Conservation & Preservation Study Abroad Programs in Africa

Are you looking for a study abroad destination relevant to your degree and capable of enriching your worldview? Look no further than Ghana, one of the wealthiest pan-African countries in West Africa! Immerse yourself in one of Ghana's central suburbs, Legon, where you'll quickly adapt to Ghanaian life. Ranked the seventh best university in Africa, you'll take classes alongside local and international students at the University of Ghana in courses like humanities, basic and applied sciences, education, health sciences, biology, dance, economics, history, music, political science, public health, sociology, and more. While in your program, you can enroll in a full course load or combine your courses with CIEE electives like internships, directed independent research, and more. For Spring 2024, no courses will be available at the University of Ghana due to the All-African Games being hosted in Legon. A full course load will be available through CIEE Legon.

Study identity, culture, and social transformation in South Africa, a society still grappling with apartheid’s legacy. Choose one of four tracks—multiculturalism, education, health, or climate—while building shared foundations in South African history and contemporary issues. From Cape Town and Johannesburg to rural communities, engage in field visits, cultural immersion, and guest lectures. Complete independent research or an internship as you connect theory with real-world challenges of inequality, justice, and social change. Please visit the SIT Study Abroad website for details on the program highlights and details of coursework, educational excursions, and housing. MONEY MATTERS SIT has given an average of over $1.3 million in scholarships and grants to SIT Study Abroad students in recent years and is committed to ensuring you have the information necessary to apply for such funding. Our program costs include academics, excursions, accommodations, airport transfers, and health insurance. Meal arrangements vary by program. Be sure to discuss how study abroad costs are handled at your school with your study abroad advisor and read the website for more specific information.

Pursue your studies in the heart of Francophone West Africa! Dakar, Senegal’s vibrant capital, is a coastal hub of economic, cultural, and humanitarian activity. APA students are directly enrolled at the Institut Supérieur de Management (ISM) — West Africa’s top private university — and can take classes at one or more of the following: School of Management, School of Engineering, and the Madiba Leadership Institute (political science and communications). - Take courses in Business, International Relations, Engineering, and Humanities — taught in English and French. - APA offers in-house courses led by faculty from ISM and Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD) in Literature, Anthropology, Sociology, Gender Studies, and Wolof Language. - An independent study or research, conducted in French, may replace one class with home institution approval. - Weekly French language tutoring strengthens communication skills. - With ISM’s mandatory Soft Skills Program, students partake in real-life projects along local peers. At just $12,500 for tuition, housing, meals, and full support, this academically rich, culturally immersive semester offers unmatched value — and a truly global perspective.

Phezulu is proud to offer this unique and special program for students seeking diverse, real-world, and practical experience working with small and large animals, as well as wildlife, in line with their studies in veterinary practice, animal husbandry, conservation, or game and livestock farming. We provide convenient access to diverse animals (including horses, sheep, and cattle), as well as rich wildlife habitats and game farms where students can work with antelopes, bucks, zebras, giraffes, and big cats, to name a few. Phezulu Pre-Vet provides unique opportunities for students to work alongside and learn directly from qualified animal professionals with diverse experience. These include veterinary practitioners, farmers, game rangers, animal feed specialists, and veterinary physiotherapists. Our study program is suitable for pre-vet students and undergraduates seeking to hone essential skills in a real working environment during their studies. We work closely with universities and colleges to meet the specific, practical elements required for their courses.

Experience an unforgettable 10-week Gap Year Semester through New Zealand and Australia, two of the world’s most amazing travel destinations. This Pacific Discovery program is designed for students taking a gap year, seeking an alternative study abroad, or looking to combine travel with purpose. Journey across dramatic landscapes, from the fjords of New Zealand to the tropical reefs of Australia. Hike, surf, snorkel, and dive while building global perspective through hands-on conservation and meaningful service learning. Learn directly from Māori and Indigenous Australian communities through authentic cultural exchange. Along the way, develop real-world skills in leadership, teamwork, and sustainability with the option to earn U.S. college credit. With experienced instructors by your side, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and lifelong friendships while exploring two iconic destinations for adventure and growth. Whether you’re preparing for college, building your resume, or redefining your education through travel, this immersive journey will leave you inspired and ready for what’s next. Inquire today to start your New Zealand & Australia Semester with Pacific Discovery.

