What inspired you to go abroad?
An urge to experience different cultures.
Why did you choose Minga House Foundation’s Migratory Bird Lake Habitat Conservation program?
Working outdoors in a bird sanctuary sounded fabulous after 30+ years working in radiation therapy centers.
Group of people posing in front of big bird statue
What was your favorite part about Colombia?
The warmth and friendliness of the people of Colombia and their inclusiveness.
What made your internship experience unique?
I got to not only learn about birdwatching and interact with world class professional birdwatching guides, I also had plenty of opportunities to get out and hike in the countryside with my new Colombian friends and experience the incredible biodiversity of Colombia first hand
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
They were there to provide help, advice, and support regarding everything from getting a local SIM card and phone account, to extending my passport stamp for additional days.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
Five to six hours were spent at the bird sanctuary assisting the staff with anything and everything that needed to be done, from helping the professional birding guides as a translator for English speaking birdwatchers to assisting in species counts to learning to operate the espresso machine (I am now a trained barista) to helping clean up the mess after a squall line blew through.
Hiking in the mountains of Colombia
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
Listening to some of the many types of Colombian music, hiking in the countryside with my Colombian friends, and eating Colombian cuisine.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
It was basic, but completely serviceable. It was a great way to come to terms with the truth of “less is more.”
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
The more effort you put into learning Spanish before you go, the more interesting and enjoyable the experience will be.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
Spent at least a few days in the Amazon basin and a few days on the seacoast of Colombia.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
It has whetted my appetite for more! I just finished walking the Camino del Norte in Northern Spain and I have my plane ticket to return to Colombia this fall.
Would you recommend your program to others? Why?
Absolutely. Few things are more rewarding than working as part of a team to try to improve the world around you.
