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<h3>What inspired you to work for <a href="https://www.goabroad.com/providers/go-elective" target="_self" class="link">Go Elective</a>?</h3>
<p>I've always enjoyed meeting people from different parts of the world, learning about their cultures, and sharing my own. That's what initially attracted me to Go-Elective. I loved the idea of helping international students experience Kenya beyond the usual tourist attractions, through clinical placements, volunteering, cultural activities, and everyday interactions with local communities. </p>
<p>I was also inspired by the organization's commitment to making international clinical experiences more affordable and accessible. What makes the work especially rewarding is watching students arrive in a completely new environment, gradually become comfortable, build friendships, and leave with experiences they'll remember for years. Sometimes they even wish they could stay longer, and that's always lovely to hear!</p>
<h3>What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?</h3>
<p>I'd tell myself not to worry too much about having everything figured out before leaving. Planning is important, but some of the best travel experiences happen when you embrace spontaneity and step outside your comfort zone. I'd encourage myself to meet new people, try unfamiliar foods, experience different cultures, and appreciate the little moments instead of focusing too much on taking photographs. </p>
<p>I'd also remind myself that not everything will go according to plan, and that's okay. Unexpected challenges often lead to valuable lessons and unforgettable memories. Most importantly, I'd tell myself to travel with an open mind, enjoy every experience, and remember that traveling is as much about discovering yourself as it is about exploring new places.</p>
<h3>Describe a typical day at work.</h3>
<p>My day usually involves checking in on students, making sure they're comfortable, well-fed, and getting the clinical experience they hoped for. I also assist with coordinating hospital schedules, arranging transportation, and planning excursions and safaris. A big part of my role involves working with our team and service providers to ensure everything runs smoothly and addressing any issues that come up. No two days are quite the same, and that's what makes my job interesting!</p>
<h3>Why do you do what you do?</h3>
<p>I enjoy helping people and knowing that my work makes someone's experience better. It's rewarding to see students arrive in a new country feeling a little nervous and leave feeling confident, happy, and grateful for their experience.</p>
<h3>What is your favorite part of your job?</h3>
<p>Definitely interacting with students from different parts of the world! I enjoy hearing their stories, learning about their cultures, and watching them experience Kenya, or even Africa, for the first time. Seeing them make new friends, enjoy their stay, and eventually wish they could stay longer or come back again is always the highlight of my job.</p>
<h3>How do you use your education and international background in your current role?</h3>
<p>My role requires good communication, people skills, organization, and problem-solving skills. Working with students from different countries has also taught me to appreciate different perspectives, understand people's needs, and communicate clearly.</p>
<h3>What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?</h3>
<p>Sometimes plans change unexpectedly, whether it's transportation, weather, schedules, or students needing extra assistance. I've learned patience, staying calm, communicating clearly, and finding practical solutions. Having a supportive team also makes a big difference.</p>
<h3>What are some current projects you are working on?</h3>
<p>We're currently exploring a new destination in Sri Lanka, Asia, and I'm excited to be part of the preparations! I'm assisting our team in assessing potential partner hospitals, checking that facilities meet our students' and faculty's expectations, and reviewing safety, accommodation, and other essential arrangements. </p>
<p>We're also looking to expand beyond healthcare by introducing exciting new study abroad opportunities, including pre-teaching and pre-law programs.</p>
<h3>Why should someone choose Go Elective over competitors?</h3>
<p>What sets Go-Elective apart is our commitment to making meaningful international clinical learning opportunities accessible without compromising the overall experience. We understand that many students would love to gain clinical exposure abroad but are often discouraged by the costs involved. That's why affordability and value are central to what we do. </p>
<p>We also believe that a great experience involves much more than simply securing a hospital placement. From comfortable accommodation and meals to airport transfers, clinical mentorship, and cultural activities, we strive to ensure students feel supported throughout their stay. </p>
<p>Our goal is for every participant to feel welcomed, cared for, and confident that they're getting a valuable educational and cultural experience.</p>
<h3>What is Go Elective's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?</h3>
