While in South Africa, the Level 3 Animal Management and Level 3 Applied Science students stayed for a week in the Welgevonden Research Camp and a week at the SwebeSwebe Nature Reserve. The students were accompanied by SERC Work Placement Officer Christine Costello and SERC Associate Lecturer in Animal Care / Management Laura Finnegan.
Students took part in training programmes and projects that include large animal monitoring and tracking, analysing game transects, telemetry and camera trap surveys, plant species data collection, ecological studies, reserve area maintenance and much more. Animal management student Holt Dixon said, "Seeing all the different animals in their natural habitat was my favourite part of the trip. The first camp we visited saw us mostly monitor the animals, while the second camp we visited had us do more practical tasks such as setting up cameras."
Echoing Holt's positive comments, science student Jessica Du Plessis said, "This trip has truly been an eye opener to all the care and work that is put into protecting these amazing animals."
Holt concludes, "It was a fantastic trip – it has boosted my confidence levels a lot, as well as my practical skills and communication skills. I would highly recommend it to anyone that has the opportunity to go - they won't be disappointed."
The Turing Scheme provides funding for students to undertake a study or work placement across the world, contributing to the UK Government’s commitment to a Global Britain, by helping organisations such as SERC to enhance existing international links and forge new relationships. The delivery partner for the Turing Scheme is the Department for Education (UK).
Apply now for courses commencing September 2026. Real Learning for Real Life #BetterOffAtSERC.
