Bushwise runs a professional year course that trains students to a high standard of theoretical knowledge and practical experience (including dangerous game experience). This enables the students to gain a work placement on a reserve and become a competent field guide. Bushwise, unlike many other training institutions, aims to work directly with the placement reserves and lodges. They want to jointly develop the training course so that it encompasses all the necessary skills and qualifications, as stipulated by The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA), but also develops skills specific to the area and operations of the work placements. Bushwise has been set up by experienced personnel who have been working extensively in training, program logistics, field guiding, and the lodge and ecotourism industry. We have a strong emphasis on producing high quality guides with excellent practical skills and not solely theoretical knowledge.
The course is run from a campus in the Limpopo province in the northeastern region of South Africa, an area famous for its big game and dramatic scenery of the African bush and the Drakensberg mountains. The Campus is on a plot of land surrounded by game reserves and lodges. Here we offer comfortable rustic accommodation in an idyllic bush setting. The rooms are traditional rondavels looking over a large dam. Each unit has a veranda and bbq area. Students have access to communal ablution facilities and a large social area with bbq and swimming pool. Accommodation is shared with 3-4 students per unit. All meals are provided, and there are laundry facilities available. Uniforms and linen are washed and ironed for you twice a week. The campus also has electricity
Students spend six months practical and academic training on campus. The curriculum includes bush skills such as shooting, 4x4 driving and bush knowledge such as conservation, reserve management, geology and animal behavior. The lodge management section includes supervisory skills and food & beverage. The final six months are spent doing work experience at one of a number of lodges located throughout South Africa.
This is the ideal platform for a successful career in the challenging African game lodge industry, or for an unforgettable year out experience.
Faculty Information:
Bushwise works closely with specific reserves and lodges to design tailor made training programs to suit both the student and the placement reserve. Training is maintained at a top academic and practical level through which we endevour to produce high quality competent guides by offering training in guiding, bush knowledge and bush skills.
The campus holds a maximum of 16 students and this along with our low student to instructor ratio ensures the personal attention and higher standard of training. All are experienced instructors, field guides and experts in their field. The training will be in the form of lectures for theoretical knowledge with a large emphasis on practical application and training, both essential in the making of a competent and professional guide.
Other Activities:
The training also includes exposure to research activities, specialist guest speakers and day-trips into the famous Kruger National Park for additional practical exercises. Students are at the Campus for 4 weeks at a time and then have 7 days off to relax and explore the Limpopo province and surrounding areas.
Facility Information:
This course is run by our Field Guides, in conjunction with GVI. It is known for producing the highest caliber graduates for the demanding hospitality industry. The academic curriculum is accredited by the Field Guide Association of Southern Africa (FGASA), the South Africa Qualifications Board and the Hospitality, Education and Sports Training Authority. The curriculum has been developed by accomplished industry experts.
Notes:
Cost includes:
- accomodation and food
- tuition
- 6 month placement at a game reserve
- 24hr support
- airport pick up and drop off.
Also see Study Abroads in:
University Study Abroad
Africa
South Africa
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