Skip to Main Content

What can we help you find?

Suggested Searches

South African Ecology and Wildlife: Study Abroad Program

Spend two weeks on a game reserve in the South African bushveld, accompanied by students, faculty, and local wildlife trackers. Enjoy daily safaris and wildlife observations, marveling at the intricate relationships between flora, fauna, and the environment.

Why Study Ecology in South Africa?

Live on a game reserve in the Greater Kruger ecosystem, surrounded by unique wildlife habitats. Learn from renowned wildlife trackers who stay on-site with the group and lead twice-daily excursions into the wilderness.

Sunrise-to-Sunset Adventure

Follow the rhythm of the wild, from early-morning wake-ups to evenings under the stars. Expect full days designed to maximize wildlife encounters and provide immersive experiences.

Hands-On Wildlife Learning

Explore the South African ecosystem with guided game drives, walking safaris, and tracking exercises. Learn to read the land by following fresh tracks and signs.

Immersive Camp Experience

Enjoy morning coffee, shared meals, and campfires set against breathtaking landscapes. Between adventures, take time to journal, study, or rest. End each day by sharing stories, stargazing, and listening to hyenas laugh and lions roar in the distance.

Faculty and students pose for a photo in front of a street sign.
Faculty and students pose for a photo in front of a street sign. Faculty and students pose for a photo in front of a street sign. Faculty and students pose for a photo in front of a street sign. Faculty and students pose for a photo in front of a street sign. Faculty and students pose for a photo in front of a street sign. Faculty and students pose for a photo in front of a street sign. Faculty and students pose for a photo in front of a street sign. Faculty and students pose for a photo in front of a street sign. Faculty and students pose for a photo in front of a street sign. Faculty and students pose for a photo in front of a street sign. Faculty and students pose for a photo in front of a street sign. Faculty and students pose for a photo in front of a street sign. Faculty and students pose for a photo in front of a street sign.

A Typical Day in South Africa

View some highlights from the 2024 South Africa trip to get a sense of what you'll see and experience on this trip.

View Gallery

Program Details

Don’t miss this opportunity to earn credits while exploring South Africa with your classmates and professors.

  • Eligibility

    This trip is open to current students, community members, faculty, staff, and anyone who meets these requirements:

    • Be at least 18 years of age
    • Have a valid passport that does not expire until at least 6 months after the program
    • Physically and mentally capable of participating in program activities
    • Passion for studying wildlife and ecology

    Complete our study abroad interest form, and we'll contact you to schedule a meeting.  

    How to Enroll

    The following enrollment steps must be completed by April 17:

    • Meet with a faculty trip advisor to discuss details of the trip
    • Meet with your academic advisor to ensure this trip fits in with your academic plan
    • Meet with a financial aid counselor to confirm financial obligation and use of aid for the trip
    • Begin your passport application immediately if you do not have one, or it won't be valid
    • Submit required payments

  • Program Costs

    A key benefit of this study abroad program is the comprehensive package. Here's what's included in the South African Field Ecology and Wildlife Tracking program fee:

    • Airfare: Round-trip international travel to and from South Africa.
    • Housing: Game reserve camp in the South African bushveld.
    • Meals: Group meals at camp, including traditional South African dishes.
    • Transportation: For all field trips, airport transfers, and excursions.
    • Safaris & Field Trips: Two excursions daily, including guided game drives, walks, and tracking exercises

    Estimated Expenses

    Fee Amount (USD) What's Included
    Program Fee $6,900 Airfare, housing, meals, transportation, and trips.
    FLCC Tuition and Fees $788

    Tuition and fees for your required FLCC course.
    TOTAL $7,688 Based on 3-credit, part-time, in-state tuition.

    Additional Expenses

    The following outlines additional expenses you should plan for.

    Fee Amount (USD) What's Included
    Personal Spending $100 - $200 Souvenirs, snacks, and tips
    Passport Fee $130 - $165 Cost to renew or request a new passport

  • Earn 3 FLCC Credits in South Africa

    Students will complete a 3-credit on-site summer course, Unique Ecological Communities, during this program. This is an approved elective for FLCC programs requiring conservation credits.

  • You'll stay in a game reserve camp that serves as both a home base and an immersive learning environment. You can expect to have at least one roommate throughout the trip. At camp, you'll sleep in rooms with proper beds and shared, en-suite bathrooms.

    Each day begins and ends at camp, where you’ll have access to shared sleeping and living spaces, showers, and communal areas for relaxing, journaling, studying, and learning.

     

  • A generous donation from the Emil Muller Foundation reduces the cost for all participants, and financial aid may be used to cover tuition and fees.

    A limited number of scholarships are available for students pursuing conservation-related degrees. Contact one of the program lead faculty for more information.

Important Dates & Deadlines

Mark your calendar with these key dates for Summer 2026. An initial deposit of $1,900 reserves your seat in the class on a first-come, first-served basis. There are 16 spots on this trip, with a waiting list for those who apply later.

Participants fly from Rochester to South Africa as a group. The trip may include an additional day in Johannesburg before or after the program, to account for international travel.

Contact Us Today to Begin Your African Adventure

Reach out to one of the program lead faculty for more information.

Maura Sullivan
Professor, Environmental Conservation and Horticulture
Email: Maura.Sullivan@flcc.edu
Phone: (585) 785-1248

John Bateman
Associate Professor, Environmental Conservation and Horticulture
Email: John.Bateman@flcc.edu
Phone: (585) 785-1255