Sofia MacGugan
Year 12 – studies Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Extended Project, High Achievers’ Programme
Progression: Wildlife Conservation / Ecology at university
What made you apply for the Uganda expedition?
I wanted to test whether wildlife conservation and ecology was the right path for me and to see if it was the career I wanted to pursue.
What have you gained from the trip?
The expedition has given me valuable experience that will support my university applications and broadened my perspective. It has also allowed me to make connections with new people and organisations.
How has the trip influenced your future plans?
The experience has had a positive impact on me and confirmed that studying wildlife conservation and ecology at university is the right choice.
What would you say to anyone thinking about applying for next year’s expedition?
I would highly recommend it. Go for it!
Josh Taylor
Year 13 – studies Biology, Geography, Maths, High Achievers’ Programme and EPQ
Progression: Gap year travelling, then Ecology and Environmental Science at the University of Edinburgh
What made you apply for the Uganda expedition?
I have always loved spending time outdoors, enjoying camping and walking with my family, and more recently I’ve developed a passion for birdwatching. After having an amazing experience on last year’s Romania trip, the opportunity to see over 1,000 bird species, trek to see gorillas and chimpanzees, go on safari and meet new people made Uganda impossible to resist.
What have you gained from the trip?
Even by the ninth day of the expedition, I had already made lasting friendships and thoroughly enjoyed spending time immersed in nature with a fantastic group of people. I’ve also had unforgettable wildlife experiences, from standing just a few feet away from a silverback gorilla to birdwatching from a boat on the River Nile.
How has the trip influenced your future plans?
I have always wanted to work in conservation, but speaking to the Flooglebinder team and our guides has made me completely certain that I want to travel the world, help conserve the wildlife I love and educate others about the value of nature.
What would you say to anyone thinking about applying for next year’s expedition?
I would encourage everyone to apply, even if spending two weeks away from home feels daunting. Meeting new people and experiencing a completely different culture is one of the best things you can do. Costa Rica sounds like an incredible opportunity to experience amazing wildlife and a whole new way of life.
Alex Bolton
Year 13 – studies Geography, Environmental Science, History
Progression: Gap year travelling, then Environmental Science at the University of Liverpool
What made you apply for the Uganda expedition?
No one in my family had ever been to Africa, so I wanted to take the opportunity. The unique wildlife made me even more excited to go and I’ve come home with around 2,000 extra photos on my camera roll. I also went on the Romania expedition last year, which was probably the best experience of my life, so I knew I wanted to do another trip.
What have you gained from the trip?
I’ve made great memories with people I never expected to become friends with and taken thousands of photographs. The expedition also gave me the chance to see conservation work first-hand in both rainforest and savanna environments, which is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many people.
How has the trip influenced your future plans?
The trip has inspired me to return to Africa in the future, possibly to work with Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH) or volunteer again with Ride 4 a Woman.
What would you say to anyone thinking about applying for next year’s expedition?
Go for it—you’ll regret it if you don’t. You’ll meet lots of new people who share your interests and it could help you confirm what you want to do in the future.
Nya Hampson
Year 13 – studies Geography, Media Studies, Digital Photography
Progression: Primary Teaching at Liverpool Hope University
What made you apply for the Uganda expedition?
I applied because I missed out on the Romania trip last year and the activities planned by Flooglebinder looked amazing. The itinerary and the opportunity to experience Uganda’s incredible wildlife really appealed to me.
What have you gained from the trip?
The expedition has given me a much greater understanding of local culture and allowed me to spend time with communities in the area. It has also boosted my confidence because I’ve made friends with students from other colleges.
How has the trip influenced your future plans?
I’m going to university to study Primary Teaching and this trip has helped me develop skills that will be valuable in my future career. Spending time with local primary school children was particularly relevant to the career I hope to pursue.
What would you say to anyone thinking about applying for next year’s expedition?
Costa Rica looks like an incredible opportunity that will give you experiences unlike anything you’ve had before. You’ll make friends for life and remember the trip forever.
India Shepard-Baker
Year 12 – studies Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Extended Project, MDV Programme
Progression: Medicine
What made you apply for the Uganda expedition?
I wanted to experience the culture in Uganda and see how it compared with life in the UK. I was also interested in learning how healthcare differs and how it links to conservation work.
What have you gained from the trip?
The expedition has given me time to reflect and build genuine connections with people. Whether it was dancing, drawing with children or simply holding their hands, I realised that communication goes far beyond words. Seeing the wildlife has also been a truly life-changing experience.
How has the trip influenced your future plans?
Visiting Conservation Through Public Health taught me a great deal about communicating with communities, even when there are language barriers. It was inspiring to see people who are so passionate about the work they do.
What would you say to anyone thinking about applying for next year’s expedition?
Step outside your comfort zone. The experience will benefit anyone interested in conservation, marine biology or a wide range of other careers, while also helping you broaden your horizons and make lifelong friends.
Lex Lord
Year 12 Human – studies Human Biology, Health & Social Care
What made you apply for the Uganda expedition?
It sounded like an amazing experience and looked like a lot of fun.
What have you gained from the trip?
I’ve gained more experience working with children, made new friends and learned much more about sustainability. The expedition has also changed the way I think about conservation and helped me understand just how important it is.
How has the trip influenced your future plans?
Working with children in the local communities, including the sponsored children and those at Ride 4 a Woman, confirmed that I really want to work with children in the future.
What would you say to anyone thinking about applying for next year’s expedition?
Just do it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
