, and unforgettable, Mente delivers exactly that.

🌟 Exceptional Safari Experience with Astute Africa Safaris! 🌟 I recently had the privilege of embarking on the *10-Day Kenya and Tanzania Safari Ultimate Wildlife Immersion* tour with Astute Africa Safaris, and I must say, it was an unforgettable adventure! From the moment we set foot in the savannas, our guides showcased unparalleled expertise, passion, and dedication to ensuring an immersive experience. Highlights of the Tour - *Expert Guides*: Our guides were knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and truly passionate about wildlife. - *Immersive Experience*: The small group size allowed for a personalized experience, and the carefully planned itinerary ensured we made the most of our time. - *Stunning Landscapes*: Witnessing the majestic lions lazing in the sun, observing elephants roaming freely, and seeing the breathtaking sunsets over the Serengeti was truly awe-inspiring. What Set Astute Africa Safaris Apart - *Attention to Detail*: From accommodations to transportation, every aspect was meticulously organized. - *Responsible Tourism*: Their commitment to sustainable tourism practices and community involvement was evident throughout the tour. Final Verdict Astute Africa Safaris exceeded my expectations in every way. If you're looking for a safari experience that combines adventure, education, and unforgettable moments, look no further. I highly recommend Astute Africa Safaris for their exceptional service, expert guides, and immersive experiences. Can't wait to plan my next adventure with them! *Rating: 5/5*

Team led by William were very instrumental in the planning and advice if the best family itinerary. Our driver Moses, very entertaining, friendly and accommodative to our children many questions answering all. Climax was at Masai mara watching the wildebeest in thousands while Amboseli was so cool and morning refreshing watching Mount Kilimanjaro while having breakfast.

Just say yes and they will do the rest! We did a 2 week visit to Namibia- one week touring the beauty that the country has to offer- living desert tours, climbing sand dunes and visiting Dead Vlei. There were pockets of free time, and our guides help us make the best of it- exploring towns and kayaking with seals- outstanding!! The second week was safari rides with breathtaking animal sightings. Our guides were knowledgeable about the land and animal behavior. There was no question that they couldn't answer for us! The amount and variety of animals we saw during our time was incredible- herds of zebra at a watering hole, night sightings of rhinos and elephants, leopard and so much more! Our accommodations were first class throughout, and the tour company does a great job with lodging, food variety and being mindful of food allergies/intolerances. The attention to detail in planning the trip, outlining what we needed to do/where we needed to go was seamless. Once we arrived, all the decisions were fun. Highly recommend Nature Travel Namibia and will travel with them again.

Incredible journey through Namibia, Botswana and Zambia with Nature Travel Africa. All of our questions and concerns were taken care of and answered in a timely fashion.prior to our trip. From pickup to drop-off all our needs were addressed. We had great guides who were well versed in the geography and animal behavior which led to amazing sightings. This included seeing the Big 5 in the first few days of the safari. I will be returning to Africa and will use Nature Travel Africa.

I was nervous about the decision to take a gap year. Pacific Discovery facilitated a life changing experience that not only made me a better person but connected me with life long friends. I’ll recommend this program to anyone who will listen.

Pacific Discovery was recommended to us by parents of a PD alumni (Aus/NZ) and it made a huge difference to us in our review of alternative programs. The points highlighted by the parents that appealed to us centered around personal growth, world/cultural/travel experience, great planning, and excellent guides; our student's experience was terrific in all these aspects, and we so appreciate the guidance he received during the program to help contextualize all of the amazing and mundane experiences he had on the progam. The opportunities and emphasis on the 'discovery' aspect of the program particularly for his individual development, was, for us, the main reason for selecting PD, and we couldn't be more pleased with how that purpose was achieved.

We loved the communication between Pacific Discovery and parents. The portal offered detailed information and forms prior to the trip. During the trip, the weekly summaries gave us a window into the activities and the spontaneous discoveries the group was making in their towns, service sites, and local hosts.

The South America Gap Semester pushed me out of my comfort zone both mentally, physically, and socially. Pushing my body beyond what I thought it could do, opening up to - and being vulnerable with- a new group of people, and communicating in a different language in a place so vastly different than I’m used to, were all challenging and rewarding experiences. I feel like I’ve grown a lot and learned a lot about myself from stepping out of my comfort zone and opening myself up to new opportunities and possibilities.

