Course Themes
- Introduction to the ecosystems of Namibia
- Cheetah biology, ecology, and conservation
- Ecology of top predators, particularly large cats
- Community-based environmental education and action including understanding wildlife-friendly farming practices
- Curricular development and educational leadership
- Land use and conservancy management
- Inquiry-based learning
- Participatory education
A typical day in Namibia is likely to include:
- Learning directly from CCF staff on program initiatives, operations, and field research methods
- Visits to field conservation sites
- Lectures from CCF staff, guest experts, and course facilitators
- Student-led discussions of key course topics
- Engagement with local communities
- Open inquiries
- Journal writing
Namibia
Namibia is located on the West Coast of southern Africa. It is a large country with a fascinating blend of African cultures and a modern infrastructure. The country gained its independence in 1990 and has a progressive constitution that provides for a democratic, secular state. Known for its dramatic environments, Namibia’s shifting sand dunes, fog-shrouded coasts, and grasslands remain a sanctuary for African wildlife.
“In all my life of conservation education, work with animals, field courses, and just being outside in nature, I have never been so moved by an experience. It was a spiritual moment — one I will never forget for the rest of my life.”– James O., Sidney, Ohio
Dragonfly Workshops Web-Based Learning Community
Upon acceptance into the program, students will join instructors and classmates in DragonflyWorkshops’ collaborative Web community to complete pre-trip assignments. After returning home, students will continue to work in their Web-based community 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 Web-Based 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.miamioh.edu.
More Information
For more information on the admissions process, physical requirements, and more, please visit FAQs.