<p>Go-Elective's mission is to make international clinical learning opportunities meaningful, affordable, and accessible while encouraging cultural exchange and personal growth. In my role, I contribute to this mission by helping ensure students have a smooth, comfortable, and enjoyable experience from the moment they arrive. This involves paying attention to both the big and small details, whether that's ensuring accommodation is ready, transport arrives on time, or students feel supported when adjusting to a new environment. </p>
<p>I believe even the smallest acts of care can make a significant difference. When students feel comfortable and supported, they're better positioned to focus on learning, exploring, and making the most of their time in Kenya.</p>
<h3>What makes Go Elective special?</h3>
<p>What makes Go-Elective special is that we don't just focus on academic learning. We also want to make a positive social impact because we believe in leaving the communities we work with better than we found them. That's why we encourage students to take part in our volunteering and community outreach activities, from visiting local schools and children's homes to organizing mini career fairs where they share their journeys into medicine, healthcare, and STEM. </p>
<p>We also organize activities such as basic CPR lessons and menstrual health education for girls in rural communities. For us, it's about creating meaningful experiences for our students while giving back to the communities that welcome us.</p>
<h3>What hopes do you have for the future for Go Elective?</h3>
<p>I'd love to see Go-Elective welcome more students from around the world, expand to more destinations, and continue building strong relationships with hospitals and local communities.</p>
<h3>Are there any developments with Go Elective that you would like to share with us?</h3>
<p>We're excited about expanding our programs to new destinations, including Sri Lanka in Asia! We're currently exploring partnerships with hospitals and local institutions to create more opportunities for students. </p>
<p>We're also looking beyond healthcare by developing new study abroad programs in fields such as pre-teaching and pre-law. Our goal is to give more students, regardless of their academic interests, the opportunity to learn, travel, and experience different cultures.</p>
<h3>What makes Go Elective easy to market to potential participants?</h3>
<p>Students are often looking for opportunities that combine practical learning with travel, and Go-Elective offers both, along with accommodation, meals, transportation, and local support. But beyond that, we want students to feel like they're among friends, not just with fellow students, but also with our staff and the doctors they meet at the hospital. </p>
<p>We encourage them to smile, be curious, ask questions, and build genuine connections with the people around them. It's amazing how these little things can make students feel more comfortable and completely change how they experience the destination.</p>
<h3>What do you hope participants take away from your programs?</h3>
<p>I hope students leave with much more than additional clinical experience. I want them to develop a deeper understanding of global health and the realities of delivering healthcare in different settings, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Experiencing another healthcare system can challenge assumptions, broaden perspectives, and encourage students to think differently about healthcare access, resources, and patient care. </p>
<p>Beyond professional learning, I hope participants become more compassionate, adaptable, culturally sensitive, and open-minded individuals. I also hope they form genuine friendships, discover something new about themselves, and leave with wonderful memories of Kenya and East Africa. </p>
<p>Most importantly, I hope the experience stays with them and positively influences the healthcare professionals they eventually become.</p>
<h3>Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?</h3>
<p>I believe traveling abroad is one of the best ways to broaden your perspective and understand the world beyond what you're familiar with. It gives you the opportunity to interact with people from different backgrounds, experience new traditions, and appreciate different ways of living. </p>
<p>Travel also challenges stereotypes and encourages you to approach unfamiliar situations with curiosity rather than judgment. You quickly realize that while cultures may differ, people often share similar hopes, values, and experiences. I think these encounters help us become more understanding, adaptable, and appreciative of diversity. They also remind us that there's always something valuable to learn from others.</p>
<h3>How do you help support participants?</h3>
<p>I help students settle in when they arrive, coordinate their daily schedules and transportation, and make sure they feel comfortable throughout their stay. I'm also there to answer questions, help them navigate cultural nuances, explore the city with them, and address any concerns or challenges along the way.</p>
<h3>If you could participate on one of Go Elective's programs, where would you go and what would you do?</h3>
