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<h4>What inspired you to go abroad?</h4>
<p>I’ve always wanted to go to Africa, or specifically South Africa, to experience and work with its wildlife since I was a little girl. I’ve wanted to experience how people all over the world do things, but I’ve always been drawn to South Africa because of what its wildlife and animals have to offer.</p>
<h4>Why did you choose <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/phezulu-prevet rel="" target="_self" class="link"><ins>Phezulu Pre-Vet</ins></a>?</h4>
<p>I chose Phezulu pre-vet due to the <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/phezulu-prevet/programs/phezulu-pre-veterinary-program-196408 rel="" target="_self" class="link"><ins>program</ins></a> giving the opportunity to work with livestock and some wildlife. I got to experience a lot in such a short period of time.</p>
<p>I also chose this course because I’m a Vet nurse and felt I would learn a lot to further my education.</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1762941037/images2/interviews/4cJUl96SkU4dfKYC1ZuvOyeMjNbWvyIySFSvSCbb.jpg" alt="A woman giving injections to a cow."><div class="caption"><p>Me with a cow that I had given a liver fluke and vitamin Injections to.</p></div></div>
<h4>What was your favorite part about your host country/city?</h4>
<p>My favorite part would definitely have been meeting all the fellow farmers and locals. They were so lovely, and it was so nice of them to welcome us onto their farms, let us help them, and teach us their ways.</p>
<p>It was nice to see how everyone does things differently with their animals, yet all still get the same outcome, e.g., worming livestock or giving injections.</p>
<h4>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h4>
<p>My experience was made extraordinary because Cupie and Trevor went above and beyond to ensure every student got the most out of the experience.</p>
<p>They treated us like family, were so warm and welcoming, and made sure each student could tick off a goal they wanted to achieve while in the program. They worked really hard and made sure everyone had the best time that they could have.</p>
<h4>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h4>
<p>Local staff supported us during the program by being helpful, kind, and supportive. Everyone worked hard to give us students an experience or teach us something that we didn’t know or hadn’t done before.</p>
<p>Some farmers even invited us back to help them with different tasks, so we could learn more from them.</p>
<h4>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h4>
<p>If there was one thing I wish I had done differently while abroad, it would have been to stay longer in South Africa. That way, I could experience more or even do some more traveling to different areas and see more of what the country is about.</p>
<p>It was a big trip from Australia; I wish I had stayed longer. I loved being there and didn’t want to come home.</p>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1762941038/images2/interviews/QU72ieaPukk6hv3Wn40N8vuq1K9yk8FlvBJ5w6vV.jpg" alt="A woman holding the horns of an immobilized Sable cow."><div class="caption"><p>Me holding a Sable cow that was chemically immobilised and being treated for a Hydatid tapeworm cyst, with the wildlife vet Dr Gary.</p></div></div>
<h4>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h4>
<p>A typical day abroad looked like this: Being woken up in the Phezulu household by Cupie loudly saying “Good morning, South Africa” to wake up students, although most of the time I was already awake because I set alarms. We were then given a wide variety of options for breakfast if we were eating at home. Or if we had to eat on the road, Cupie had made breakfast for us to eat while we were getting to our first destination.</p>
<p>We would then go to a destination. We would sometimes be at that place for the majority of the day, or we would go to multiple places. No matter where we went, we were learning a new task and getting hands-on experience.</p>
<p>We would then come home once our working day was done, sometimes still learning or doing more. Otherwise, we were given free time. Some of us would relax and unwind in our rooms, make contact with family, or socialize amongst ourselves.</p>
<p>We would then eat dinner that Cupie or Trevor had cooked for us, socialize in the living room, and talk about our day or compare how we do things differently amongst us students in different places around the world.</p>
<p>Bedtime was normally not too late, as the majority of the time, we were up early the next morning to tackle a new day.</p>
