Information for term Summer Wildlife Ecology + Conservation
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenSpend your summer appreciating all Mother Nature has to offer in one of Africa's top-ranked destinations for diverse wilderness and incredible wildlife: Botswana! From nature reserves to rangelands to rural communities to the country's capital city, Gaborone, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore Botswana's rich landscapes during this fascinating study abroad program.
When class is in session, you'll study animal behavior, ecology, and conservation in courses delivered by CIEE faculty, with guest instructors from the University of Botswana, local wildlife experts, and more. Outside the classroom, you'll participate in co-curricular activities and extensive field trips to explore the intersection of conservation with society and culture.
This dynamic summer program will give you a deep understanding of how African ecosystems operate, how wildlife behavior and ecology change outside of protected areas, and how to build a more sustainable future that considers the best outcomes for humans, wildlife, and the environment. You will leave Botswana with an even bigger appreciation for Mother Nature that you'll carry with you for years to come!
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LEARN NEW SKILLS
Acquire skills in field techniques used in wildlife conservation.
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EXPLORE BOTSWANA WILDLIFE
Travel to one of the most renowned game reserves in Africa to enjoy a fully integrated STEM experience combining life sciences, conservation, and environmental sciences into a holistic wildlife management curriculum.
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GAIN FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE
Interact with the local community to learn about human-wildlife conflict and its impact on sustainable wildlife conservation efforts.
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BOTSWANA'S TERRITORY RESERVED FOR CONSERVATION
40 % -
BOTSWANA’S POPULATION OF AFRICAN ELEPHANTS, BIGGEST IN THE WORLD
130 K -
ERCENTAGE OF BOTSWANA'S TOTAL AREA THAT IS A DESERT
70 %
Location & Culture
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The Destination
A multiparty democracy, Botswana is one of Africa’s most stable countries. Most of its people belong to a single ethnic group, the Tswana, and the country is well known for its rich biodiversity and diverse landscapes. The capital Gaborone is one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, located in the south, close to the South African border. Gaborone hosts the headquarters of the Southern African Development Community, which focuses on regional development, economic growth, and poverty relief.
CIEE Gaborone has its offices at the University of Botswana, one of the main and oldest universities in the country. The University is located in the center of the city, within walking distance to major shopping centers and government offices.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Gaborone.
Excursions & Activities
- Travel to Okavango Delta and engage in face-to-face discussions with villagers on issues of human-wildlife conflict and conservation.
- Interview stakeholders engaged in wildlife conservation in Botswana to understand challenges and success.
- Discover Botswana’s rich history during excursions to Bahurutshe Cultural Village.
Daily Life
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Housing
Homestays: Some students stay with host families all over Gaborone.
Residence Halls: Students can also live on-campus in an apartment-style university residence hall with shared or single rooms. -
Meals
Homestay: Host families provide two meals a day. Students are responsible for lunch.
Residence Hall: Students are responsible for meals. There are cooking facilities in the graduate dorms. Additionally, there are dining halls on-campus, as well as local restaurants and cafés.
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
The program explores Botswana’s amazing wildlife as a compelling example for sustainable wildlife management, species protection, ecology, and behavior. At the same time, students consider human well-being and how wildlife support conflicts with their human neighbors. To do so, students take a suite of coordinated biology, conservation, and environmental studies courses in English with CIEE instructors. The 8-week program is based in Gaborone with extensive travel and field study in Botswana’s multiple ecological habitats, including world-renowned wildlife and game reserves, including the Kalahari and Okavango Delta.
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Program Requirements
Students are required to take all courses listed.
Program Credit
Total credit: 10 U.S. semester/15 quarter credits
Course Credit
- Introduction to Wildlife Resources, Ecology, and Conservation (lab course): 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 60 contact hours
- Wildlife and Society : 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
- Field Techniques for Wildlife Conservation : 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Academic Culture
Courses are designed by CIEE and adhere to standards and expectations consistent among U.S. higher education institutions. Regular class attendance and participation is expected and required. Students play an active role in their education; group projects and interaction with fellow students and professors are expected. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel out of the city when classes are in session.
Class Format
Coursework is conducted in English. Students enroll in three (3) courses: Introduction to Wildlife Resources, Ecology, and Conservation (lab course); Field Techniques for Wildlife Conservation (lab course); and Wildlife and Society, for a total of 10 U.S. semester/15 quarter credits. Courses are exclusive to CIEE students and are mostly scheduled Monday-Friday with weekend work and excursions. Some courses include compulsory field trips with special assignments as part of class work. Instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas.
Grading
The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students’ grades are based on attendance, class participation, homework, project and research work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi. Some courses include compulsory field trips with special assignments as part of class work.
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Language of Instruction
English
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Courses
Click to OpenCourse Information
Summer 2022 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenNote: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships
Click to OpenScholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Ritzmann Tropical and Marine Ecology Scholarships
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- Stohl International Undergraduate Research Scholarships
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- CIEE Stem Scholarship
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.
See more scholarship infoDates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & Fees
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2023 8 weeks | Deadline Passed | May 30, 2023 | Jul 22, 2023 |
$7,850
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Program FeesCIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 Educational Costs = $6,213 Housing = $1,140 Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $7,850Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $450 † International Airfare = $1,700 †† Local Transportation = $130 ††† Books & Supplies = $25 Personal expenses = $150 †††† Other = $85 ††††† Total Estimated Costs = $2,540Financial AidCIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. † Includes all meals and occassional cooking in the dorms; for homestay budget for only lunches only and occassional dinners with friends at 200 USD †† Round trip based on East coast departure ††† For homestay budget an additional 100 USD for travel from home to campus †††† If you plan on traveling independently budget for more depending on your plans ††††† COVID test to enter the US if required |
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Looking for funding?
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Basetsana Maposa
Director
Basetsana Maposa has extensive experience working in health, youth leadership, human rights, and educational development.
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Eunice Nkete
Program Assistant
Eunice completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology in 2019 from the University of Botswana.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! -
2
CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. -
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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