Botswanan Wildlife Conservation
Summer '25 Applications Open
The Take-Aways
Real-World Experience
Survey animal behavior, plant species, physical landscapes, human attitudes, and conservation efforts. Come home ready to get involved in wildlife and ecosystem protection in your community.
Credentials for Your Future
Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, a portfolio of work to showcase your accomplishments, and service learning hours documenting your engagement with the community.
Life Skills and New Friendships
Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication skills. Enjoy a broader world view and friends of different backgrounds from across the U.S.
45
Hours of Expert Instruction
12
Hours of Service Learning in the Community
1
Life-Changing Experience
The Destination
Welcome to Botswana, the world leader in wilderness conservation.
Botswana is one of Africa’s most beautiful and biodiverse countries. Located in southern Africa, it is dominated by the Kalahari Desert, creating an arid landscape in much of the country. Harboring diverse flora and fauna, the nation has a longstanding commitment to minimizing environmental impact. Thirty eight percent of its lands are distinctly reserved for conservation of its fragile ecosystems and teeming wildlife, including the Mokolodi Nature Reserve where you will live during your stay.
In the north of the country, the wetlands of the Okavango Delta, one of your excursions, is an unparalleled wilderness experience and UNESCO world heritage site.
Cultural Awareness
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Gaborone.
Weekly Learning Goals
Sample Activities
Just Imagine All the Fun You’ll Have!
- Share the rhythms of Botswana during dance and drum lessons. Marimba, too.
- Help out at a sanctuary for rescued animals—maybe you’ll get to feed an orphaned baby elephant or care for a wounded vulture.
- Enjoy a game drive, and if you're lucky, see rhinos, hippos, impalas, kudus, and a wide variety of animals!
- Try your hand at playing traditional Botswanan board games, like mhele and morabaraba.
- Experience Setswana traditional life at Bahurutshe Cultural Village and participate in kgotla (public meeting) activities.
Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Final Reflections and Advice for Future Students
It is our last day here in Botswana and before all the tears began, we asked students to share some of their final reflections and thoughts. Over the past three... keep reading
A Baobab that rose from the Okavango Delta
There are some things that are iconic to the continent of Africa- the big five, delicious food and the majestic Baobab tree. The Baobab is known as the tree of... keep reading
Khama Rhino Sanctuary
The first stop on our journey to the northern part of Botswana was the Khama Rhino Sanctuary; established in 1992, the sanctuary is a “community based wildlife project” aimed at... keep reading
Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our Scholarship page.
- This program involves engaging in moderate to high intensity physical activities such as nature walks, and extended observational time outdoors.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Summer Session I 2025 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $5,850 | |
| Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $5,850 |
Ready to change your life?
What's Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection
24/7 Emergency On-site Support
Our Staff
Basetsana Maposa
Center Director
Basetsana Maposa returned to Botswana in 2008 after spending 10 years living in the United States. She has extensive experience working in health, youth leadership, human rights, and educational development.
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