<p>I absolutely love Mombasa for its rich cultural diversity, beautiful beaches, history, and amazing people. There's always something new to discover! Arusha, Tanzania, is equally exciting. But I'm especially looking forward to seeing how our new destination in Sri Lanka turns out. It shares quite a lot with Mombasa, from its coastal culture and history to the tropical climate and Indian Ocean influences. I'd love to experience those similarities and differences firsthand!</p>
<h3>What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?</h3>
<p>Students often ask if they'll be joining other students, what their clinical schedules look like, and what activities they can enjoy outside the hospital. I always reassure them that they'll meet students from different parts of the world. </p>
<p>For clinical placements, students typically complete at least 30 hours per week, with the flexibility to extend to 50+ hours through additional, evening, or weekend shifts, depending on hospital arrangements. We also have weekly Global Health Seminars, where we invite local healthcare experts to discuss important health topics and broaden students' perspectives. And there's plenty of fun outside the hospital! </p>
<p>In Mombasa, students can even feed giraffes at Haller Park, just five minutes from our main student residence. There is also an option to go on safari! I love sharing these little details because they help students realize just how much there is to experience beyond their clinical placements.</p>
<h3>Why do you think learning a new language is important?</h3>
<p>Learning a new language helps you connect with people and understand their culture better. Even knowing a few words in Swahili can make a difference when interacting with locals in Kenya. It's also a nice way of showing respect and appreciation.</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>To me, meaningful travel is about much more than visiting beautiful places, ticking destinations off a bucket list, or taking photographs. It's about the people you meet, the conversations you have, the things you learn, and the connections you build along the way. It's about stepping outside your usual environment, experiencing another culture with an open mind, and allowing those experiences to change how you see the world. </p>
<p>I also believe meaningful travel should involve respect for local communities and a willingness to learn rather than simply observe. Ultimately, it's the genuine connections, shared experiences, and personal growth that make a journey truly memorable. It's also about returning home with a deeper appreciation for different ways of life and carrying those lessons into your everyday life.</p>
<h3>What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?</h3>
<p>Go for it! It's normal to feel nervous about traveling somewhere new, especially for the first time. Do your research, ask questions, and choose a program that offers good support. Most importantly, be open to learning and enjoying the experience.</p>
<h3>What issues do you see in the world of international education that don't line up with your values and expectations for mutually beneficial &amp; educational relationships between providers/programs and the communities in which they are located within?</h3>
<p>I'm a huge advocate for responsible travel and cultural exchange that benefits both visitors and the communities that welcome them. I believe international education should go beyond what students gain and also consider the impact they leave behind. That's why, at Go-Elective, we encourage students to respect local cultures, learn from local professionals, and participate in meaningful community outreach activities. </p>
<p>For me, a successful program is one where both the students and the host communities benefit from the experience.</p>
<h3>What does ethical global engagement mean to you?</h3>
<p>To me, ethical global engagement means treating people and communities with respect, listening to local professionals, and being open to learning rather than assuming you know everything. It's also about understanding your responsibilities as a visitor and being mindful of local cultures and customs. </p>
<p>I believe this also makes the experience much more rewarding for students, as they build genuine connections, feel more welcomed, and gain a deeper understanding of the communities they visit.</p>
<h3>What hopes do you have for the future of international education?</h3>
<p>As AI continues to advance, I believe travel and international education has become even more valuable. Technology can teach us about almost any place in the world, but it can't replace the experience of being there, meeting people, sharing stories, and seeing life through someone else's eyes. </p>
<p>I hope more students get the opportunity to experience the world firsthand, build genuine connections, and appreciate different cultures. Some of life's most important lessons simply can't be learned from a screen.</p>
<h3>What qualities in program &amp; host community relations are important to you? (And your organization?)</h3>
<p>Respect, trust, communication, and cooperation are very important to us. Good relationships with our local partners, teams, and communities help us provide better experiences for students while also creating value in the very communities we work in.</p>

