South Africa: Biology
*Please note: The next time this program will run is Spring/Summer 2023. Details below are subject to change.
HOEDSPRUIT (Kruger National Park), SOUTH AFRICA — This three-week program provides students with field-based international experiences in natural resource and sustainability issues including an appreciation of the relationships between South African ecology, culture, and physical environment. The program is designed to teach students about the functioning of the Greater Kruger National Park Ecosystem including the natural history and management of wildlife and vegetation. Students will also gain first-hand knowledge of African history and culture as it pertains to natural resource management. Students will be housed at the Southern African Wildlife College and will interact with faculty, staff, and local students through lectures, discussions, field trips, and safaris.
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Faculty-Led
2.0 GPA Required
English Language Requirement
Issue Friendly
Program Dates and Application Deadline
Spring/Summer 2023
Program Dates: May 2, 2023 - May 25, 2023
Application Deadline: February 1, 2023
(Closed)
(3 weeks)
Courses
Students will register for a total of 6 credits:
NRM 407: Natural Resources and Society (3 credits)
BIO 417: International Field Biology (3 credits)
Fulfills General Education Global Perspectives requirement.
Fulfills entire General Education Issues requirement. Reflection required
Language of Instruction: English
Housing
Students will live in Rondavels (traditional African round houses) or safari tents
Cost and Scholarships
2023 PROGRAM COST:
Program Fee: $5,295
Includes
- Round-trip fare
- Housing
- All in-country meals
- Field trips
- All transportation while in SA
Other Expenses
- GVSU Tuition - 6 credits ($3,690)
- Personal expenses ($300)
- Additional Meals ($50)
- Passport fees ($200)
- ISIC Card (Optional) ($28)
TOTAL PROJECTED COST (Program Fee + Other Expenses) = $9,535
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
Open to ALL majors.
2.0 GPA required.
GVSU is happy to extend this opportunity to Non-GVSU Students.
Proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is required for participation in this program.
Additional Information
Excursions
Excursions include:
- Field trips to safaris
- Trips to local villages, and overnight stays in Kruger National Park
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 South Africa
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.
Contact Information
Spring/Summer 2023
Joseph Jacquot
Program Director
jacquotj@gvsu.edu
Paul Keenlance
Program Director
keenlanp@gvsu.edu
Joseph Jacquot
Program Director
jacquotj@gvsu.edu
Paul Keenlance
Program Director
keenlanp@gvsu.edu
"South Africa was hands down the most beautiful country I've ever been to. The people, the scenery, and the experiences were unlike any other. I would have stayed an entire year had I been able to. If there's one piece of advice I'd give to future or current students, it would be to study abroad. It teaches you about the world and yourself in ways you can't even imagine. Take the risk - it's more than worth it!" -Shelby Proffer
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