Bioko Island Study Abroad Winter 2014

I am happy to report that all four of us have made it safely back to the States. And now that our term in Africa has ended, it's time to wrap up this page as well. Although I will no longer be posting on this page, I am keeping it as a resource for future applicants, so if you are applying (or thinking of applying) to the program, and you have any questions at all, please post them here!
For everyone else, thank you so much for taking an interest in our adventures in EG. We've all had an amazing and unforgettable experience living, studying, and making new friends there. Bioko Island is truly a one-of-a-kind place, and we we will all miss it! :)
Adios!

We took some photos with our watchie, Adama, and his family before heading to the airport

As we finish our packing and prepare to leave EG, we remember the little things that make this country so unique...like this poster of Nelly giving Obama a haircut :)

Yesterday, the whole gang was invited to lunch at the home of the President of MEGI (Mobil Equatorial Guinea). Here is some of our group enjoying their meal.

We went on several field trips for our Society and Environment class, and one was to the Malabo landfill. There, we were given a talk by manager Fernando Valladeras about the history of the landfill and the many troubles that plague it. Most notably, they have a shortage of workers and fuel, machines in disrepair, and garbage piling up beyond the bounds of the sealed area, constantly on fire (due to people searching through it and burning it to obtain copper wire). As a result, we were not able to spend much time walking around the landfill itself. Instead, we took a short drive in and out in a pickup truck. Here are a few photos I took while we were there.

On Saturday, as part of our Society & Environment class, the whole gang (including the UNGE students, our professor Maxi, Grainne McCabe, and David Fernandez) drove up to Pico Basile, which is just south of Malabo. We couldn't go all the way to the top due to permit limitations, but we made it to about 3000 meters, the site of a monument. Maxi talked about the plants up there and along the way down. Birds were seen, photos were taken. A very fun trip!

Female Village (or Black-headed) Weaver

Both Salimata and baby Oliver were at the student house today, and they had fun playing together.

Some of my favorite photos from our last few weeks in Bioko, including photos from the cacao plantation, barbeque at Riaba, and Pico Basile (the mountain peak south of Malabo)

On the 16th, the five of us accompanied a group of expats to a black sand beach called Riaba for some barbeque and a drum circle.

The whole gang went to Noble Energy today for a presentation on Corporate Social Responsibility, and lunch!

David hanging out with Salimata