<h4>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h4>
<p>In my free time, I enjoyed unwinding and having some “me time” in my room or sending updates to my family about what I had done that day. I also enjoyed sitting in the living room with the fire going, with Trevor, Cupie, and their dogs. We would talk about all sorts of things, and I enjoyed hearing stories that they would tell me.</p>
<p>I also loved having a huge common interest with Cupie: horses! Some afternoons, if there was enough time, Cupie would let me take a horse out for a trail ride by myself, taking the dogs with me. This was one of my favourite things to do—it was just absolutely amazing! And I know that if Cupie didn’t think I was capable or trustworthy, she wouldn’t have allowed this. So I felt super special to be given the opportunity to do so.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1762941039/images2/interviews/S8YulcnQQNiM8QnO4Ga2xEYLdXSZ2HnDjsJABD9d.jpg" alt="A veterinary team with a sedated zebra in a sunny field."><div class="caption"><p>A Zebra filly that was chemically immobilised and being relocated to a new area, with the wildlife vet Dr Gary.</p></div></div>
<h4>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h4>
<p>The accommodation was on a family farm in an old stone farmhouse. I’ve never stayed on so much land with such a unique and rustic house. There was a lovely fireplace in the living room, and this was one of my favourite things because it was quite a chilly time of year when I went, so I loved sitting in front of the fire at night. I also loved having the lights on the pull cord. That’s something I’ve never experienced or seen back home.</p>
<p>The house had such a homely feel to it, and it was made to be my home while I was there. The first night there, I was a little unsure and unsettled; it was my first time solo travelling, especially to somewhere so far away from home, but the place definitely grew on me, and I was sad to leave at the end of my trip.</p>
<h4>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h4>
<p>Every future participant should know that you’re being welcomed into a family home with open arms.</p>
<p>Trevor and Cupie will do everything they can to help accommodate you and make you feel welcome and comfortable. You should know that you will leave the program with new friends, lifelong memories, and amazing experiences.</p>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1762941039/images2/interviews/sxReF5Ye5BuC4xnVd6zXZ51Kw7YoA2UQRkzZnWfi.jpg" alt="A woman hugging a baby lamb."><div class="caption"><p>Me cuddling a baby lamb that I had wormed, vaccinated and given parasite control to.</p></div></div>
<h4>Would you recommend Phezulu Pre-Veterinary Program to others? Why?</h4>
<p>Yes, I would recommend this program to others. I was made to feel at home, I was cooked homemade meals, I was treated like a family member, and there was nothing more comforting than this, especially when in a foreign place.</p>
<p>I participated in activities and experiences that I would never have even been given the opportunity to do back home. It was incredible. I learnt so many new things and gained so much hands-on experience. All of which I was able to take back home with me and can now teach others with.</p>
<h4>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h4>
<p>I think the biggest benefit of travelling abroad is the experience. You experience how a place functions and works, their society, their lifestyles, their people, and their culture. All of which are different from what you know and live with on a day-to-day basis at home.</p>
<p>It’s such an eye-opener, and I appreciate what I have and how I live more because of it.</p>
<h4>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h4>
<p>My time abroad has given me the travel bug. I loved my time in South Africa, and I couldn’t get back there quickly enough. I will be working hard to save and get back there for another holiday, more amazing experiences, and to learn new things.</p>
<p>I came home from my travel abroad with new insights into things, an appreciation for what I have, and more knowledgeable than when I left to go abroad.</p>
<h4>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h4>
<p>Meaningful travel to me means that you are traveling and you’re doing something that is going to have a positive impact on your life. You do things for yourself and others that leave a positive impression.</p>
<p>You come away from your travel with meaningful knowledge and experiences. You’ve done something that means something to you. You’ve made an impact on your own and others' lives in a meaningful way.</p>


