Meet Hallie Gooch (She/Her)

Program and Location:

Fall, Namibia: Wildlife Aerial Observatory; Windhoek, Namibia

Major/Minor

Zoology Major with a Wildlife Sciences Minor

Why did you choose to study abroad and what did you learn about yourself?

I knew I wanted to study abroad during my time as an undergraduate, I just didn’t know where yet! Studying abroad through college is the easiest way to get travel experiences without having to put your academic career on hault! I learned my learning style, and how a new environment affects it! Living on a wildlife reserve, all learning is hands-on and experience based! Never has teaching stuck so well in my brain and I came back to the US feeling more confident in my academic abilities as a result.

What was one of your favorite parts of your program?

Absolutely the wildlife! I may be a bit biased, being a zoology major but this was truly a once in a lifetime experience. I saw animals I had never seen in-person before, and I got to make a difference in the conservation of these species. The wildlife will come right up to your cabin! I still miss the baby baboons who helped me with my research project!

What advice do you have to future study abroad students?

Do your research! Studying abroad seems overwhelming at first but there are resources out there to help you prepare. I was able to get all my vaccines and medication for Namibia through the campus health center. My mistake is I did not listen to warnings about drinking city water while abroad, definitely do research!

How did your study abroad experience prepare you for your future career? Were you surprised by anything during your time abroad?

My experience gave me unique hands on experience with tracking wildlife, monitoring behaviors, and providing husbandry to a wide range of behaviors ranging from the smallest meerkat to the largest leopard. I was surprised how open the reserve was! I could see giraffes free-roaming from my porch and I learned about so many new antelope species. There is a watering hole near the cabins that all the animals like to congregate at!

How were your classes abroad different than if you would have taken them at NC State? Did you take any field trips or do anything outside of the traditional classroom?

This experience was a completely untraditional classroom experience. We had about 2 weeks of lectures, but after that everything was completely hands on. As a zoology major I never thought I would learn about drones and how they operate, but I ended up learning a lot just by observing and operating these!

In what ways did your identity have an impact on your experience abroad?

My identity did not have a large impact on my experience abroad. Most interactions I had were with my own group of NCSU students who were all extremely welcoming. Any interactions I had with locals were pleasant and open-minded.

Is there any advice you would give to other students who share your identity?

Still do your research on LGBTQ+ statuses in the country your visiting! I felt safe but that is because I was with a large group of people I trusted. Especially as a woman, you should never go anywhere alone and if you’re traveling in a city with iffy LGBTQ+ policies, it’s probably better to keep everything on the down low so as not to out yourself as an obvious tourist.

Where did you find support to navigate any challenges you faced abroad?

Everyone in my program was so helpful! We all looked out for each other and now I have friends for life! I honestly felt the safest I’ve ever been walking around cities because of these people.

Would you do it again?

Absolutely, yes!