Experiential Learning - Study Abroad

Alex Laudadio - Study Abroad in Kenya

In the summer of 2023, from July to August, I traveled to Kenya in East Africa as part of the Primatology, Wildlife Ecology, and Conservation Field School (PWEC). There, I explored wildlife biodiversity across a range of diverse East African habitats.

Some places that I visited during my time in Africa were Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Segera Ranch, William Holden Wildlife Foundation, and Matthew's Range. Within Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Segera Ranch, I learned about the issues and difficulties that Kenya faces with wildlife conservation while also learning all different types of field conservation techniques like poacher tracking and introducing foreign insects to eliminate invasive catus. 

During our visit to the William Holden Wildlife Foundation, we saw how conservation can be misapplied and used merely as a tourist attraction where animals were put into tiny cages with zero enrichment and were taught circus tricks to amuse guests.

Matthew's Range was where I could conduct my research with locals affiliated with the Samburu tribe. This was my favorite time in Africa, as I followed an alpha male named De Brazza for four days and participated in cultural events with the Samburu tribe.

In the summer of 2024, from June to July, I traveled to Indonesia, visiting Tuanan Orangutan Research Station. Being at Tuanan was an extraordinary opportunity to learn about orangutan conservation, phenology, and human ecology firsthand. Staying in the research center, disconnected from the outside world, and seeing orangutans in their natural habitat was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. My experience was further enhanced by meeting families from the village near the research station, where we could ask questions and learn from their experiences.

I traveled to various parts of Indonesia, such as Yogyakarta and Pramuka Island, where I participated in sea turtle, coral reef, and sea eagle conservation activities on Pramuka Island.