Information for term Botswanan Wildlife Conservation
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenObserve amazing wildlife and grapple with conservation challenges in one of Africa’s most picturesque destinations.
Explore the bushland, grasslands and deltas in this world-renowned biodiversity hotspot alongside an expert guide and conservationist. Track giraffes, elephants, lions, rhinos, zebras, and more. Examine issues in protecting Botswana’s wildlife and ecosystems while balancing human needs, conduct interviews and surveys, see conservation techniques in action as you gain first-hand experience in wildlife conservation.
Experience the life of the Batswana through music, dance, food, the arts and meet up with local youth to discover what life is like for a teenager in Botswana. Stay and learn in a living lab—the Mokolodi Nature Reserve on the outskirts of Gaborone, Botswana’s capital. While on excursion to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary and the Okavango Delta, camp in pristine parks and gain a level of self-confidence you could never get in a classroom.
Follow our Travels:
The Take-Aways
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REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
Survey animal behavior, plant species, physical landscapes, human attitudes, and conservation efforts. Come home ready to get involved in wildlife and ecosystem protection in your community.
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CREDENTIALS FOR YOUR FUTURE
Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, a portfolio of work to showcase your accomplishments, and service learning hours documenting your engagement with the community.
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LIFE SKILLS AND NEW FRIENDSHIPS
Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication skills. Enjoy a broader world view and friends of different backgrounds from across the U.S.
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HOURS OF EXPERT INSTRUCTION
45 -
HOURS OF SERVICE LEARNING IN THE COMMUNITY
12 -
LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE
1
Location & Culture
Click to Open
The Destination
Welcome to Botswana, the world leader in wilderness conservation.
Botswana is one of Africa’s most beautiful and biodiverse countries. Located in southern Africa, it is dominated by the Kalahari Desert, creating an arid landscape in much of the country. Thirty eight percent of its lands are reserved for conservation of its fragile ecosystems and teeming wildlife, including the Mokolodi Nature Reserve where you will live during your stay.
In the north of the country, the wetlands of the Okavango Delta, one of your excursions, is an unparalleled wilderness experience and UNESCO world heritage site.
CULTURAL AWARENESS
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.
Daily Life
Click to OpenDaily Life
Monday–Friday
Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places.
- Breakfast at the dorm
- Hands-on classes with expert instructors and conservation activists
- Lunch with your fellow Global Navigators
- Out and about for a Cultural Activity or Workshop
- Dinner at the dorm
Weekend
- Overnight or day excursions to top sites
- Quality time with friends
Check out the blog posts to discover more about daily life and excursions on program.
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Dorms at Mokolodi Nature Reserve, on the outskirts of Gaborone
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1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff
Weekly Learning Goals
Week 1
Click to OpenSettle into your new community, discover Botswana’s ecological and conservation history, explore its physiography and go on your first game drive. Start your Project.
Week 2
Click to OpenExplore Botswana’s biodiversity, conservation efforts and wildlife management challenges. Travel for first-hand observations in the Okavango delta.
Week 3
Click to OpenPut your new skills into practice. For example, work with your group on the rural appraisal of a local village to examine how community livelihoods impact wildlife conservation and vice versa. Present your Project.
Program Blogs
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Activities
Click to OpenSample Activities
Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!
- Cruise the many channels of the Okavango Delta and listen for the sounds of hippos in their pools. 
- Share the rhythms of Botswana during dance and drum lessons. Marimba, too.  
- Help out at a sanctuary for rescued animals—maybe you’ll get to feed an orphaned baby elephant or care for a wounded vulture.  
- Try your hand at playing the traditional Botswanan board games mhele and morabaraba. 
- Experience Setswana traditional life at Bahurutse Cultural Village and participate in a kgotla, a public meeting.
Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Dates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & Fees
Eligibility​
- Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. 
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our Scholarship page.
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This program involves engaging in moderate to high intensity physical activities such as nature walks, and extended observational time outdoors.
Application Fee
$25
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Session I 2023 3 weeks | Apr 15, 2023 | Jun 18, 2023 | Jul 8, 2023 |
$5,450 |
| Summer Session II 2023 3 weeks | Apr 15, 2023 | Jul 9, 2023 | Jul 29, 2023 |
$5,450 |
Looking for funding?
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
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.
Ready to change your life?
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