Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS): South Africa - African Ecology and Conservation
- Location(s): Kruger National Park, South Africa
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad
OTS: Organization for Tropical Studies
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The African Ecology and Conservation program is not only a rigorous academic program but most certainly also a life-changing experience. Mentoring by resident and visiting faculty coupled with inspirational environments create a platform for limit... read more
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The hands-on, experiential learning was so fun and memorable, and the teachers are ridiculously amazing and knowledgeable and treat you as an equal. The level of freedom was perfect, getting to travel around and live with locals I lived my best life and fell in love with the country. Clarissa M - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I learned biology in an entirely new context. Concepts I had learned or brushed on in the classroom during my previous semesters could be applied to living/field contexts in South Africa. The ability to apply what was learned in lectures and literature in my own research and daily observations was extraordinary. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I learned so much about the world and myself through this experience. South Africa is an amazing place to study ecology, as the environments are so biologically diverse. Additionally, the premise of the program, living, working, and traveling throughout the country with 20 individuals was a wonderful opportunity to build a stron... A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
A lot of scientific writing skills, South African history and culture, living with a large group. Definitely worth while. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I learned a huge amount about ecology which has helped me direct my future career plans. Incredibly worthwhile! A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
My experience on OTS South Africa was unforgettable. I will cherish all my experiences and memories and everything that I learnt about ecology and conservation in South Africa! Dominique P View Entire Review
I learned so much about myself, South Africa, ecology, etc. It was absolutely worthwhile and I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind getting a little dirty and who wants a fun, engaging, life-changing experience. A student - Duke University View Entire Review
I learned how to write a good scientific paper. It was definitely worthwhile. A student - Tulane University View Entire Review
I plan to go back to SA after I graduate Gabriela C - Middlebury College View Entire Review
This program changed me for sure, and in some very good ways. I loved it so much and it definitely made me sure that field work is what I want to do in the future. It also helped me to become more confident in myself and more independent, helping me know that I can make friends and a new life for myself anywhere if I need to in ... Elizabeth T - University of Arkansas - Fayetteville View Entire Review
I feel like I learned to be more independent and make my own decisions. I also learned a lot of what it would be like to be an ecologist. William Robertson - Middlebury College View Entire Review
This experience affirmed my passion for field work and research. I made the most amazing friends and went to so many beautiful places. The academics could be challenging at times, but I never felt too overwhelmed. Wish I had been able to explore some of the places we went to more sometimes, but was often hindered by the amount o... Lara Jones - Wellesley College View Entire Review
100% worthwhile!!! I learned so much about myself, other people, the world, ecology, conservation, and science in general. A student - Bowdoin College View Entire Review
It was definitely a worthwhile experience. I never would have been able to conduct research in Africa if I had not participated in this program. I saw so many amazing things. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I learned a great deal about the management of protected areas in South Africa and the current challenges facing ecologists and conservationists. I also gained a better understanding of South African history and culture that I could not otherwise have gotten from a course taught in the States. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I learned so much about biology. I have been inspired to pursue a career in field research. This program has been invaluable for me. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I got a good experience with some great people and I got to see what research is about. I don't know if it was worthwhile because, even though I did learn a bit, I feel like I could have learnt much more at my home institution. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
OTS in South Africa and every person involved in the semester has permanently changed my life. Melissa M - Tulane University View Entire Review
You learn all about the South African politics, people and environment. You view their issues and figure out how to relate them to America and the world. Most importantly, you learn about yourself and what you are capable of. Stephanie F - Tulane University View Entire Review
YES. It gave me invaluable field and research experience and I gained a new outlook on both myself and the world as well as exposing me to a completely unique and incredible culture. Sarah G - Tulane University View Entire Review
About
The African Ecology and Conservation program is not only a rigorous academic program but most certainly also a life-changing experience. Mentoring by resident and visiting faculty coupled with inspirational environments create a platform for limitless learning about field ecology, conservation, scientific research, and the history and culture of South Africa. Many students leave this program with a deeper understanding of who they are as people, recognition of their strengths and weaknesses, and a sense of humility about themselves in relationship to the rest of the world. The academic program consists of lectures, skill workshops, field work, and visits to natural and historic sites of interest. You will encounter experts who work outside of academia as well as national and international university faculty. The science courses incorporate field and classroom instruction to provide an integrated analysis of the amazing diversity of South Africa’s ecosystems. The history and culture course provides important socio-economic context for the ecology courses. Your professors will help you design research projects that will contribute meaningful scientific data to issues faced by managers in Kruger National Park. You will spend most of your time in Kruger National Park, where you will have the unique opportunity to work with the park’s abundant wildlife while being exposed to the realities and controversies surrounding protected area management. To give you a broad perspective on savanna ecology, you will visit many other sites, including the wetter savannas of Nylsvley (designated a “Wetlands of International Importance” by the Ramsar Convention, a global treaty for the protection of wetlands) and the arid savannas of Mapungubwe National Park (named a United Nations World Heritage Site for its archaeological importance). You will also travel to the Western Cape, where exposure to the world’s most diverse floral kingdom and its abutting dynamic marine system provide further learning and exploration opportunities. Because OTS is the only U.S.-based program open to South African undergraduate students, you will be immersed in South African culture throughout the semester. Your cultural immersion will also take place during your village homestay, when you will experience a few days in the lives of rural South Africans.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Animal Sciences
- Natural Resources, Conservation
- Environmental Studies
- Biology and Biomedical Sciences
- Botany, Plant Biology
- Zoology, Animal Biology
- Ecology, Evolution Biology
- Biological and Physical Sciences
Minimum GPA:
2.7Website
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