How were you originally connected with African Insight Academy?
I first learned about African Insight through a good friend that was employed by the company, so I invited myself for an interview for a vacancy that was never advertised...and six years later here I am!
What characteristics do you think are important for people wanting to intern, volunteer, or study with African Insight Academy?
I think that potential participants of any African Insight Academy program should understand that apart from having a phenomenal hands on conservation experience, they will also be fully immersed into a very different culture and sometimes be living out of their comfort zone. They need to be open minded, flexible, and willing to participate in all aspects of the program to get the most out of the experience. Life skills shall be acquired!
Nothing better than this feeling!
Based on your interactions, what do your clients love most about working in Africa?
The thing I hear over and over again is how friendly the people are and the location is hard to beat.
Why should prospective clients choose African Insight over other providers?
African Insight provides an authentic experience in rural Zululand where participants are fully immersed into a sustainable working model that in my opinion is one of a kind. Feedback from clients have been that the experience on a community owned Big Five reserve, where cultural practices remain intact, coupled with the Zululand ecosystem, which is one of the most diverse and productive in the world, offers a truly unique experience.
You worked as an International Travel consultant, what made you want to change to international education?
I have always been passionate about Africa and making a difference where I can in my own backyard. Although promoting travel to exotic destinations around the world was very exciting, I have found my current work to be hugely meaningful and rewarding, and more in line with my personal aspirations and values.
A little Vitamin Sea
When students return home, what do you hope they have learned and gained?
A love and understanding of our country and culture, and a sense of responsibility towards the conservation efforts and challenges that are a reality in Africa and around the world.
What do you love most about your job?
Seeing the positive impact that our programs make and the growth in participants, whether they are here for a few days or months.
What kind of travel experiences did you have prior to joining African Insight Academy?
I was privileged to spend quite a lot of time living and travelling around the world. I worked in a ski resort in the Rockies for some time, and spent four months backpacking from Israel via Turkey to Europe.
Over the past 20 years, my travels have been focused closer to home in Africa. Camping trips to Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Zambia have been the highlight of my travels so far. I continue to seek out new adventures that this beautiful continent has to offer.
Exhilaration at its finest
What does a typical day of work look like for you working in program development?
A typical day may start with answering new website enquiries and leads from our marketing department for potential clients; answering questions and discussing possibilities with partners and clients. I spend a lot of time working on tailor made itineraries to suit a client’s specific needs. I enjoy exploring what will work on the ground to best suit our clients’ needs.
How do you support students before, throughout, and prior to their time with you?
Students or trip leaders are welcome to drop me an email, skype call, or phone call at anytime to discuss any concerns that they may have or details they need. My personal mobile number is available at any given time to be a support to students either on our programs or before. We have a team that will help me supply clients with images, youtube videos, and any other information that may help prepare a student for their visit with us.
My goal is for every student to feel that they have gotten the most out of their experience with us and for them to connect at a deeper level with the heart of what we are about.