SIT’s Global Master of Arts in Sustainable Development Practice is a full-time, one-year degree that explores the interconnected nature of global health crises, economic inequality, natural resource degradation, and political and ethnic conflicts. Study begins in Ecuador, focusing on biodiversity and urban-rural development, then continues in South Africa and Malawi, examining sustainable practice in diverse sociopolitical contexts. Hands-on learning provides a unique opportunity to acquire professional skills through research and fieldwork in a competitive global environment. This program is ideal for emerging professionals seeking careers in sustainable development, policy, project leadership, or community engagement.

Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your career prospects through international work experience and hands-on learning? At Intern Abroad HQ, we help students and young professionals turn career aspirations into reality. We organize affordable internships in 20 destinations across 24 career fields that are tailored to meet each individual’s academic, professional, or personal requirements. With over 200 internship programs across Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America and South America to choose from, and options to intern from 2 weeks to 6 months either full-time or part-time, in-country or virtually, we facilitate career-enhancing experiences that work for you, not just the host organization. Intern Abroad HQ is proudly brought to you by the team behind International Volunteer HQ. We have collectively supported over 120,000 program participants since 2007 and are the only B Corp certified provider in our field.

Join us for two weeks at Lory Park Animal and Owl Sanctuary in South Africa! A sanctuary to many previously injured and trapped animals, Lory Park is now home to cheetahs, jaguars, lions, owls, pythons, hedgehogs, servals, lemurs, and many more! During this study abroad program, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside veterinarians and learn more about the behavior and conservation of various animals at the park. Your coursework will focus on the anatomy, handling, and medical needs of animals in captivity. In addition to veterinary labs such as necropsies and lectures from veterinarians and expert guests, you'll also get the opportunity to safari in Pilanesberg reserve, visit community schools, and support enrichment for animals at the park.

The foundation for a wild career! Is your goal to become a safari guide, wilderness guide, or wildlife guide? The IFGA Professional Safari Guide course (6-12 months) is the most comprehensive and immersive course available. Train with the industry’s award-winning instructors and wildlife experts. This is also an excellent sabbatical or gap year program. Course overview: Imagine driving a 4x4 game viewer across a riverbed, pointing out rare bird species to your guests. You slow to a stop – is that a leopard you see? Later, you serve sundowners and take in another vibrant African sunset. An afternoon spent sharing wildlife knowledge, nothing’s better! The IFGA Professional Safari Guide course (6-12 months) develops highly skilled professionals in the guiding industry. It is specifically developed to provide vocational skills and qualifications required by employers in Southern Africa. In addition, our top-performing students can also qualify for the IFGA qualification at no extra cost to their training. Training is held in Big Five territory, where you’ll observe animals in their natural habitat.

Travel to the culturally diverse country of South Africa and gain insight into both wildlife research and conservation activities as well as critical community development initiatives. Groups get to participate in this interdisciplinary course, accredited by universities and colleges around the world. We introduce students to international service-learning and sustainable development, both in theory and practice. Two weeks prior to departure and two weeks after returning home students engage in lectures, discussion, research, service, and reflection at home and abroad. Emphasis will be placed on relating long-term goals with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and engaging in daily reflection surrounding the experience, led by qualified group facilitators, furthering individual educational development. This course curriculum will be tailored to students' academic level or curriculum. The aim of our Service Learning course is to empower students to gain confidence in their knowledge and practical experience of their subject area.

