Eligibility
- 18 years of age or above
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
- 2.6 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application review
- Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program
Program Description
Step beyond the tourist experience in East Africa. Spend one or two sessions with Tanzania’s charismatic wildlife – from magnificent lions and elephants to thunderous herds of wildebeest and graceful gazelles. Students can participate in one or both sessions and will earn 4 credits per session.
Summer Session I: Fundamentals of Wildlife Management
In this two-country fundamentals course, the world-famous national parks and reserves of Kenya and Tanzania are your classrooms. Through safari drives and field excursions, study wildlife found nowhere else on the planet – in person. Discuss different approaches to wildlife management and conservation, and learn about traditional knowledge and culture from Maasai and other community groups. Embark on multi-day camping expedition to Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) with a stop at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area en route to learn about migratory corridors and explore the giant crater. You will also explore Amboseli National Park (Kenya), based in the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and observe wildlife behavior, practice species ID, and collect ecological data.
There are two options for Summer Session II:
Carnivores of the African Plains in Tanzania
Tanzania is home to more than 35 species of carnivores, , including the African lion, cheetah, leopard, and wild dog – all of which are on the IUCN Red List. Study the behavioral ecology and conservation challenges facing these incredible creatures, while observing some of Africa’s largest remaining carnivore guilds up close.Visit the Tarangire Lion Project to learn from leading lion researchers and analyze pride population dynamics and individual behavior using radio telemetry and camera trapping data.
Elephants of the African Savanna in Kenya
The African elephant is a keystone species with a profound influence on the landscape and dynamic in which it coexists with other African wildlife. As the largest (and one of the most charismatic) animal walking our planet,?its conservation continues to attract concern within and beyond Africa.?Join SFS Faculty and leading elephant scientists?to learn?about these animals in the elephant conservation strongholds in and around Amboseli National Park. Hear the perspectives of local communities living at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, including their day-to-day interactions with the African elephant.
- Embark on multi-day camping expedition to Maasai Mara, where you’ll hope to encounter the ‘Big Five’–the African elephant, African buffalo, lion, leopard, and black rhino.
- Explore Amboseli National Park, the Kimana sanctuary, and the group ranches at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Sight elephants and learn about the challenges of cross-border conservation.
This academically rigorous program follows a six-day/week schedule. The interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to help students actively discover and understand the complexities of environmental, social, and economic issues in Tanzania.
Major academic themes include:
- Behavioral ecology
- Field ornithology
- Human-wildlife conflict
- Community conservation approaches
- Wildlife and natural resource management policies
Dates
Summer Session I: early June - early July
Summer Session II: early July - early August
Refer to the program website for the specific dates, if available.
Location
Located on the escarpment of Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley, the SFS Center for Wildlife Management Studies is situated near critical savanna ecosystems. Within a short drive from the Center are Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, as well as many community conservation areas and wildlife migration corridors. The town of Karatu is located only 15 minutes from the Center, this growing town is a great place to go on the weekends. It offers groceries, a medical clinic, a pub, an organic coffee farm, and of course the famed elephant caves, where you might be lucky enough to spot an elephant mining consumable minerals from the hillsides.
Arusha is the closest large city in the region. Here, you’ll find shops, restaurants, and all the conveniences of an urban area, while Arusha National Park and volcanic Mt. Meru provide incredible scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation
In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Penn State Global website.
Program Costs
Program costs are estimates and subject to change up to the program commitment deadline.
Summer Costs
The cost of a program is based on Penn State tuition rates and partner institution fees. Due to the variety of locations and partner institutions, costs will vary depending on the program. Education Abroad works closely with our partners to ensure the most accurate cost estimates, however, fees can change quickly and without prior notice. Consult the cost sheets for your chosen program often and if you have any questions please contact your Education Abroad Adviser.
Scholarships
The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Penn State Global. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.
Program Specific Scholarships and Funding Opportunities
All students are welcome to apply for SFS need-based financial aid. Students who exhibit financial need for their program will be offered SFS financial aid. SFS aid is offered through a combination of scholarships, grants and loans. Visit the Financial Aid section of SFS website for more information.
Student Aid
Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid.
Withdrawal & Refund Policy
Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies.
After Commitment
Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred.
Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. Additional fees from the partner institution will be assessed according to their withdrawal and refund policies at the date of the withdrawal notice.
After the Start of the Program
If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.
For additional information on withdrawal policies, separate and apart from financial consequences, please consult the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.