Jackline Wanja

Get to know the people behind Go Elective! Check out this GoAbroad Staff Interview with Jackline Wanja.

Jackline Wanja | Go Elective Staff Interview

Go Elective Staff Interview with Jackline Wanja

<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?</h3><p>I am a pre-med student at the University of Notre Dame and a certified EMT, and I want to become a surgeon. Working 911 calls showed me how much medicine depends on connecting with people in their most vulnerable moments. I wanted to see how physicians practice in a resource-limited setting, use my Spanish in real patient care, and find out what medicine looks like when you strip it down to its core.</p><h3>Why did you choose International Medical Aid (IMA)?</h3><p>International Medical Aid offered real clinical exposure across multiple departments instead of a tourism-style experience. Over two weeks I rotated through general medicine, pediatrics, family medicine, and ultrasound in Cusco, four hours each morning, working directly alongside attending physicians. IMA also combined that with Spanish instruction, which let me actually understand and follow patient conversations.</p><h3>What was your favorite part about your host country/city?</h3><p>The people. I went to Peru expecting it to feel unsafe and chaotic, and I was wrong on every count. Within my first hour in Cusco, two strangers at the airport sat down with my brother and me, unprompted, and spent twenty minutes giving us recommendations in Spanish. Before they left, they gave us their number in case we needed anything. That kindness was not performative, and I saw the same thing later in the hospital in how doctors treated their patients.</p><h3>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h3><p>The physicians. Dr. Pedro saw 23 patients in four hours, told us he was tired, and still lit up for every single patient, remembering their families and personal details. When a woman with a blood glucose of 323 and dangerously high blood pressure said she felt fine, he told her directly that without treatment she would die early and her sons would not have her. You could see it land. In family medicine, Dr. Pamela saw a woman with chest pain, shoulder pain, and shortness of breath but normal vitals. Instead of moving on, she asked about the woman's life, found the cause was stress, and spent thirty minutes listening to her, even though it meant staying late. The patient cried and thanked us just for letting her speak. No classroom teaches that.</p><h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3><p>Manuela, who organized our experience, was exceptional: organized, warm, and responsive to everything. I mentioned offhandedly that I competed in kickboxing back home and was looking for a class in Cusco. She found one, ordered me an Uber there, and coordinated everything, and the instructor waited after class to help me get a car back to the hotel. The physicians supported us too. After we ran out of patients one day, Dr. Silva took us to lunch to talk about what kind of doctors we wanted to become. The whole experience felt cared for, not just logistically managed.</p><h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h3><p>I wish I had arrived without so many assumptions. I went to Peru with low expectations, expecting it to feel unsafe, chaotic, and hard to navigate, and that mindset cost me some of the openness I could have had from day one. I also expected to leave simply appreciating what we have at home. If I did it again, I would go in ready to learn from the system instead of judging it.</p><h3>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h3><p>Mornings were spent in the hospital for about four hours, rotating through general medicine, pediatrics, family medicine, and ultrasound. That meant shadowing attendings through patient visits, listening to histories in Spanish, and asking questions between patients. Afternoons were for medical Spanish classes and exploring Cusco with my brother. Some evenings I went to a local kickboxing class to keep training while I was abroad.</p><h3>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h3><p>I explored Cusco with my brother, trying the restaurants and seeing the places locals recommended to us from the day we landed. I compete in kickboxing at home, so I also trained at a local kickboxing class that our coordinator Manuela set up for me. Training with locals was one of the best ways to connect with people outside the hospital and practice my Spanish.</p><h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h3><p>I stayed in a hotel in Cusco with my brother. What I liked best was how easy it made everything else: it was a comfortable home base after mornings in the hospital, and the IMA team coordinated logistics around it so well that getting to rotations, classes, and even my kickboxing class was never a problem.</p><h3>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h3><p>Learn as much Spanish as you can before you go. The most valuable parts of this program happen in conversation: how a physician builds rapport in the first five minutes, how they deliver a hard truth, how they draw out what is really wrong. If you can follow those conversations, you will learn far more. Also, tell the staff what you need. They will go out of their way to help.</p><h3>Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?</h3><p>Yes. The clinical exposure was real, across four departments, and the physicians invested in teaching us, not just letting us watch. The staff, especially Manuela, went far beyond logistics. Most importantly, the program showed me what medicine looks like when doctors have few resources but a strong sense of purpose, and that perspective will shape how I practice for the rest of my career.</p><h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h3><p>It challenges assumptions you did not know you had. I expected to observe a resource-limited system and come home grateful for what we have. Instead, I came home questioning what American medicine has sacrificed in the pursuit of efficiency and volume. Seeing another system up close gave me a clearer view of my own and of the kind of physician I want to be.</p><h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3><p>I want to be a surgeon, and surgery rewards speed, precision, and technical mastery. The physicians in Cusco reminded me that none of that matters if the patient in front of you does not feel like a person to you. Dr. Silva warned us that medicine has become mechanical and asked us to carry that awareness through our careers. I now hold myself to the standard I saw there: be fully present, be honest, and never just go through the motions.</p><h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3><p>Meaningful travel means leaving as a different person than the one who arrived. It is not about sightseeing; it is about putting yourself in a place where people live and work differently and letting that change how you see your own life. In Cusco, the physicians I worked with had none of the luxury of resources but all of the discipline of purpose. Learning from that is what made the trip meaningful.</p>

Thomas Milano

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Thomas Milano who participated in International Medical Aid (IMA) program.

