Hi y’all ! My name is Macy Fetner, and for awhile now I’ve had the dream of studying abroad. Recently, I’ve been accepted into a study abroad program in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji in May-June of 2026 through the University of Georgia. I’m incredibly thankful for this amazing opportunity, and I’m really excited to advance my education across the world!

A little about me! I’m currently a Junior at the University of Georgia studying Wildlife Science in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. I chose this path because I am extremely passionate about wildlife conservation and education. Growing up, I was constantly outside. My mom says she used to have to drag me inside to do my homework or to eat. I loved camping and hiking and every activity that would bring me outdoors. I was also a friend to any animal I could find, big or small, slimy or furry. I would bring my “friends” to my mom with a “Mommy, look what I found! Isn’t it so cute?!” That deep passion never faded. Once I was in college, I quickly figured out I wanted to make it part of my life. My career goal is to work in a zoo that does conservation research so that way I can take care of animals and also have a hand in saving them. In addition, I want to work in a zoo because I believe it is important to educate the common person on why wildlife is crucial to our everyday life. This trip is a huge opportunity for me to learn in the places I’ve spent years reading about, experience wildlife and ecosystems I could never see here at home, and make unique connections that could benefit me in the future.

During this Maymester, I’ll be able to:

• Immersive study of animal behavior across Australia and New Zealand’s most iconic ecosystems: and Fiji, including Brisbane, Lady Elliot Island, the Fiordlands, the Great Barrier Reef, and more
• Hands-on training in how animals adapt to environmental change, along with key theories and methods in animal behavior
• Fieldwork opportunities such as behavioral sampling, habitat assessments, and wildlife-focused data collection
• Opportunities to observe kangaroos, koalas, penguins, dolphins, seals, and other native species in their natural environments
• Collaboration with conservation groups and wildlife centers to see how behavior research supports real-world wildlife protection
• Education on the connection between people, the environment, and sustainability through the People, Planet & Profit curriculum
• Case studies highlighting sustainable resource use and the social, environmental, economic, and ethical sides of conservation
• Skill-building experiences that directly support future work in wildlife biology and conservation

This type of hands-on learning is something I honestly can’t get in a regular classroom, and it’s going to be a big step toward my future career. It’ll be a once in a lifetime experience with once in a lifetime learning opportunities.

The only hard part is the cost. The total cost of this program will be close to, and may exceed, $10,000 once program fees, international flights, food, required field gear, and other expenses are accounted for. Unfortunately, I did not receive any scholarships to help cover the cost of this trip, so I am having to turn to other means. I am doing everything I can to fund this experience on my own, but I cannot do it alone. If you are able to donate, even a small amount, it would make an incredible, meaningful difference. If donating isn’t possible, sharing this fundraiser helps tremendously and means just as much. Every donation, share, and message of support brings me closer to making this once-in-a-lifetime educational opportunity possible.

You can also use my Venmo or Cash App!

Venmo: @macy-joy1

Cash App: $MacyFetner0275

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and support me. This trip means a lot to me, and I’m really grateful for anyone who wants to be part of helping me get there!❤️