South Africa Summer Volunteering – The Mighty Roar

Name: Joshua Franklin 

Degree subject and school: Politics and Modern History, LAWPL/SHARE

Type of Global Opportunity: International Summer Programme, Volunteering Placement

Where did you go?
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. I found the opportunity through The Mighty Roar.

What motivated you to take up a Global Opportunity?
I wanted a challenge to do something completely different to my degree, and to experience a different culture whilst making a difference with my opportunity 

What were your top 3 highlights from your time abroad? 

1. A humpback whale hopping from the water right in front of me
2. Watching the sunset from Robberg Nature Reserve
3. Feeding elephants in the Knysna Elephant sanctuary 

What was your biggest challenge? How did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was the variety of tasks I completed. I had to educate members of a local charity to complete research that the organisation was carrying out, only the day after I had learnt it myself. This meant teaching volunteers species identification and trends within whales, dolphins, and sharks, and how to spot them as they had many false positives previously. 

How has your placement been beneficial to your studies as Cardiff University or your future career?
My placement has helped me grow my confidence as it has taught me both new skills, and how to apply skills I’ve developed from within my degree. I now have more content to use in interview questions, and am prepared for my future career to adapt across various industries as I know that I can adapt with it. 

What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you left?
I wish I’d known how much I’d enjoy my placement so I would’ve gone for longer! 

What would you say to a student that was unsure about spending a period abroad?
Just go for it! When I considered going abroad the financial aspect was a barrier, but the university helped me overcome this. Think about the barriers against going abroad and I’m sure that the GO team can help you out! I would fully recommend taking advantage of these opportunities as you never know what you might learn or who you might meet! 

What are 3 things to do in your host destination? 

1. Ocean Blue Adventures dolphin and whale watching tours!
2. Knysna Elephant Sanctuary
3. Embrace nature, whether Nature’s Valley, Robberg, or Central Beach! 

Please sum up your experience abroad in one sentence
An incredible adventure: Dolphin and whale tours, beach surveys, and excursions. The experience allowed me apply my skills, build confidence and left me with unforgettable memories