Thomas Milano | International Medical Aid (IMA) International Medical Aid (IMA) Interview

Alumni Interview with Thomas Milano

<h3>What inspired you to work for your organization?</h3><p>I have always had a passion for nature and conservation, which inspired me to pursue the Honorary Ranger course with SANParks. While working in fields that did not directly focus on conservation, including oyster farming and commercial diving, I witnessed some of the environmental challenges associated with these industries. This motivated me to pursue a career where I could make a positive difference. During a job interview in Cape Town, I learned about an opportunity at Oceans Research Institute and immediately saw it as the perfect chance to combine my passion for nature with meaningful work. Here I would be able to contribute to conservation, and become part of the change I wanted to see.</p><h3>What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?</h3><p>Don't get caught up in the little things or let everyday worries distract you from what truly matters. Take a step back, look at the bigger picture, and appreciate the world around you. Travelling teaches you that there is so much more to life than material things and daily routines. There is so much to see. Step outside your comfort zone, stay curious, ask questions, embrace new experiences, and learn from the people you meet along the way. Not everything will go according to plan, and that's part of the adventure. Don't waste your time worrying about things you cannot control. Enjoy the journey, appreciate the small moments, and remember that life is about experiences, connections, and the memories you create. </p><h3>Describe a typical day at work.</h3><p>A typical day for me is varied and hands-on, with no two days necessarily being the same. I keep track of equipment and ensure all gear is ready for fieldwork. I drive the boat, and assist with general maintenance to keep everything running smoothly. I also share my practical knowledge by teaching fishing techniques and seamanship, help students develop essential skills and confidence on the water. From preparing for research activities to maintaining equipment and supporting training sessions, my role combines practical work, teamwork, and passing on knowledge while contributing to marine research and conservation.</p><h3>What is your favorite part of your job?</h3><p>My favourite part of the job is working with sharks, especially handling them during catch-and-release fishing operations. There is something incredibly special about being able to interact with these amazing animals up close, learn more about them, and contribute to their conservation. They might look intimidating to some people, but I honestly think they are the cutest things! Being able to work with sharks in their natural environment is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.</p><h3>What are some current projects you are working on?</h3><p>I’m currently involved in several marine research and conservation activities at Oceans Research Institute, with a strong focus on sharks and other marine wildlife. This includes catch-and-release shark research, collecting data on shark species, and supporting projects investigating shark movements, behaviour and population dynamics. We also conduct marine mammal surveys, intertidal biodiversity assessments and shark eggcase surveys to better understand the species living along our coastline. Alongside the research, I help students develop practical skills in seamanship, fishing techniques and fieldwork, contributing to the next generation of marine researchers.</p><h3>Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?</h3><p>Oceans Research Institute offers much more than an educational experience; it provides a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth. We offer high-quality, hands-on courses that allow students to gain practical field experience while working alongside established researchers and experienced professionals, including renowned shark researcher Enrico Gennari. What truly sets us apart is the personal approach, the close-knit team, and the opportunity to become part of real research and conservation efforts. Students leave not only with valuable knowledge and practical skills, but also with unforgettable experiences, lasting connections, and a deeper appreciation for the marine environment.</p><h3>What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?</h3><p>Our mission at Oceans Research Institute is to advance wildlife research and conservation while inspiring the next generation of researchers through hands-on education and meaningful field experiences. We work towards this by studying sharks, marine mammals, and other wildlife, collecting valuable scientific data, and sharing our knowledge with students and researchers. A key part of our approach is teaching the importance of responsible wildlife handling, animal welfare, and respecting animals in their natural environment. We want participants to understand not only how to conduct research, but also why ethical practices and conservation matter. Beyond the fieldwork, we aim to build a strong, lasting community through our students and alumni network, creating connections that continue long after participants leave. By combining science, practical training, personal mentorship, and a genuine passion for wildlife, we hope to make a lasting contribution to conservation and empower people to become responsible advocates for the natural world.</p><h3>What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?