Study Abroad Programs in Maasai Mara, Kenya

Study diverse wildlife and engage in hands-on conservation research in the world-famous national parks and stunning landscapes of Kenya and Rwanda. In Kenya, the survival of several endangered, threatened, and vulnerable species hinges on many factors, including the availability of critical resources, climate change, and land use adjustments. Research the root causes of these changes and how different conservation strategies can benefit both humans and wildlife. In Rwanda, you’ll view additional iconic endangered species, compare national conservation strategies, and hike into the rainforest to witness mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. SFS students live and study at the Center for Water and Wildlife Studies. The Center lies in the heart of Kenya Rift Valley, between three world-famous national parks. The snow-capped peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro towers over miles of savanna, replete with diverse wildlife. Our sprawling, grassy campus includes traditional thatched cabins and a central main building just down the road from the small town of Kimana.

This program is split between Brackenhurst, an eco-campus in Limuru, and the Pardamat Conservation Area in Maasai Mara. The course acquaints students with some of the threats to wildlife and biodiversity in East Africa while exposing them to certain local communities that are paving the way to important solutions. Global climate change phenomena, population growth, and increasing human-wildlife conflict are some of the challenges and threats to wildlife populations we are facing all over the world. These necessitate a re-examination of how we can help protect and preserve some of the world’s most important and diverse ecosystems. This program importantly probes students’ pragmatic problem-solving and field-based skills. In turn and in line with EDU Africa’s Transformative Learning philosophy, the program will encourage and facilitate their holistic growth (in fields of intercultural competence, professional development, global citizenship, personal growth, and intellectual growth) during their time abroad.