Our daughter had a fantastic experience. The staff were responsible and the other students were friendly and a lot of fun. She learned a lot about Italian art and gelato! She made great friends and wishes she could do it all again!

A big personal takeaway was learning to establish and build trust with your subjects and the people you work with. More than just the photography involved, I was really immersed with people's stories and how I would want to best portray them through my lens. In a sense, this enables me to have a greater internal purpose and obligation with my work. Having Anna Lusty as my mentor grew my photography skills and knowledge immensely over the span of three weeks. Her acknowledgement of my growth as a photographer made me very proud to have joined this program.

Being there with Anna who works with nonprofits on a daily basis just solidified the fact that I need to follow in her footsteps in a way here in Canada. I was kind of living in a bit of a bubble for the past decade plus, and working in the communities and townships where there is so much need, beyond what I can even imagine, was really good for me. My bubble had burst and I needed that. There is so much need everywhere and if I can make even the slightest difference, then that is what I want to be doing.

I took the NGO photography program because it has a combination of things that are close to my heart and have my keen interest: giving back, Africa and its people, improving my skills in photography and discovering new places (this program allowed me to discover places I would never have visited as a tourist). The program was truly enriching. First, the program definitely helped me advance as a photographer. The teacher Anna was great! She's a professional humanitarian photographer and really makes you experiment. I learned a lot about different aspects of photography; technical aspects, but also how to make a connection with people before taking pictures so that the character of the person transpires in the picture. Second, it made me 'richer' as a person because I had the opportunity to see many different sides of Cape Town, meet lovely people and better understand the societal complexities (and beauty!) of South Africa.

I grew up in New York City surrounded by bright lights and skyscrapers. I found myself longing for nature. I wanted something new: I wanted to immerse myself in a new way of life. I was drawn to Australia’s unique culture and breathtaking landscapes. I decided to sign up for Pacific Discovery’s summer program in Australia. I was really nervous before my trip because I had little experience hiking and camping. Looking back on my experience, I had nothing to worry about. I was welcomed with open arms and nothing but positive smiles. My group traveled up the coast of Australia, starting in Sydney and ending in Cairns. My favorite memories include surfing in Crescent Head and skydiving over the Great Barrier Reef. My group worked alongside National Parks staff in endangered landscapes. We participated in bush regeneration projects and numerous beach cleanups. We also learned about Australia’s unique environmental and ecological history, emphasizing the lasting presence and influence of aboriginal people. The trip would not have been the same without our amazing group leader, Tari Kumari. She is a constant source of positive energy. She pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow to become the individual I am today. I could not have asked for a more perfect mentor. Her enthusiasm, selflessness, and kind heart are inspiring. When I grow up, I hope to be like Tari. I can truly say that I came back from Australia as a more open-minded and open-hearted individual. The trip gave me a positive outlook on life that I carry with me every day. I long for adventure and more experiences like the one that Pacific Discovery gave me. Thank you for everything Tari and Pacific Discovery. I highly recommend this trip!

I had the most educating and in depth experience with Penda Photo Tours. There was never a moment where I felt like I knew to little or that I wasn't supposed to be there, they really do teach you so much about Photography and make sure that you know it's okay to make mistakes. The Organizations we visited really stole my heart, everyone was so warm and nice, I wish I could be apart of this program forever.

We had a fantastic 10-day Honeymoon safari with Foot Slopes in Aug/Sep 2022. Everything was spot on - airport pick-ups, hotels (amazing places each night!) and our private driver and guide Emanuel. We knew we wanted to work with a local operator. Gabriel Elibariki, the owner, is an entrepreneur who is professional and fully committed to his clients. He had all the paperwork, licenses, and we did a couple of video calls so we knew we were dealing with the real guy when we made the transfer. Right away he sent us booking confirmations from the lodges, and was super responsive via Whatsapp both before and during the trip. We saw all kinds of animals, drove through incredible landscapes and stayed in beautiful places. We would 100% book again with Foot Slopes Safari Tanzania!

Staff at the zoo and Loop Abroad were amazing to work with and were so helpful in every aspect! We unfortunately got sick on our trip and had to miss a few days of the experience but the staff at the zoo made sure to video everything for us and do everything in their power to make us comfortable. 10/10 recommend.