Gapforce

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program because I’ve always felt a strong connection to South Africa. I visited with my family when I was younger, and those memories have really stuck with me. When I started looking at gap year options, I didn’t have a specific destination or program in mind, but South Africa kept drawing me back. The Game Ranger Course with Gapforce felt like a perfect fit, combining my interest in conservation with my love for the country.

This course is run with an ideal mix of hands-on conservation work and a wide range of topics that matched my interests while expanding my knowledge of the native ecosystems and wildlife. I loved that it combined classroom learning with practical guiding experience in the reserve. Successfully completing the course gives you level 1 field guiding qualification, the course also offers so much for anyone wanting to understand more about game reserves and their role in conservation efforts across South Africa.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Gapforce was really helpful in making sure I had everything I needed before leaving. This was the furthest I’d ever traveled on my own, so their guidance was invaluable. They helped me figure out the best flights to Port Elizabeth and coordinated with the game reserve to have an airport pick-up waiting for me, which made the arrival much smoother.

I did need to handle booking the flights and arranging my travel insurance on my own, but the Gapforce team gave me great tips for travel routes. It was also reassuring to know I could reach out to them if anything unexpected happened along the way to the reserve.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

My biggest piece of advice for anyone going on the course, is to start doing the workbooks and theoretical learning early. The material that is covered in the course is not hard, but there's a lot to cover- from naming bird species, to rock types to animal behaviours. It is all incredibly interesting, so don't let that put you off! The 8 weeks fly by, but I did find that there was enough time to do a bit of extra work in the evenings, as well as socialise with others, and enjoy my weekends off the reserve.

Also, even during the summer months, the nights can be colder than you'd expect, so pack some extra layers the wear for night safaris!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

On weekdays, ‘ranger students’ typically have two sessions a day. One is usually classroom-based, covering theory, while the other is a practical game drive on the reserve. This schedule can vary a bit depending on the weather or if there are guests at the reserve, in which case we might join their safari to observe guest interactions.

In the evenings, we’d relax with the other volunteers. Everyone eats together, and there’s access to a pool and games room in our downtime. On the weekends, we could head off-reserve, into Port Elizabeth or Jeffrey's Bay for some fun activities like skydiving or horse riding. Occasionally, students would stay on the reserve over the weekend to get extra practice for upcoming exams.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear, before heading to the reserve, was that I would be completely alone for the whole 8 weeks! This was not at all the case- there were 6 people in total on the course with me. The students on the ranger course live with volunteers participating on a wildlife conservation programme, and so there is always plenty of people to meet and chat to!

There are fewer students on the course than volunteers, however in the end I found the smaller group to be ideal. The smaller group meant that everyone got plenty of practice time and we could really get into the theory together.

After completing the Game Ranger Course, were you able to use the qualification in your career?

The FGASA qualification is specific to southern Africa and focussed mainly on the wildlife found there, however it is an internationally recognised qualification, and so can be used globally within the scope of wildlife conservation and of course, guiding. Whilst studying there, I built a relationship with the reserve and after passing my exams, they were able to offer me an internship position out there to gain more guiding experience. I loved that the reserve were able to facilitate the next step for me, and offer a fantastic opportunity to work in the role I had study for.

What is your favorite travel memory?

It's hard to pick just one! Spending time with the Bribri tribe in Costa Rica and crossing the border into Panama on a multi-day trek was really special. Exploring the remote border country with my friends and our local guide was the definition of adventure! Spotting snakes, crossing rivers, finding campsites and sleeping in hammocks was epic. The excitement of forging a path through the dense jungle with my machete will always stay with me.

Oh, and snorkeling in the Bahamas was pretty good as well! Not to mention walking along the Great Wall of China...

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I have developed a growing respect and appreciation of the benefits of group travel experiences. For those who are dying to travel and see the world, but have not been away from home before, travelling alone can be daunting to say the least. Planning the itinerary of a trip can at times be brilliant, as you look forward to your adventures, but can also be quite tricky, with the duration of your trip, knowing where to start, budgeting and packing in as much as possible being common headaches. That's why companies like Gapforce are so great!

Our adventure travel trips are led by experienced and qualified Gapforce Expedition Leaders who have worked in all four corners of the globe. The itineraries are planned and the accommodation is booked - all you need to do is get on the plane and let the adventure begin!

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

Travelling and getting out of your comfort zone is a fantastic way to experience new things and gain different a different perspective on life. I guarantee that all our participants will be different people once they've returned home after joining us on one of our many programs.

One of the participants on our flagship Expedition Leader Training program was so inspired by the medical and first aid training he received that, after finishing the program, he went off to university to train as a Paramedic. Joining a Gapforce trip will not only inspire you too see more of the world, it may also fast-track your career.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

As an adventure lover and someone who loves multi-day treks I'd have so say our programs in Nepal and South America. Trekking to Everest Base Camp is a once in a lifetime opportunity and should never be turned down! The Salkantay trek to the historic ruins of Machu Picchu should also be on any budding explorers bucket list, and we've not even mentioned the amazing Galápagos Islands or the lush and vibrant Amazon jungle. Both destinations have everything you could possible need when planning your dream adventure travel trip!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

All the staff at Gapforce have either travelled with us on our range of programs or are graduates of our Expedition Leader Training course. We are a small and close-knit team with a clear focus on providing the best and most exciting adventure travel experiences. If you ask us a question about any of our trips we'll know the answer, because we've been there!

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Everyone at Gapforce is committed to providing incredible and life-changing travel experiences. With continued dedication and hard work, we are exceptionally proud of our exciting range of programs and the great feedback we so often receive. Our industry leading expeditions and adventure travel trips have been running around the world since 1989 - we have no plans to stop any time soon!