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Studying in Botswana

lion family in the wild
college group in front of a large tree
profile of student sitting on a rock
group helping with darting of white rhino
profile of student writing in a journal while sitting in a land rover
student balancing on a rock
student listening to a community meeting
sunset over the delta
students and guide in a primitive dugout
land rover with sunset in the background
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BIO2711: Field Studies in Wildlife Conservation

Program Map

Map of Botswana showing program locations

2019 Program Leader

Headshot of Andrew Stein smiling

Academic Director:
Andrew Stein

Considerations

Consider the following to determine if this course is right for your learning style.

Free time/Independence: LOW
This program requires that students be adaptable and comfortable living for 3 weeks with limited solitude.

Physical Demands and Accessibility: TBD
Flights to and from Botswana are l-o-n-g (sometimes over 20 hours from New York). Your program will start while you are still experiencing jet lag.

Conditions in Botswana in July/August are dry and dusty.

Prerequisites: EDU1001/1011, WRT1011, 3-credit 1000-level Natural Science (BIO, CHE, GEO, or NSC) course (or permission of instructor)

Check out the Botswana 2019 blog.

Program Overview

Primary goal: to introduce multidisciplinary approaches in addressing challenges to species conservation and community-based natural resource management

  • Study in two iconic African ecosystems: the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert
  • Learn techniques for studying wildlife communities and tracking African predators
  • Explore African culture by visiting local villages and ancient rock paintings
  • Develop an understanding of the complexities of wildlife conservation issues, including lions, elephants, and rhinos
  • Adapt to rustic living situations, changing schedules, and challenging environments

Special Considerations

  • Flights to and from Botswana are l-o-n-g (sometimes over 20 hours from New York). Your program will start while you are still experiencing jet lag.
  • No visa is required, but immunizations are highly recommended (see U.S. Center for Disease Control guidelines).
  • Conditions in Botswana in July/August will be dry and dusty.
  • This program requires that students be adaptable and comfortable living for 3 weeks with limited solitude.

Program Cost

The Botswana program fee includes:

  • 4-credit course
  • Group flights
  • In-country transportation
  • Field trips and housing
  • Most meals

Estimated additional costs:

Student spending can vary depending on the individual. Additional costs include:

  • Some meals: students will be responsible for paying for approximately one breakfast, one lunch, and nine dinners.
  • Free-time activities
  • Cell phone costs, if students plan to activate a roaming plan or purchase a local SIM card
  • Souvenirs, gifts, etc.
  • Additional luggage fees beyond the first checked bag

Limited financial aid is available; contact Michael Mertes, Director of Financial Aid.

2019 Program documents:

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