Reviews

The thing that I enjoyed the most in the Reserve Management & Research internship was being able to see all of the wildlife that is unique to the area in Kruger National Park, while also being surrounded by nature and actually contributing to something as a visitor to the area; rather than just being a spectator on the sidelines. Personally, this internship gave me the unique opportunity to see animals (that I have only seen in a zoo) in the wild and in their natural habitat. The internship has also given me more confidence in different areas like communication and being social, while also making me more knowledgeable about how people are from different countries, alongside with making friends from all over the world. Professionally, this internship contributed to my development by providing me experience in an area that will be relevant along with completing a project associated in the field. This will help me stand out from others when it comes to job applications and it has given me the edge.

It is hard to pick one thing that I enjoyed the most. The entire experience in itself was amazing, and I could not be more grateful that I put myself out there. I was able to gain hands-on experience in the healthcare setting, which will better prepare me for my future.

The Sea Turtle Conservation internship in Malaysia was beneficial towards my personal and professional development goals as the program provided me with hands-on, marine conservation experience that will enhance my future career.

I really enjoyed my experience. This internship was an amazing opportunity to learn more about my field from professionals with far more experience. It allowed me to develop my skills, gain valuable knowledge, and build confidence in a real-world setting. I highly recommend this internship to anyone interested in expanding their knowledge and gaining hands-on experience in the field. Any questions I had were answered within 24 hours, which I really appreciated.

Choosing to study at the University of Sussex was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that has completely changed how I see the world. Within the first week there, I found myself surrounded by such an incredible group of people, making friends from Australia, the United States, Mexico, Malaysia, and England. Each of whom generously shared their cultures, perspectives, and ways of life with me. Some of my fondest memories were simple ones, such as evenings spent laughing at Falmer Bar, surrounded by good company, good food, and an atmosphere that always felt like home. Sussex's location made it the perfect place to explore new destinations. Not only was it close to countries across Europe I'd dreamed of visiting, but it also placed me within easy reach of some of England's most charming destinations including London, Lewes, Cambridge, and Bath among my favourites. Between coursework, I found myself constantly learning both academically, and experientially, gaining a broader appreciation for the world and my place in it. Brighton, just a short bus ride from campus, became my favorite escape when I needed a break. I spent countless afternoons discovering new coffee shops and catching up on coursework, or wandering along the waterfront. By May, Brighton was in full swing, its pier buzzing with visitors enjoying games, rides, and seaside food. As someone living with Celiac Disease, I was especially grateful for how seamlessly I could navigate both grocery stores and restaurants with an abundance of gluten-free options that made me feel safe, cared for, and included throughout my time there. Academically, Sussex exceeded my expectations. My favorite course was Positive Psychology with Rona Hart, where small class sizes allowed real connections to form and made participation feel natural rather than intimidating. We didn't just study psychological theory, we got to practice them by participating in techniques like goal setting, stress management, and resilience building in ways that I've carried with me well beyond the classroom. Overall, my semester at Sussex gave me more than education, it also gave me the most memorable experiences that I’ll cherish forever.

Firstly, thank you TOCA for giving us this experience to travel across the world and learn a whole new culture. I had a blast and would absolutely recommend to other kids who are interested in traveling the world as well. My favorite part was definitely the surfing because I learned a new skill and I basically mastered it heh 😎 But in all seriousness, I was not expecting to get this close with people that I barely knew. Now these people are basically family! 10/10 program, once again thank you TOCA!

This entire experience was something new for me in many different ways. I have been away from my parents while overseas before, but this time I was surrounded by teenagers my age who were all from a different state from me. Despite some of our differences, the group I was with was filled with wonderful people who I hope to stay connected with. My first real day with my group, I was able to talk deeply with four of my roomates about how they felt about the program so far. Just having those meaningful little conversations during the trip let us all bond very quickly, and allowed me to have a greater understanding about the minds of people. There was a lot of reflecting and fun that happened during the trip, so I would definitely reccomend this program to anyone who has not traveled before. The entire trip was something to remember, as I got to really bond and hear stories about life from New York.

During my time in Spain I had some of the most unforgettable experiences, that I will forever cherish. Having the opportunity to learn abroad and just experience a whole new atmosphere has been a true blessing. TOCA was a second family and home to me, the staff were amazing they always took care of all of us and looked out for every single one of us, the students were all inclusive there wasn't anyone who was left out. Classes were also very interactive and full of joyful memories. My teacher Dani was an amazing person, he made sure to answer all our questions and he never had a problem with repeating himself if we didn't understand. My host Mom was a caring soul as well, she always asked if we were okay and she always made sure to check up on us. Being in Spain this summer, has changed my perspective on everything. I really enjoyed my time and if I had the chance to do it again I definitely would without a second thought.

As these 15 days in Spain have come to an end, I am beginning to see the major difference in environments between New York and Sevilla, for example the streets are significantly cleaner with a more humble atmosphere, as I had my own walks and journey's in Sevilla I've realized that the world can hold so much peace, it really just depends on where you are and how you take it. Traveling with strangers and becoming friends with them has helped me understand opinions different from my own such as believing wether or not England deserved to be knocked out (they didn't btw) of going to the finals. Overall I believe that I learnt much from TOCA, the trip leaders, my friends I've made and my roommates as well as the minor interactions I've had with the spaniards. Once again I am extremely grateful for being able to participate in this program and I hope everyone lives life to the fullest.

I think TOCA in France and the memories i’ve made are something that’ll stick with me forever. The people I met and the things I got to see were breathtaking, i’m forever thankful and i’m so glad for TOCA.