Meet Alex Cruz

Program and Location:

Summer, Namibia: African Ecology & Conservation; Various Locations, Namibia

Major/Minor:

Zoology

Why did you choose to study abroad?

Traveling has been a goal of mine since I was a young boy. I remember watching nature documentaries as a child and thinking, “I’ll go there one day.” Fortunately for me, I was able to fulfill this dream!

What did you learn about yourself?

I have never been out of the country before, so finding the strength and confidence to take on such a novel and monumental task was difficult for me. I did not know that I had that within me, and I have since grown as a person.

What was one of your favorite parts of your program? 

Seeing elephants in the wild was my favorite part of the program. Anyone who knows me knows that I love elephants, practically on the line of obsessive. Seeing them in their natural habitat was one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced. I have been to the NC Zoo many times, and seen the elephants there many times. I can now say that zoos simply cannot do justice to the majesty of these animals as they roam in families 20 or so strong across the plains of Africa.

What advice do you have to future study abroad students?

Try. If I did not take the time to try, and apply for this program and apply for the scholarships to help me get there, I never would have had this amazing experience. This is something I might never have the opportunity to do again, so try, and take a chance. You never know what good might come from it!

How did your study abroad experience prepare you for your future career?

I want to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. I have always loved animals, but this trip helped me to appreciate the animals that I hope to care for one day in a way that cannot be achieved through books or documentaries. Experiencing the beauty and grandeur of the Namibian deserts and grasslands has helped me to love nature and animals more than I thought I could.

Would you do it again?

Yes! Without a doubt!