Summer Wildlife Ecology + Conservation

Program Overview

The CIEE Gaborone Summer Wildlife Ecology & Conservation program offers students the opportunity to study African wildlife in Botswana’s largest extant native habitat alongside the country’s growing human population. Students take biology and environmental science electives in animal behavior, ecology, and conservation. All courses are delivered by CIEE faculty and draw on local experts and stakeholders, including many from the University of Botswana.  In addition, students explore the intersection of conservation with society and culture through CIEE co-curricular activities and extensive field trips to nature reserves, rangelands, rural communities, and the capital city of Gaborone.

Students will:

1. Observe and study wildlife animal behavior and ecology in large expanses of intact habitat.
2. Compare how wildlife behavior and ecology change outside of protected areas, particularly those near human populations.
3. Diagnose complex conservation and other environmental issues using current scientific methods and literature.
4. Observe firsthand how African ecosystems operate and how it is compromised by humans.
5. Perform original research on the natural history, behavior, and conservation of African wildlife using contemporary tools and theory of wildlife management.
6. Critique and construct solutions to conserve African wildlife biodiversity and abundance.
7. Assess initiatives to build a more sustainable future with lower environmental impact while improving the wellbeing of humans.

What's Included

• Tuition
• Housing
• Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
• Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
• One-week orientation – an introduction to local culture, your academic program, and the city, plus practical information about living in your host city
• Full-time program leadership and support in your host city
• Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
• Excursions and/or Study Tours
• Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext
• 24/7 emergency on-site support

Why CIEE

• 200+ study abroad programs in 40+ countries
• $8 million in scholarships offered each year
• 1 in 3 students receives a scholarship
• Study tours and cultural activities included
• Internships and volunteering opportunities
• Rigorous academics
• Cultural immersion
• iNext travel insurance included

Questions?

Our highly experienced staff have extensive knowledge of all CIEE programs and services. If you are a student with questions about completing your application, or you want to sign up to receive program updates and news, our staff are happy to help.