Study Abroad in Southern Africa

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Botswana is home to some of the world’s most abundant and diverse wildlife populations. Two immense wetlands, the Chobe-Linyanti-Zambezi Wetland, and the Okavango Delta, support Africa’s largest concentration of carnivores and are home to over 60% of Africa’s elephants. For yet unknown reasons, many of the wildlife populations of Botswana are in decline. In partnership with the University of Botswana Okavango Research Institute (ORI) and local Community Trusts, Round River students are assisting with wildlife monitoring in selected Wildlife Management Areas in northeastern Botswana. Students can help our partners in understanding this decline and assisting local communities with monitoring these populations.

This program involves a variety of field activities that include wildlife monitoring and wildlife demography studies, monitoring rare and threatened bird populations, computer and equipment training with community escort guides, and conducting vegetation surveys.

In conjunction with the wildlife monitoring work, you’ll be thrown into Botswana culture. Daily life will be filled with interacting with local instructors and community members around camp, learning traditional recipes and lifestyles, learning Setswana, and challenging pre-existing conservation perspectives.

I do not exaggerate when I say that this program was the best experience I've had in my life. Round River proves that you do not need a traditional school setting to really learn about the world around you. I have never learned so much content in only three months…This is because you are applying your knowledge daily when conducting research out in the bush. Most days you are engaging with locals who are super supportive and patient…I cannot stress enough that you are learning by just living there and embracing your curiosity!

– Leah Israel, University of Vermont, Botswana ‘22

Program Details

Program Dates

Fall Semester

12 Weeks – mid September to mid December

Spring Semester

12 Weeks – early February to early May

Courses Offered (15 Semester Credits)

Introduction to Natural History
Biological Field Methods
Applied Conservation Biology
Humans and the Environment
Community-Based Natural Resource Management

Program Costs

Our study abroad program costs include:

Tuition for 15 credits
Lodging
Field expenses
In-country travel and transportation
Group equipment

Meals
Cultural activities
Medical evacuation services
Travel agent support
Pre Departure and onsite orientation

Financial Support

We believe every student should have the opportunity to join our team, regardless of financial barriers. That’s why we accept federal financial aid and external scholarships, and have need-based scholarships available upon application to make our programs accessible to everyone.

What to Expect

Base Camp

Our “home base” is in the town of Maun, Botswana. Here, students have access to limited wifi and cell service and can refuel and recharge before heading back out to the bush for our projects. Students and instructors typically spend a few days together as a group in town in between the field stints.

Field Camps

Field camps will vary based on research locations, and amenities can range from more established campsites with running water and latrines, to primitive back-country camping where there are no amenities. Students will share provided canvas tents (2-3 students per tent). Students will car camp the entire time and always have access to freshwater and electricity for charging via the vehicle batteries.

Research Locations

Operating out of 4WD vehicles, the student crews live in the bush and visit a variety of different field sites and communities. Including but not limited to concessions NG34, NG41, NG19 and NG18 (see map for locations). For much of the time, community guides camp with us, giving daily opportunities for cross-cultural exchanges.

Physical Demands

Our research requires spending long days in the field, involving waking up at 5AM and conducting daily 6-7 hour wildlife counts from the safety of our vehicles. It is not uncommon for our vehicles to get stuck or break down and student participation is expected to help instructors problem solve situations. We recommend you adequately prepare both physically and mentally for these demanding conditions.

Weather and Climate

Botswana can get very hot, the most severe extreme temperatures during the month of October where it can often be well above 100 degrees fahrenheit. The rainy season can present a different set of challenges between the months of November and March.

Academics

Our academics complement the field research and are designed to be interactive and hands-on. You can expect to dedicate a few hours each day to working on your field journals, engaging in group discussions on relevant articles, participating in lectures and class activities, and deepening your understanding of natural history. Guest lectures, when possible, will further enrich your knowledge of conservation and land-use planning in the area. Each program culminates with the completion of a final written research paper, focusing on one aspect of the project, accompanied by a presentation.

Read Alumni Reviews

Map

Language

The official language of Botswana is English, and all lectures and field activities will be conducted in English. However Setswana is the primary spoken language, and you will be taught Setswana throughout your semester. Several indigenous languages are spoken regionally as well.

Group Dynamics

You are expected to partake in camp chores and projects, gaining experience in communal living and project management. The group will help with tasks such as cooking, maintaining clean and organized communal spaces, logistic planning, risk assessment for projects, and data entry.

Schedules

Schedules will vary depending on the needs of projects, academics, and group well-being, as well as the specific program location, with days off interspersed for relaxation or exploration. At base camp, each day may include a mix of academics, project planning, downtime, and chores. In the field, days may be filled with wildlife monitoring drives and work, with interspersed academic sessions, relaxation time, and general camp upkeep. Evenings are typically spent at camp. Due to the dynamic nature of our programs, schedules may change frequently, so we ask that you be flexible and adaptable. We encourage students to arrive with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, embracing the opportunity to make the most of their experience.

Pre-Departure

Before each program, you will need to complete several paperwork packets and attend orientation sessions. For detailed information on these requirements, as well as important details such as vaccine recommendations, please refer to the pre departure page [here].

Packing List

You are responsible for your personal gear while on the program. Here is a short list of necessary, big-ticket items required for a semester in Botswana. A comprehensive packing list tailored to your specific program will be provided post-enrollment. Tents, group gear and field equipment is provided on the program.

Travel and Visas

Details about travel and visas will be included in the information packet you’ll receive upon acceptance into the program.

Research Objectives

Student projects have always been a key part of the RRCS Botswana program, with each student group contributing to the improvement and refinement of the monitoring work in northern Botswana. Your time and work in Botswana will influence not only those you meet during your time here but also may contribute to the future of wildlife policy in the country.

In Their Own Words

Get an in-depth view of our Botswana Student Program from current student and alumni experiences.