Wildlife Conservation in Kenya: More than a Game Drive Past Review

By (Horticulture, Soil Science, Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin - Madison) for

The School for Field Studies / SFS: Tanzania - Wildlife Management Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Study abroad opened me to worlds I never knew. I learned just as much about myself as I did about Kenya and that too is a priceless experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Professors are very engaging and their love for Kenya and dedication to conserving wildlife, respecting tradition, and engaging Kenyan citizens is beyond inspiring. The courses are challenging but the point of view that students gain is priceless.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Camp staff and administration was welcoming from the moment we stepped off the plane. It only took a few days to feel at home at the field station.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Plenty of food was available. If you are someone who needs lots of variety though, it may be a bit of a challenge. As program participants we had opportunities to cook which made all the difference.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There are scheduled off site events and activities and all were engaging and interesting. This program involves a lot of travel across Southern Kenya and allows you to gain a big picture view.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Health and safety were discussed from Day 1. There were clear policies about how issues would be addressed.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Challenging courses
  • Diversity of topics discussed and places visited
  • Amazing staff and setting
* What could be improved?
  • A more intensive language component
  • Opportunities to interact more with immediate local community
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Independent, energetic and enthusiastic attitudes will succeed most.