When she told people that she was going to spend a month in Uganda for a zoology study abroad programme, Michigan State student Savannah Foster received a range of reactions. Some were of support, some of envy – but most were of fear.
“My immediate family was excited for me, but a lot of people that I talked to thought that I was going to go to Africa and never return,” the American told Metro Éireann on a passing visit to Dublin on her way back to the US.
“I think there is a huge misconception in America that Africa is an unsafe continent and I wanted to break that stereotype and experience firsthand a really amazing place like Uganda.”
From 6–31 May, Foster joined 11 other students, two zoology professors, two local drivers, two cooks and a local guide to travel and camp within a number of Uganda’s national parks to study the biodiversity of the country.
Before she departed on the month-long journey, Foster had to back up her academic interest by doing a research project about two native animals as well as a presentation. During the trip the group also attended lectures, took exams and did research.
Each member was required to keep a scientific journal, in which they recorded what they saw each day for the duration of the trip.
“It was an amazing opportunity to study and observe a lot of different animals I had never seen before,” she said. “My notebook is practically overflowing with species.”
The group observed animals from far away and up close. “We were driving and our van broke down right between these two trees which had quite a few sleeping lions in them,” she recalled. “Even though it wasn’t intentional, seeing them that close was a great opportunity.”
In some of the national parks the group observed many different species, but in a few they set up mist nets to capture small birds. They recorded information about them, then banded and released them back into the wild.
Although they were there for research purposes, the group also visited the Batwa tribe and met the locals in the various villages they visited.
In the days after departing for home, Foster reflected on her experience. “Especially as an American, travelling to a Third World country definitely makes you appreciate everything you have and makes you willing and able to adapt to literally any situation, because you never know what to expect when you’re there.”