Anika Freestone

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Anika Freestone who participated in Phezulu Pre-Vet program.

Anika Freestone | Phezulu Pre-Vet Alumni Interview

Phezulu Pre-Vet Alumni Interview with Anika Freestone

<h4>What inspired you to work for <a title="undefined" href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/slimmersion rel="nofollow" target="_blank" class="clickTracker" rev="domainID=0&amp;refererType=1&amp;refererID=3355&amp;abbreviation=CSCT&amp;clientID=62999" data-ga-client="SLImmersion" data-contentlink=""><ins>SLImmersion</ins></a>?</h4>
<p>At SLImmersion, I’m passionate about helping people discover the French language and culture through genuine, human-centered experiences.</p>
<p>Our goal is to inspire learners from around the world by offering immersive stays that connect them with local life, authentic encounters, and the true soul of France—a place to live, feel, and learn naturally.</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1762830455/images2/interviews/QjgeNLEL4IlwII4QYNj9iUnmnfsMZ8tosQwq6xeM.jpg" alt="Three adults standing by their company banners at conference."><div class="caption"><p>World Congress of the International Federation of French Teachers, in Besançon, July 2025.</p></div></div>
<h4>What is your favorite part of your job?</h4>
<p>I’m passionate about showcasing the authenticity of the immersion experiences we create with our wonderful host teachers. Each campaign I design is an opportunity to share the beauty of French culture, connect with international learners, and see meaningful results that inspire people to live, feel, and learn French in the most genuine way.</p>
<h4>How do you use your education and international background in your current role?</h4>
<p>In my role at SLImmersion, I get to collaborate with people from all over the world, applying my marketing and communication skills to real projects every day. My studies gave me a strong foundation, but it’s through these authentic, multicultural experiences that I keep learning, growing, and finding new inspiration.</p>
<h4>What are some current projects you are working on?</h4>
<p>At SLImmersion, we’re passionate about sharing the richness and diversity of French culture with people from all over the world.</p>
<p>Our goal is to create meaningful immersion experiences that go beyond language learning—connecting people, inspiring curiosity, and bringing the true essence of France to life through authentic human encounters.</p>
<h4>What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?</h4>
<p>If I could talk to my pre-travel self, I’d say: be open to every encounter and trust the power of immersion.</p>
<p>Learning a language is not just about words—it’s about people, emotions, and authenticity. By living the culture every day, you don’t just improve your skills, you grow as a person. Every shared meal, smile, and conversation teaches more than any textbook ever could.</p>
<h4>What makes SLImmersion special?</h4>
<p>What makes SLImmersion special is its authenticity and heart. We don’t just teach French—we share real life, culture, and human connection. Every stay is unique because it’s built around people: passionate teachers, curious learners, and the magic that happens when cultures meet and stories are shared.</p>
<h4>Why should someone choose SLImmersion over competitors?</h4>
<p>At SLImmersion, we don’t just teach French—we share a way of life. Our experiences are built on authenticity, human connection, and cultural discovery.</p>
<p>Learners live with passionate teachers, practice French in real situations, and leave not only with progress, but with unforgettable memories and a true sense of belonging.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1762830456/images2/interviews/cdjIKO4Ec1tVGogmPorCrpWkmx0s3itPTKmyyHmP.jpg" alt="Four adults posing for a groufie"><div class="caption"><p>The team with one of our teachers, Marianne, who came to visit us at the office.	</p></div></div>
<h4>What hopes do you have for the future for SLImmersion?</h4>
<p>I hope SLImmersion continues to grow while staying true to its authentic and human values. My dream is to welcome even more learners from around the world, create new cultural experiences, and keep building bridges between people—so that learning French always means sharing, feeling, and truly living it.</p>
