Working and Volunteering Opportunities
In February of last year, Kelsey embarked on a once in a lifetime exchange. She travelled from Peterborough all the way to Charles Sturt University in Australia to continue her studies in Conservation Biology. However, her education was not limited to the classroom. While abroad Kelsey had amazing opportunities to explore the country through volunteering projects. When asked about her experience, she had this to say:
“ Studying abroad not only gave me the opportunity to study in a new country, it also provided me with opportunities I have only ever dreamed of. I completed an exchange with Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie, Australia, and as a Conservation Biology student at Trent, this was the perfect location for me. Australia is known for being one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, and I feel so lucky to have visited a place that’s home to such unique creatures. Whether it was searching for land mullets along the boardwalk at the Sea Acres National Park, observing the flying foxes at the Kooloonbung Creek Nature Reserve, or watching for whales at the Tacking Point Lighthouse, Port Macquarie had a lot to offer in the unique creature's category.
During my exchange, I completed a one-week work experience program at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital (only 10 minutes away from campus!). I had the opportunity to assist with koala care which included cleaning enclosures, syringe feeding sick koalas, and assisting with health check-ups and operations. On my last day I was able to visit one of the eucalyptus plantations where I helped plant swamp mahogany that will eventually be used to feed the koalas in the hospital. While planting I had the occasional kangaroo or wallaby hop by which was a nice perk! Following the end of my semester, I decided to travel to North Stradbroke Island where I completed a research expedition with Dolphin Research Australia. This experience allowed me to study 2 species of dolphins located in Moreton Bay: the Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin and the Australian Humpback Dolphin.
My experiences with the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and Dolphin Research Australia were definitely among my main highlights during my exchange. I was able to make connections with like-minded people and gain hands-on experience in my field. I am so thankful for my exchange because it led me to these incredible experiences I couldn’t have completed elsewhere.”
When you make the leap to study abroad, you’re making the decision to break out of your comfort zone and explore the ample opportunities the world has to offer. The study abroad program at Trent is partnered with some amazing universities, and the possibilities are endless.
If you’re interested, please contact us today at studyabroad@trentu.ca!