The Traveling School's Fall Semester in Southern Africa
- Zambia
- Botswana
- Namibia
- South Africa
About Program
In the fall semester, we travel through Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. We experience diverse cultures and investigate the lasting effects of apartheid by talking with freedom fighters and community members, visiting Mandela’s birthplace, museums and monuments. We explore the sand dunes of Namibia. River guides, diamond miners and local villagers educate us about the diamond industry – from discovery of ore to shining gems on a ring. Students observe African animals in national parks, study their behaviors and visit desert and marine ecosystems. In Botswana, students are poled by Tswana guides on the Okavango Delta in traditional makoro canoes. We collaborate with local student groups, read Africa literature, and study the environments through which we travel. Throughout the semester we camp under the stars, along rivers, and on huge boulders in the desert.
This is an academic high school semester program, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Video and Photos
Program Highlights
- Earn high school academic credit with place-based courses
- Engage with local people and places across southern Africa
- Explore the outdoors through rafting, climbing, and sand sledding
- Develop leadership skills in a women-centered space
- Semester runs end of August through early December