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Ecology and Conservation Summer Studies in Kenya
Ecology and Conservation Summer Studies in Kenya
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EDU Africa
4.5 · 2 reviews
Community Choice Award Winner
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EDU Africa

 4.5 · 2 reviews
Location
  • Kenya
    • Nairobi
Term
Summer
Subject Areas
Agriculture Biology Botany Conservation and Preservation Ecology Natural Sciences Sustainable Development Wildlife Sciences

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Bachelors Masters
Language
English

Pricing

Price Details
Includes:
Lecturers and facilities
All field trip excursions
Conservation fees
Course-related stationery and some texts

Accommodation during the entire program period (21 nights at Brackenhurst and 6 nights in Maasai Mara)
All meals for the entire program period
All transport related directly to the program

Additional Costs (not accounted for above):
International airfare to Nairobi
Visa expenses
Immunizations (requirements vary per country of origin)
Recommended reading
Personal health & travel Insurance
Optional activities

*Price subject to change
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Classes Meals Transportation
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
Jul 06, 2018
Wish List
2 travelers are looking at this program

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to help you plan with confidence.

About Program

This 4-week program probes analysis of the complex relationships between Kenya’s indigenous communities, land, water, and wildlife. You will be presented with modern challenges and solutions that can help preserve some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems – from African forest and wetlands to the savannah.
This program will provide students with an understanding of historical and current threats to biodiversity in East Africa, expose participants to regenerative practices, and equip participants with field-based skills to observe and apply practical solutions to the needs of specific target groups.

This program is currently not being promoted on Go Overseas by its provider. Check with EDU Africa for the most up-to-date information regarding the status of this program.

Program Highlights

  • Understand some basic principles of the ecological function of wetlands, forests and savannah ecosystems in Kenya
  • Learn from the ongoing successful community-based conservation projects in the famous Maasai Mara conservancies
  • Undertake field-based research techniques applying to restoration ecology in each context
  • Contrast approaches to restoration ecology in Kenya and other parts of the world
  • Develop your intercultural competence

Video and Photos

Wetlands in Kenya
Walking through the Wetlands at Brackenhurst
Herding cows with the Maasai
Game tracking in Naboisho
Game Drive through Naboisho
Class time in Naboisho
Tracking animals in Naboisho

View All Photos

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Program Reviews

4.50 Rating
based on 2 reviews
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  • Academics 4
  • Support 4
  • Fun 4.5
  • Housing 4
  • Safety 4.5
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Oli
Male
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Immersive, interactive and intellectual

Jul 6, 2018

I can only speak on behalf of the Maasai Mara aspect of the course. The material stimulating academically and offered a great introduction into the life of field-Biologist/researchers. The content was able to challenge my ideals and without giving too much away, was able to change my perspectives on areas of conservation that I thought I was immovable on. It was great to be immersed in such rich culture whilst sharing the experience with a range of international students with a range of different perspectives on the world. Kenya is a beautiful country with wonderful people offering an all-around enriching experience.

What would you improve about this program?
I would like to see more time in the Maasai Mara as the area is so unique, multifaceted and complex to even begin to comprehend.
199 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Dave
Male
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Remarkable experience

Jul 6, 2018

This was my first time visiting the African continent, and I can say that I am very pleased to have come as a learner than simply a tourist. The whole experience with EDU tours has given me a completely new perspective on a new culture and system of beliefs. I would thoroughly recommend this programme to anyone who wants an immersive and new learning journey, not just in terms of academia, but also personal development.

188 people found this review helpful.
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Community Questions

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Dr. Heidi Barends

Program
Ecology and Conservation Summer Studies in Kenya
Job Title
Academic Program Manager
Heidi holds a PhD in English Language and Literature from the University of Cape Town where she was involved in research and teaching from 2014-2018. She was also a faculty member at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology from 2015-2018. Heidi’s work in programming at EDU Africa is an ideal translation of her research interests – she is passionate about ethical exchange between African countries and the rest of the world, and EDU Africa offers her a platform to achieve this.

What is your favorite travel memory?

My favorite travel memory is of reaching the top of Mount Sugarloaf in the Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts, whilst I was studying abroad in the States. The view from the top of the so-called Mount (more of a hill!) was amazing; the trees were blood-red with the changing of the seasons. It was a visual reminder to me that people and places are dynamic and are changing all the time, and that transformation should be celebrated and appreciated.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Since working at EDU Africa, I've become a lot more aware of humans' impact on the environment and each other. Study abroad can be an incredible, collaborative endeavor, but it can also be harmful for host communities and natural spaces if not managed correctly. Working at EDU Africa challenges me daily to think through concepts of sustainability, integrity, and ethics.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

This is tough -- so many of our students have great stories. The best ones are those that show students' maturation; that studying abroad in Africa has challenged their preconceptions and stereotypes, made them kinder and more compassionate, and encouraged them to broaden their thinking on multiple levels.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

The Ecology program in Kenya!

It's interdisciplinary, it offers students access to world-class academics in the form of Dr. Sharon Kahara and Dr. Stewart Thompson, and it raises much-needed awareness about the wonderful projects of restoration underway in Kenya (forest, wetlands, and savannah). Students also spend the bulk of the program in the Maasai Mara (which is really a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list destination), meaningfully contributing to research in the area.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

I think our commitment to the transformation of the students that travel with us, as well as a commitment to ensuring students have a positive impact on the communities and countries they engage with in Africa, is unique. Additionally, we're more than just a ground-handler: we're invested and engaged with the educational aspects of the programs we facilitate.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

A commitment to, and belief in, the value of Family.

It is certainly one of EDU Africa's core values and ensures that we treat each other with loyalty, empathy, and respect (even though we may disagree at times!). The students and faculty that travel with us are an extension of that family, and I do think it's what makes us successful.

Location

Location:
Nairobi
Currency:
Kenyan Shilling
Weather:
Jan-Mar
79 F / 54 F
Apr-Jun
75 F / 52 F
Jul-Sep
75 F / 50 F
Oct-Dec
77 F / 55 F
Airports:
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
( NBO )

Nairobi is one of the fastest growing cities in Africa with over 3 million people. This city has a wide range of activities to take part in from being a large city to also being the safari capital of Africa. To see Nairobi in its entirety, you must explore the food, music, safaris, people, and shopping.

About EDU Africa

EDU Africa aims to take each student on a Transformative Learning Journey through some of Africa's most beautiful and diverse countries. We develop and facilitate Study Abroad, Virtual Exchange, and short-term Faculty-led programs. Our strong relationship with local communities, involvement in environmental projects and passion for education, gives...

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  • Go Overseas Award

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