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GO Student Ambassadors, International Summer Programmes

Meet the GO Ambassador 2026/27 – Holly Beale

7 October 2026
Global Opportunities Globetrotters

Global Opportunities Globetrotters

Name: Holly Beale

School, degree programme and year of study: School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Physical Geography, year 3

Host destination: Peru

 

 

 

Your experience abroad

Tell us about your global opportunity—where did you go, and what did you do?
I spent three weeks working with the people at Kawsay Biological Station in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest contributing to all the incredible conservation work they do there. The Madre de Dios region had previously been threatened by illegal logging, gold mining and hunting of animals so there was a need to conserve this concession area. The biological station specialises in the reintroduction of previously locally extinct black-faced spider monkeys, so they can be seen all around the station- including occasionally breaking in to the dining room to steal some bananas! Alongside monitoring of the monkeys, activities included a medicinal plants tour, monitoring of protected tree species, including GPS tracking and height measurements, phenology transect studies collecting seeds and flowers to be analysed, mammal transects- walking through the forest tracking mammal footprints and recording mammal sightings, caiman watching, and collecting bat species for analysis in the rainforest at night, plus many more!


What surprised you the most about your host country/programme/time abroad?
I was very surprised, at first, how close the spider monkeys stayed to the station- it was very normal to see the whole group of the four spider monkeys sat around the main station room multiple times a day (mainly meal times!), which felt very surreal to see such unique animals in their natural habitat. I was a little surprised at how comfortable I was with all the big spiders- I thought I was quite scared of them beforehand but I think seeing them in their own habitat makes it feel very special to see them. I was also very surprised at how muddy the rainforest was- it did make walking through it quite hard at times! I think overall I surprised myself the most- having only been abroad for the first time a month before my programme, I couldn’t quite believe I had actually flown to Peru by myself and navigated some quite large airports and really got stuck into every activity and getting to know all the amazing people I met there.

What is the one thing you miss about your time abroad?
There are too many things to choose from! I miss waking up to the stunning scenery of the Amazon Rainforest and hearing all the amazing sounds the forest has to offer. I miss just stepping out of my cabin every morning and seeing a new animal or new insect I had never seen before. I miss the cheeky monkeys (even though they did steal my sunglasses)! I miss all the fun activities and the free time- being able to chill on the side of the river, or sometimes swim in it. I think most of all I miss the people- I met such an amazing group of people there and I will never forget the memories we made together!

 

A bit about you!

What’s something you’re passionate about outside of your studies?
OI really love animals- I have the most stunning golden retriever who I am obsessed with but generally all animals are important to me!

What’s your favourite place on campus/in Cardiff?
On campus, I think it will have to be the science library in main building- perfect spot for a chill study session! In Cardiff generally, I would have to say Bute or Roath park

If you could live anywhere in the world for a year (a dream destination), where would it be—and why?
I think I would have to say going back to South America, more specifically Peru, Bolivia and Chile. I think these countries have got some of the most stunning natural beauty that I would love to go back and explore, whether it be Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain or the Sacred Valley in Cusco, Peru, the salt flats of Bolivia or the Atacama Desert of Chile. I would love to explore more about traditional South American cultures as well and would love to learn more Spanish so I can talk to the locals..

What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
I once played the keyboard on stage in an open air festival

Reflections and Advice

Describe your global experience in three words
Surreal, unique, life-changing

What advice would you give to students considering a global opportunity?
Go for it! You don’t know when or if you might have the opportunity to do something like this again and it really will change you life! Imagine actually seeing the destination you have always dreamed of in real life- there is nothing more exciting and personally rewarding! You will not only gain the most unforgettable memories but also so many valuable life skills that will help you in the future. I would suggest doing lots of research into your host country to learn more about their cultures and values and maybe even try learning the basics of their language! I would also recommend potentially booking flights through a reputable travel agent- especially if you have a multi-flight journey as it could potentially save a lot of stress!