Kenya: Wildlife & People In Integrated landscapes
| In Kenya: | Two sections: late-June and early July 2009 (dates finalized soon) |
| At Home or School: | September - early December 2009 (Web-based Learning Community) |
| Credits: | 7 graduate credits from Miami University; $3,000 in-state & $7,000 out-of-state tuition waived; course can be applied to Global Field Program. |
| Course Cost: | $1150 + airfare |
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The South Rift Valley of Kenya, stretching from the Maasai Mara National Reserve through Amboseli National Park, is one of the most spectacular wildlife areas on the planet. Earth Expeditions has partnered with the African Conservation Centre to advance community-based conservation in this dynamic landscape. This effort builds on the decades-long research of Dr. David Western, former head of the Kenya Wildlife Service, and the centuries-long research of the Maasai pastoralists, who have long co-existed with wildlife in an open grassland ecosystem populated by elephants, lions, giraffes, zebra, wildebeests, and a remarkable diversity of other species. With the rise of nontraditional lifestyles, private ranches, and fenced lands that prevent needed wildlife migrations, communities of the South Rift have recognized the need to understand the impact of these changes and to work together for a better future. Join Kenyan conservationists, educators, community leaders, and youth to study sustainable approaches to human-wildlife coexistence. Possible research projects may focus on high-impact species, such as lions or elephants, species groups (such as grazers), the role of the Maasai in the ecosystem; conservation in parks and beyond; and participatory education and local knowledge. Prior to and following the field experience in Kenya, students will complete coursework via Dragonfly Workshops Web-based learning community as they apply experiences to their home institutions.
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Course Themes
- Introduction to the ecology of East African savannah ecosystems
- Inquiry-driven learning
- Community-based conservation and participatory education
- Models of conservation: national parks and community-owned conservancies
- Field method techniques
A typical Field Expeditions day in Kenya is likely to include:
- Study at field conservation sites
- Lectures
- Student-led discussions of key course topics
- Guided nature walks
- Engagement with local communities
- Open inquiries
- Journal writing
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Kenya
Located in East Africa, Kenya is world renowned for its remarkable wildlife and cultural diversity.
Possible Sites in Kenya
Nairobi
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is headquarters for the African Conservation Centre (ACC), an African organization dedicated to saving wildlife through local initiatives, good governance, and sound science.
Amboseli National Park
Beneath the snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro towering to the south, Amboseli National Park covers 392 square kilometers. The park's wetlands, plains, woodlands and bush country support a diversity of wildlife unrivalled in East Africa for a park of its size. Over 80 different mammals and 400 bird species reside in the park. Elephants play a key role in the changing ecosystem and their populations have been the subject of long-term research projects on the secrets of elephant family life, communication, and migration patterns. Long before the park boundaries were set, the local Maasai were custodians of Amboseli's wildlife; Maasai do not ordinarily kill wild animals for food as their domestic cattle and goats meet nearly all their requirements.
Olkiramatian Research Center
The communally-owned land between the boundaries of Ambesoli National Park in the south and Maasai Mara in the west is a vital wildlife dispersal area; in fact, this land, owned primarily by the Maasai, supports a greater diversity of wildlife than the national parks. We will work with the African Conservation Centre and the South Rift Association of Landowners (SORALO) to create a unique community-based Research Center in Olkiramatian, the heart of the South Rift ecosystem. This area teems with wildlife and lies outside the tourist-dominated park environments. Situated on Maasai communal land, the new Research Center is designed to advance new approaches to understanding integrated landscapes through local initiatives and shared objectives for conservation and education.
(Course locations are subject to change.)
Dragonfly Workshops Web-based Learning Community
Before departing for Kenya, students will join instructors and classmates in Dragonfly Workshops collaborative Web community to complete pre-trip assignments in preparation for the expedition. After returning to the United States, students will continue to work in their Web-based community from September through early December to develop projects initiated in the field, discuss assignments, and exchange ideas. All students should expect to spend two to three hours a week contributing to their learning community from their home or school computer. Navigating the Web platform is easy--it's designed for people with no prior computer experience. To learn more about this unique Web experience, visit dragonflyworkshops.org.
Cost: $1150 + Airfare
All basic expenses in-country are covered in the course costs, including:
- Meals (incidental snacks and drinks not included)
- Lodging
- Field station fees
- Field equipment (as needed)
- Ground transportation (van, boat, train, etc., as needed)
- Park entrance and guide fees
Course costs do not cover personal expenses, such as gifts, or some ancillary costs, such as passport fees and course texts.
Financial Support
Because of support from Miami University and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, the course costs listed above are a fraction of actual program costs. Earth Expeditions recommends that accepted applicants to the program check with their school district or employer to see if professional development funds are available to further offset costs. Click here for more Grant Funding Tips.
Tuition costs:
Non-Miami University Participants
To support involvement by a broad range of educators, Miami University is currently waiving all tuition (approximately $2,400 for seven credit hours) for all Earth Expedition participants who are not full-time students at Miami University.
Miami University Students
Full-time Miami University undergraduate and graduate students pay tuition for five credit hours unless they have summer tuition waivers through a graduate assistantship or scholarship. Miami students receive an additional two credits when they complete the required Web-based follow-up
Airfare: To estimate fares to Kenya, applicants may wish to visit an online fare finder or call a travel agent. Bear in mind that airlines have seasonal fluctuations in fares.
More Information
For more information on the admissions process, physical requirements, and more, please visit Admissions and/or FAQs.