“This trip quite literally changed my life. I am not the same person I was before and I feel like allowing myself to branch outside of my comfort zone has helped me become more confident and independent. And I also got to see tons of new wildlife so that's a plus.”  Abby F., 2015

“Coming from a small town in south-west Michigan, I didn’t think I would ever find myself on a different continent. However, in the spring of 2017 I found myself in Kruger National Park, South Africa, and my outlook on the world changed. After a month in South Africa, I can honestly say it was the time of my life and worth every second.”  Hunter C., 2017

Namibia (2025)

The Namibia Study Abroad Program is on pause until further notice.

6-week spring/summer study abroad program 

The country of Namibia boasts a well maintained infrastructure serving a large tourism industry catering to predominantly European and German markets. But what makes Namibia attractive is its wide variety of landscapes and ecosystems, ranging from woodlands and African savanna to true deserts with the world’s tallest sand dunes. Across this diverse region, numerous ethnic groups have maintained many of their traditions and many continue to live as their ancestors did hundreds of years ago such as the Himba and the San people.

In Namibia, students can experience a sense of solitude and serenity under the vast, open expanses of its stunning landscapes where the “deafening” silence is all encompassing. This unique program gives students an insight into the fascinating diversity of Africa’s ecosystems and wildlife, cultures and complex history. Students will spend 3 weeks at the University of Namibia (UNAM) in Windhoek, after which they will go on to enjoy 2 weeks of adventure, traveling and camping across diverse ecosystems; visiting conservation sites, historic sites and wildlife conservation projects. The final week of the program will be spent at the UNAM campus.

Students will register for a total of 6 credits:

• HST 380/AAA 333: African History, Cultures & Environment (3 credits)
• HTM 368*: Geotourism (3 credits)

          Fulfills General Education Global Perspectives requirement 
        *Course fulfills General Education Issues requirement: Sustainability

Learn more or apply now: www.gvsu.edu/studyabroad/namibia

For information on the two-week safari, visit: https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/32B1BAF2-2BB0-4A7C-B6F6-F1C6D2A476F5

Questions? Contact: 
Steeve Buckridge
Program Director
[email protected]

In just over two weeks, our group will set out on an unforgettable journey—following the footsteps of Winston Churchill and the path of the 101st Airborne. Along the way, we’ll explore six countries and visit historic cities including Paris, London, Munich, Bastogne, Bayeux, Nuremberg, and Salzburg.

We’ll step into Churchill’s world—seeing where he lived, directed the war effort, and inspired his country during its darkest hours. From there, we’ll travel through the English countryside to Bletchley Park, the codebreaking center made famous in the film The Imitation Game.

Next, we’ll cross the English Channel on an overnight ferry and stand on the very beaches where D-Day unfolded. We’ll move into the Ardennes Forest of Belgium, climb to Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest in the Bavarian Alps, and visit the courtroom where Nazi leaders were brought to justice at the Nuremberg Trials.

But this trip is more than just history—it’s also about experiencing culture. From the Tower of London to the Eiffel Tower, and from medieval streets to Munich’s Hofbräuhaus, you will have your own time see even more legendary sites that bring Europe’s story to life.

Best of all, the program includes six hours of Issues credit through an asynchronous online course, with most of the academic work completed before departure—so you’ll be free to focus on the adventure while abroad.