Namibia: African History, Cultures and the Environment
*Please note: This program will not run for Spring/Summer 2023. Details below are subject to change.
WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA - 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.
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Highlights:
-Tour of historic sites in the city of Windhoek, visit to black
township of Katutura, open air market, Independence Memorial Museum
and Namibia Genocide Memorials
- Travel to Damaraland, visit
Damara Living Museum, track desert elephants, and visit African
villages
- Visit a Cheetah Conservation and wildlife management
education center in Otjiwarongo
- Visit Etosha National Park (one
of the greatest game parks in Africa), Safari tour/drive through and
learn about ecotourism and community wildlife conservation
-
Travel to the Sand Dunes of Sossusvlei, Sesriem Canyon and
Namib-Naukluft
- Optional adventure excursions including dune
surfing, sea kayaking, and whale watching
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Faculty-Led
2.0 GPA Required
English Language Requirement
Issue Friendly
Program Dates and Application Deadline
(6 weeks)
Courses
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
Fulfills entire General Education Issues requirement. Reflection required
Language of Instruction: English
Housing
Program participants will reside in campus lodge, hotels and secure camping sites.
Cost and Scholarships
2021 PROGRAM COST:
Program Fee: $5,510
Includes
- Round-trip airfare
- Housing
- Camping equipment
- Some meals
- Field trips
- All ground transportation
Other Expenses
- Tuition ($3,396)
- Vaccinations and personal expenses ($450)
- Additional meals ($300)
- Passport/photos ($152)
TOTAL PROJECTED COST (Program Fee + Other Expenses): $9,808
SCHOLARSHIPS/GRANTS:
Students may fund study abroad by using financial aid, scholarships, grants and personal funds. A study abroad adviser can help you create a funding plan.
FACULTY-LED PROGRAM GRANT (Up to $1,500): All degree-seeking students who apply to their faculty-led program by the priority deadline are automatically considered for a grant of up to $1,500 from the Padnos International Center. Students must have a current FAFSA on file to be eligible. No application required.
Global Programs Scholarship (Varies): The purpose of this scholarship is to reduce the financial pressure on students and their families and make a Grand Valley education accessible to students from all backgrounds. This need-based scholarship will ensure that financial need does not become a barrier to intellectual and personal growth for students planning to study abroad or complete an internship abroad.
James F. and Virginia L. Goode Global Programs Scholarship: The purpose of the scholarship is to reduce the financial pressure on students and their families and make a Grand Valley education accessible to students from all backgrounds. This need-based scholarship will ensure that financial need does not become a barrier to intellectual and personal growth for students planning to study abroad.
To apply for scholarships, visit the Study Abroad Scholarshipspage or GVSU MyScholarships.
FINANCIAL AID:
To contact the Financial Aid office, email [email protected] with “Study Abroad” in the Subject line. Include your G Number and Total Projected Cost of the program in the e-mail.
Non-GVSU Students: Non-GVSU students admitted for study abroad are not eligible for Financial Aid from GVSU. Check with your home school’s study abroad and financial aid offices for details on applying for financial aid from your home school toward study abroad program costs.
Eligibility
Applicants must be adaptable and willing to camp and ride for long road trips.
2.0 GPA required.
GVSU is happy to extend this opportunity to Non-GVSU Students.
Already Applied
CDC Report
CDC works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same.
Checkout CDC Report For Namibia
US State Department Information
The first step to an international trip is to read our Traveler’s Checklist to find out things to consider before you go. Pay special attention to our safety and security information and assess for yourself the risk of traveling to a particular country or region. Some U.S. citizens with special considerations – such as students, women, and LGBTI travelers – may face additional challenges when abroad. If you do decide to travel, make a plan for what to do if something goes wrong overseas.
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