</h3><p>My hope for the future of Oceans Research Institute is to see it grow into a leading research and education organisation with a presence across South Africa. I would love to see us expand our projects beyond marine research and re-establish terrestrial research, allowing us to study and protect wildlife and ecosystems both on land and in the ocean. By expanding our reach, strengthening collaborations, and creating more opportunities for students and researchers, we can increase our impact on conservation nationwide. Ultimately, I want to help build the institute into the best version of itself, growing its capabilities and reach while staying true to its passion for research, education, and protecting nature.</p><h3>What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?</h3><p>Oceans Research Institute is easy to market because it brings together some of the most exciting aspects of South Africa: incredible wildlife, sharks, beautiful natural environments, and a welcoming community. We offer participants the opportunity to go beyond traditional classroom learning and experience research and conservation firsthand. Working alongside experienced researchers, getting up close to marine wildlife, and becoming part of a close-knit team makes the experience both educational and personal. It is not just about gaining knowledge; it is about adventure, meaningful connections, and developing a deeper appreciation for nature while contributing to real conservation efforts.</p><h3>What do you hope participants take away from your programs?</h3><p>What I would love most is to meet some of our students again ten years from now and see where life has taken them. It would be incredibly rewarding to see how they have grown, what they have achieved, and whether something they learned or experienced at Oceans Research Institute helped shape their journey. Some of the most valuable lessons I can pass on are not found in textbooks, but come from real-life experiences, personal mistakes, failures, and successes. Working in the field teaches you things you cannot learn in a classroom alone, from making decisions under pressure to respecting wildlife and understanding the responsibility that comes with research. I hope to give participants practical skills, confidence, and the motivation to keep learning, even when things don't go according to plan. Most importantly, I hope to build genuine connections that last beyond their time with us. Knowing that I played even a small part in someone's personal or professional journey, and seeing them succeed using lessons we shared, would be one of the most rewarding parts of my job.</p><h3>Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?</h3><p>Travelling abroad allows people to step outside their comfort zones and experience the world beyond the bubble they are used to. It opens your mind to different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life, helping you understand that there is no single way to see or experience the world. When you expose yourself to unfamiliar environments, you learn to adapt, become more independent, and appreciate differences rather than fear them. You also begin to recognise how much your own perspective is shaped by the environment you grew up in. I believe travelling teaches you as much about yourself as it does about others, challenging your assumptions and encouraging you to question what you have always considered normal. Meeting people from different backgrounds can change the way you think, communicate, and approach challenges. For me, travelling is about more than seeing beautiful places; it is about building connections, learning from others, and understanding our shared responsibility towards the world we live in. It helps you grow into a more open-minded person who is willing to listen, adapt, and see opportunities where you might not have seen them before.</p><h3>How do you help support participants?</h3><p>I support participants by sharing my knowledge and experience, being there whenever they need guidance, and making sure they feel comfortable and included. Whether it's teaching practical skills, answering questions, or learning from mistakes together, I want them to know they can rely on me. I also believe that having fun is an important part of the experience, so I do my best to keep everyone entertained on the boat with music and a good sense of humour! Most importantly, I prioritise their safety and well-being, making sure everyone feels looked after, supported, and able to enjoy their time with us to the fullest.</p><h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3><p>Meaningful travel means more than just visiting a new place or ticking destinations off a list. It is about immersing yourself in different cultures, connecting with people, learning from new experiences, and leaving a positive impact wherever you go. For me, it means stepping outside your comfort zone, challenging your own perspectives, and gaining a deeper understanding of the world around you. It is also about recognising that you are a guest in someone else's home and respecting their culture, environment, and way of life. Especially when it comes to nature and conservation, meaningful travel means appreciating wildlife responsibly, understanding the importance of protecting ecosystems, and supporting local communities. Ultimately, it is about taking home more than photographs: carrying new perspectives, lasting connections, and lessons that influence how you live long after the journey ends.</p>

Checking the shyshark for parasites before quickly releasing the animal back into the water.

Closely monitoring the pyjama catshark to make sure the animal is not stressed.

Giving a boat introduction to new students to make sure they know where all the safety equipment is and what to do in an emergency.

Gian

Get to know the people behind Oceans Research Institute}! Check out this GoAbroad Staff Interview with Gian.

Gian | Oceans Research Institute Interview

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