<h4>What is SLImmersion’s mission and how do you continue to work toward it?</h4>
<p>At SLImmersion, our mission is to share the beauty of France—its language, culture, and spirit—through authentic and meaningful experiences. We work every day to create immersive stays, build strong partnerships, and design new opportunities that celebrate connection, respect, and the joy of sharing genuine French life.</p>
<h4>What do you hope participants take away from your programs?</h4>
<p>What makes SLImmersion special to me is the human connection at the heart of every experience.</p>
<p>I love seeing learners discover French naturally—through real life, warm moments, and shared stories. Our host teachers open their homes and hearts, offering an authentic glimpse of France that creates memories for life.</p>
<h4>If you could participate on one of SLImmersion programs, where would you go and what would you do?</h4>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1762830458/images2/interviews/l6JYJxlIetYnQjDfknDZr05311JUdMRLySUaiFGC.jpg" alt="Five smiling people posing together on a staircase."><div class="caption"><p>The team with one of our teachers, Jérôme, who came to visit us at the office.</p></div></div>
<p>If I could join one of our programs, I’d choose an immersion in Paris.</p>
<p>I’d love to explore its monuments, taste its endless variety of food, and walk through its streets listening to my host teacher’s stories—stories you can’t find in books, only in real life, shared with passion and authenticity.</p>
<h4>Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?</h4>
<p>I believe traveling abroad and experiencing new cultures opens our hearts and minds in a way nothing else can. It teaches humility, curiosity, and empathy.</p>
<p>By stepping into someone else’s world, we learn not only about their culture, but also about ourselves—and that’s what makes every journey truly transformative.</p>
<h4>Why do you think learning a new language is important?</h4>
<p>For me, learning a new language is much more than memorizing words—it’s discovering a new way of seeing the world.</p>
<p>Every language carries its own rhythm, culture, and emotion. When we learn one, we open doors to understanding others, building connections, and truly feeling part of something bigger.</p>
<h4>What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?</h4>
<p>My advice for anyone thinking about going abroad is simple: go with an open heart and no expectations. Don’t just visit—live every moment. Speak, listen, share, and let yourself be surprised.</p>
<p>The most beautiful experiences often come from genuine encounters and the courage to step out of your comfort zone.</p>
<h4>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h4>
<p>To me, meaningful travel is about connection—with people, culture, and yourself.</p>
<p>It’s not just about seeing new places, but feeling them, living them, and understanding their essence. It’s sharing real moments, learning from others, and coming home changed, with memories that stay in your heart forever.</p>
<h4>What does ethical global engagement mean to you?</h4>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1762830459/images2/interviews/h7cDNPnsCxGhEkWHKDvKnES167zQYxnd49BQaD1R.jpg" alt="Four adults posing for a groufie"><div class="caption"><p>Forum at the Palais du Pharo in Marseille, April 2025.</p></div></div>
<p>To me, ethical global engagement means respecting the people and cultures you encounter, not just observing them. It’s about learning with humility, giving as much as you receive, and valuing authenticity over tourism.</p>
<p>True connection comes from empathy, curiosity, and a genuine desire to understand and grow together.</p>
<h4>What qualities in program &amp; host community relations are important to you? (And SLImmersion?)</h4>
<p>For me, strong program and host community relations are built on trust, respect, and authenticity.</p>
<p>At SLImmersion, we carefully select our host teachers, personalize every stay, and guide each learner with care. Every connection is rooted in kindness and the joy of sharing real French life—with heart and sincerity.</p>


