Bushwise Course review

My name is Jelle, I used to be a Data Analyst at a major tech company. Now I am a qualified FGASA field guide and one step closer to living my dream.
Late 2017 I came to the conclusion I had enough of corporate and wanted to follow my dream, working with animals and specifically conservation of wildlife. Ultimately my dream is to work with wolves. This was always a distant dream, as somebody who grew up in a country without nature or wildlife I never thought it would be something attainable.
After some research on how I could start getting experience and skills in this completely new industry I came across the Bushwise course. As soon as I finished reading the description I knew this is what I was going to do. I signed up and here I am.
The course was so much more encompassing than I would have thought. On top of learning about literally every topic in the bush, from grass to birds, from Big 5 to the lichen on the rocks and trees, from the dust at our feed to the dust in space, we also gained skills in tracking, rifle handling, 4x4, first aid, photography and how to entertain and work with guests, you name it. The campus itself is amazing and although we still haven't seen the leopard there is so much wildlife to see and waking up in the mornings in the middle of the bush is something most people can only dream of.
Don't mistake, it is tough as nails. You have exams every week and only a few days to learn each topic for that exam, which has to be done in between drives, chores and briefings. Your choice is often sleep or study and sleep often sounds very inviting. No matter how tough it gets though, waking up in this environment and going on drives near every other day makes it all worth while.
The staff are also amazing. Every 4 weeks you get 1 week off in which you can either return home, go see SA or catch up on some much needed studying. Food is exquisite and the trainers and support staff are fun, fair and very dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. I would highly recommend doing the full year to get the extra 6 months work experience and although I am sad to leave Bushwise and the campus behind I am looking forward to my placement, even here they shine as they match up students with placement venues very well in terms of both what the student is looking for but also the personalities of both the student and staff at the placement.
I give my heartfelt thanks to the entire Bushwise staff and hope to make them proud in the years to come!