Spend a semester living, studying, and conducting research with Round River in Botswana's Okavango Delta, home to some of the world's most abundant and diverse wildlife populations. Operating out of 4WD vehicles, the student research crews live in the bush and visit various field sites and communities. For much of the time, local community guides camp with us, giving daily opportunities for cross-cultural exchanges. Students conduct daily game counts with community guides. Afternoons at camp are spent working with the guides on data entry and covering coursework. This will allow you to experience Botswana and learn about conservation in ways the classroom cannot provide. The field-based nature of the program means that if you love the outdoors, seeing wildlife, and camping, and if you want to take part in real conservation projects, then this program is for you.

Are you ready to embark on your ranger adventure and complete your Apprentice Field Guide training in 55 days? This former Field Guide Level 1 course offers expert guidance from seasoned leaders and covers essential basics of Southern Africa’s flora and fauna. The program emphasizes hands-on training in the wild, preparing you to conserve the African wilderness's beauty. You will master orientation and navigation techniques, including using constellations for positioning, handling a cross-country vehicle, and safely navigating rough terrain. You'll also gain skills in tracking, analyzing animal behavior, and identifying local wildlife and plant species. Experience nights under the stunning starry sky; gather around the campfire with fellow adventure seekers; and create unforgettable memories in the bush.

Tanzania is home to diverse wildlife, from charismatic lions and elephants to thunderous herds of wildebeest and zebras. Spend a semester exploring national parks and savannas, observing these wild creatures up close and learning about their ecology and behavior. Meet members of local Maasai, Iraqw, and Hadzabe tribal communities to learn about their long-standing cultures and traditions and collaborate with residents to address human-wildlife conflict and other environmental issues. Finish the semester with an in-depth field research project on wildlife management, community livelihoods, and sustainability. SFS students live and study at the Center for Wildlife Management Studies. Known locally as “Moyo Hill Camp” and surrounded by Tanzania’s world-famous national parks and wildlife, it’s the perfect base camp for expeditions into the field. The campus is reminiscent of summer camp, with plenty of outdoor and communal spaces. The small, friendly community of Rhotia is a short walk away.

Ecolife Expeditions offers a wildlife and conservation expedition in South Africa. The program is open to students, who will be interacting with skilled experts during wildlife and conservation camping activities. They can expect safari-style tents in remote areas with researchers, rangers, and veterinarians. These experts are ready to give important information and exciting insights that give students a meaningful international education experience. This program is approved for 6 academic credits through the North-West University in South Africa.

Study human rights in Senegal. The country's melting pot culture makes it the perfect location to analyze and learn about human rights issues and the development of human rights policies. Participate in a 6-week internship or research project, working directly with the Senegalese people to further immerse yourself in the country's rich history. Senegal is home to more than 18 million people from diverse backgrounds. These include ethnic groups, cosmopolitan peoples, and immigrants with a wide array of languages spoken and religious beliefs. In this program, you will be based in Dakar, the capital city, where you can observe this multicultural diversity daily. Study in the classroom and on field excursions to learn more about how human rights policies are legislated at both the policy and grassroots levels.

Earth Expeditions (EE) are Miami University study abroad courses designed for people looking for inspiring professional development opportunities while earning graduate credit. All courses engage with grassroots conservation and sustainability programs making a difference in Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Our planned 2026 EE sites are the Amazon, Australia, Baja, Belize, Borneo, Brazil, Costa Rica, Galápagos, India, Kenya, Mongolia, Namibia, Paraguay, and Thailand. Awarding seven graduate credit hours (5 credits for the Summer Term + 2 credits for the Fall Semester), EE courses are hybrid and combine direct global study experiences with engagement in a web-based online learning community. Summer field courses typically run from mid-May through mid-August, with pre-course work beginning in April. The international field “in-country” portion of each class generally lasts 9-10 days. The 2-credit-hour follow-on fall semester course, “Inquiry & Action,” is entirely online and typically runs from late August to mid-December. This component is optional for students taking an EE course for stand-alone graduate credit outside the master’s program.