OTS/Duke Semester in South Africa (Fall, Spring) - Kruger National Park

  South Africa

Johannesburg,  Mpumalanga

Term: Fall, Spring 

Description: South Africa's rich biological and cultural diversity makes it an exceptional location in which to examine issues related to ecology and conservation. Based in Kruger National Park, field study and research exercises will expose you to different types of savanna as you view the park's abundant wildlife.

You will take four core courses: South African Ecosystems and Diversity, Field Research in Savanna Ecology, Conservation and Management of Protected Areas in South Africa, and History and Culture of South Africa. Science courses will be taught by Duke and OTS faculty and distinguished visiting scientists. Prominent South African historians, artists, and cultural theorists will lead the course on History and Culture of South Africa. The program is physically and intellectually demanding, stressing full immersion in hands-on scientific and cultural studies.

South Africa is a progressive, dynamic nation that continues to redefine itself in the post-apartheid era. It features a fascinating blend of Western amenities and traditional African cultures, and a strong tradition of environmental protection, which has resulted in the creation of numerous preserves that offer excellent research opportunities. Kruger National Park's facilities are among the best in the world, and you will visit several camps within the park during your stay. Kruger is home to over 150 species of mammals, including black and white rhino, lion, elephant, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, wild dog, zebra, buffalo, hippo, and zebra. There are nearly 2000 plant species (including 300 different types of trees), 49 species of fish, 34 types of amphibian, 166 different reptilian species, 505 species of birds, and countless less obvious insects.

You will also be exposed to the country's vast cultural and ecological diversity as you travel to other parts of South Africa. A short river-rafting trip and a longer excursion to Cape Town will take you through the famed Drakensberg Mountains, the agriculturally rich highveld, and the biodiversity hot spots of the fynbos and karoo. Steeped in a rich history, Cape Town is a cultural melting pot with a diverse and vibrant character derived from Khoisan and other African groups from the North, as well as Indonesian, French, Dutch, British, and German settlers. From Cape Town you will make an excursion to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Visits to Zulu, Ndebele, Venda, and Sotho/Tsonga communities will provide you with cultural exchanges with local people, as well as music, dance, and craft workshops.

Highlights: OTS students are the only students in the entire WORLD that have the opportunity to get out of the game vehicles at Kruger National Park to do research in the brush. Students will be amazed by the big five: Buffalos, Rhinos, Elephants, Leopards, and Lions and much more! You will stay in dynamic such as Kruger National Park and Cape Town and have opportunities for extended research with top notch scientists after the semester. For Spring Break, you will be white-water rafting through the Drakensburg Mountains and, throughout the course, you will be able to interact with local African tribes, learn their customs and meet their political leaders. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to make incredible connections for graduate school and your career. OTS provides a rich network through its consortium which comprises of 65 universities and research institutions and visiting faculty and scholars from all over the globe.

Since its founding in 1963, OTS has offered over 200 graduate-level courses in the natural sciences and can count more than 3,600 graduate students and professionals as alumni. OTS alumni now occupy leading positions in universities, research institutions, government agencies and conservation organizations throughout the world.

Top Reasons to Study Abroad with OTS (South Africa)

1. You earn Duke University credit.

2. Experiential learning is at the heart of what we do! You will delve into science and produce your own independent research project. Student projects include studies on elephants, Baobab Trees, and dung beetles.

3. OTS students come from universities and colleges all over the United States and study alongside South African students as well. Through these student interactions, our program provides you with the opportunity to embrace cultures from all over the world.   

4. You will learn from renowned South African scientists and other experts from around the globe.

5. OTS students are the only students in the entire WORLD that have the opportunity to get out of the game vehicles at Kruger National Park to do research in the brush.

6. OTS has over 45 years of collected data that can be used to inform independent research projects. You will have enormous potential to have your work published.

7. In South Africa, you will be amazed by the Big Five: Buffalos, Rhinos, Elephants, Leopards, and Lions and much more!!

8. You will benefit from renowned facilities and technologically smart infrastructure.

9. You will have an amazing opportunity to explore South Africas beauty and learn about the cultures. You will stay in dynamic settings such as Kruger National Park and Cape Town. You will visit a number of different biological reserves within and beyond Kruger National Park.

10. You will have opportunities for extended research with top notch scientists after the semester.

11. You will interact with local African tribes, learn their customs and meet their political leaders. Beginning in Fall 2008, homestays will become a mainstay of your semester program.

12. You will have the opportunity to make incredible connections for graduate school and your career. OTS provides a rich network through its consortium which is comprised of 63 universities and research institutions and visiting faculty and scholars from all over the globe.

13. OTS has generous funding available for under-represented students.

14. OTS has been the premier leader in education, research, and responsible use of resources in the tropics since 1963.

15. During the semester break, you will partake in white water rafting, hike through mountains, and enjoy the beach.

Our Enrollment Management Team is well positioned to handle your questions and we are passionately interested in assisting you from first inquiry, your arrival and stay, return, and future involvement with OTS. Each of us has a variety of intercultural and higher education experiences which allow us understand and respond to your concerns. We look forward to embarking on this adventure with you!

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: 18,800 USD

Experience Required: yes

OTS requires that students have two semesters of college-level biology prior to their participation in this program.

This Program is open to American, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available. funding is available through the Andrew F. Mellon Foundation for qualified, under-represented students in the biological sciences. Other scholarships are available on the basis of financial need. All applicants are asked to fill out a financial aid form, which is used to determine a student's financial contribution to the program.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Transcript

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Organization for Tropical Studies / Duke University's Mission Statement: OTS was founded to provide leadership in education, research and the responsible use of natural resources in the tropics. The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) is a non-profit consortium that has grown to include 65 universities and research institutions from the United States, Latin America and Australia. In the early 1960's, scientists from U.S. universities forged working relationships with colleagues at the Universidad de Costa Rica in the interest of strengthening education and research in tropical biology. Intense interest both in the U.S. and Costa Rica led to the founding of OTS in 1963. To address this mission, OTS conducts graduate and undergraduate education, facilitates research, participates in tropical forest conservation, maintains three biological stations in Costa Rica and conducts environmental education programs.

Year Founded: 1963