Conservation & Preservation Study Abroad Programs in Kenya

Immerse yourself in Kenya’s diverse ecosystems while exploring the role of wildlife health and medicine in conservation. Traveling from the Amboseli ecosystem to primate habitats near Nairobi to the Maasai Mara Reserve, you will study how disease, human–wildlife conflict, and environmental pressures affect elephants, lions, cheetahs, raptors, and other threatened species. Through lectures, field excursions, and discussions with experts, you will gain insight into the practices of wildlife health management and the ecological, social, and medical dimensions that influence conservation outcomes. By the end of the program, you will have a deeper understanding of how wildlife health connects to the broader future of conservation in Kenya.

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.

Are you dreaming of leading your own safaris one day, sharing your knowledge of Africa’s remarkable flora and fauna with others? The Kenya Safari Guide course brings you one step closer to that goal. Over 28 immersive days, you'll master the essential skills needed to thrive in Africa's wilderness. Through a blend of theoretical and practical lessons, you’ll explore Kenya’s rich natural landscapes, including the iconic African savanna. Set in the stunning Mara training center in the heart of the famous Masai Mara, the course is led by experienced instructors with years of expertise. You'll dive deep into animal behavior and gain an understanding of the geological, ecological, and meteorological aspects of the local environment. Learning how to plan and guide safaris is a core component, along with mastering the art of tracking animal footprints and reading signs of wildlife movement—skills you’ll put to use during extended walks and jeep excursions. Each day offers the chance to encounter majestic lions, elephants, birds, and countless other wild creatures, giving you a front-row seat to Africa’s unparalleled beauty.