Mary Malrieu

Get to know the people behind SLImmersion! Check out this GoAbroad Staff Interview with Mary Malrieu.

Mary Malrieu | SLImmersion Staff Interview

SLImmersion Staff Interview with Mary Malrieu

<h4>What inspired you to go abroad?</h4>
<p>I knew that Alaska was a place I'd wanted to visit—and visit meaningfully. I saw this opportunity, and it seemed like it was the perfect time and place to do it.</p>
<p>I wanted to take time off after graduating to figure out my life goals. I was burnt out from school and seeking a life-changing experience—all of these things I achieved.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1760497927/images2/interviews/trg8kcRVpk8CBP4ibupQGeRtFgECAAlacy2nwTRD.jpg" alt="campers by the lake with mountains in the background"><div class="caption"><p>Setting up camp at McBride</p></div></div>
<h4>Why did you choose <a title="undefined" href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/tidelines-institute rel="nofollow" target="_blank" class="clickTracker" rev="domainID=19&amp;refererType=1&amp;refererID=3351&amp;abbreviation=CSCT&amp;clientID=54248" data-ga-client="Tidelines Institute" data-contentlink=""><ins>Tidelines Institute</ins></a>?</h4>
<p>I was interested in getting a substantial outdoors experience, a close-knit community, and an intellectually thriving curriculum.</p>
<p>I knew I wanted it to be in a remote place, but I didn't want to leave the country, which led me to Alaska. I had been there before, but I'd heard that Southeast was a beauty of its own, and I wanted to experience the national park.</p>
<h4>What was your favorite part about Alaska?</h4>
<p>Gustavus is a small town with rural life in a beautiful place unmarred by the ugliness of civilization.</p>
<p>The Inian Islands are even more rugged, and they truly serve as a last frontier left in the US. Southeast is about as different from Interior Alaska as California is from Washington, so even if you've been to Alaska before, Southeast is a whole new experience: it's a temperate rainforest, so the weather is not as extreme, and the environment is most similar to the Pacific Northwest.</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned wrap-mobile" ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1760498441/images2/interviews/IF2yU9gryq0btUIKbtgHmHt8faMJPdJkMKNeXchW.jpg" alt="Green and pink Aurora Borealis over silhouetted trees"><div class="caption"><p>Aurora Borealis</p></div></div>
<h4>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h4>
<p>The sheer amount of out-of-body experiences: with wildlife, with the landscape, with like-minded people.</p>
<p>It feels like you're transcending, and your pores are cleansing, and all this happens on any given Tuesday. It puts you in a reflective mood—a creative and enlightening one. It's hard to describe, but you might just have to try it to understand.</p>
<h4>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h4>
<p>Staff wear many hats: from teachers to faculty to program directors, to campus managers, kooks, gardeners, and on top of all that, people to look up to and confide in.</p>
<p>Many of the staff became personal idols and mentors, people who know you best, and at the very least, someone to write the most personalized and sincere recommendation letter.</p>
<h4>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h4>
<p>I wish I'd spent more time out in the backcountry; the pristine protected lands are just a short walk/drive outside of campus. Being in Alaska means no need for a permit; just hitch a tent, and enjoy.</p>
<p>Being at the gateway of Glacier Bay National Park means that you get picturesque sunsets and rosy dusks, with oceans teeming with life and skies loud with bird cries.</p>
<h4>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h4>
<p>Wake up around 8, have breakfast with the community and your teachers, class from 9-12 with your cohort, lunch with the community, labor projects from 1-3, downtime/homework until dinner at 6, and unwind until nighttime.</p>
<p>On weekends, you can venture into town and participate in town festivities, or simply unwind by reading a book by the fireplace and cooking meals with friends.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1760498443/images2/interviews/xdC4R9h1oUbLUhkLAXlhXYVuHWKGKUbhokA6BX1F.jpg" alt="top view of green mountains with snow patches, and a lake"><div class="caption"><p>Up on top of the Ridge</p></div></div>
<h4>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h4>
<p>I loved going into town, stopping by the community center for a dancing event, going to the thrift store for some unique and cheap finds, biking down to the beach for views of the Fairweather Mountain range, having a fireside bonfire chat at night, and visiting the neighbors and hearing about their life stories.</p>
<h4>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h4>
<p>I stayed in the student housing cabin, which was a very Alaska log cabin—an experience I'd always craved to try for myself.</p>
<p>I loved lighting the wood stove for cold nights and hearing the pitter-patter of the rain on the roof in early mornings. I loved the bunk bed format, which allowed me to be close to my cohort.</p>
<h4>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h4>
<p>They should know that it is a unique opportunity to shatter your worldview, embrace the smaller things in life, live in a slow and fulfilling way, and that this experience will change your life for the better.</p>
<p>It's important to know that this program is what you make of it, and that you will feel like the main character of your own journey and be able to set your own limits to what you can accomplish.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1760498443/images2/interviews/pQyTaSIlwnHEHil4F2HhaHDoqipnnjFie0rsuaEf.jpg" alt="woman drinking fresh glacier water by a lake"><div class="caption"><p>Drinking Glacier Water</p></div></div>
<h4>Would you recommend <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/tidelines-institute/programs/the-glacier-bay-year-an-alaskan-adventure-for-young-leaders-188591 rel="" target="_self" class="link"><ins>The Glacier Bay Semester in Civic &amp; Environmental Leadership</ins></a>? Why?</h4>
<p>I would recommend this program to anyone who shows interest after hearing about the criteria, but particularly for people who feel like their life is on a predetermined path that they need a side quest from.</p>
<p>This is the single best decision I could make for my personal development after graduating from college, and so many others who miss out on it will never get the time/space to be young and free and do something like this, which they will greatly regret later in life.</p>
<h4>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h4>
<p>For me, it was the opportunity to grow as an individual.</p>
<p>To learn what my own conflict style is and how to resolve that, to learn how to live with others and be less selfish, to learn how to grow something from farm to table, and to appreciate the things you have to live without in a place as remote as this.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1760498445/images2/interviews/uuuMhs6ZBsV1OndggpHkGsgsfgqvwUoM8Cito4bd.jpg" alt="a brown bear by the shoreline"><div class="caption"><p>Brown bear (hump) walking on beach</p></div></div>
<h4>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h4>
<p>I am much more thoughtful about how I choose to spend my time: where I want to work, the types of people I want to surround myself with, what my ideal future looks like, and where I want to live.</p>
<p>Every new experience I have is being compared to and mapped onto my experience in Alaska. I'm constantly reminded of how it transformed me as a person in fundamental ways.</p>
<h4>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h4>
<p>It's about getting to know a place—to really know it—and the people and animals who live there, the landscape, and the names of the plants. That type of familiarity with place is lost on us as modern humans; we don't know even the most basic things about the places we come from.</p>
<p>But through travel, through seeing other ways of living and contrasting them to your own, you can really gain an appreciation for the place you come from.</p>


Alisa Regassa

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Alisa Regassa who participated in Tidelines Institute program.

Alisa Regassa | Tidelines Institute Alumni Interview

Tidelines Institute Alumni Interview with Alisa Regassa

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