Changed my life.

I discovered AEI a couple years ago while doing research in preparation for my year abroad. I am a massive animal lover, and am extremely passionate about ecotourism, therefor when I came across this incredible organization it almost felt too good to be true. After speaking with Heather, I decided on 3 months in Australia working with sea turtles and 3 months in Thailand working with the Elephants and Wildlife. I had no idea that this trip would change my life in the way it did. The people in Australia quickly became my family. Spending 5 days a week on the island with the turtles and being able to just walking into the water onto the Great Barrier Reef is something that only dreams are made of. To this day, the people there are some of my closest most cherished friendships I have ever made. Leaving Cairns was one of the hardest things i've ever done, so hard in fact that after my 3 months in Thailand I actually went back to visit and stay with the owner of the rehabilitation centre for another couple weeks!

None of this would have been possible without the immense support of Heather and Nora, and I can not thank them enough for the life changing opportunities they have provided me with!!