DATES
January 2 - 17, 2014*
Application Fee
$100
Program Fee
approx. $5,550
The Program Fee includes tuition and program expenses. Click on Program Fee for details.
International airfare and personal expenses are not included in the Program Fee and are the responsiblity of the participant.
Group international airfare can be arranged, but is NOT included in this price.
Application Deadline
Eligibility
This program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students with a cumulative GPA of 2.25, including students who do not attend George Mason University.
Credits
Undergraduate
3 semester credits in Biology 435, Environmental Science and Public Policy 490, Geography and Geoinformation Science 399, or New Century College Experiential Learning 399
Graduate
Graduate credit in EVPP can be arranged. Departmental approval required.
Housing
Tented camp safaris, lodges, and Guest Houses
Photos
Images from the camera traps during the Winter 2013 program can be seen here!
Videos
Check out cool videos from prior trips:
- Study Abroad video ad featuring KENYA
- Winter 2012: Course Overview
- Winter 2011: Course Overview
- Winter 2011: CGE Giving
- Winter 2010: Safari & Paintings (v1)
- Winter 2010: Safari & Paintings (v2)
Articles
AWF Blogs
Student Journals
Contact
Erin Mateu via email or by calling 703.993.3864 or toll free at 866.468.1243. The toll free number does not accept calls from the 703 or 571 area code.
Downloadable Documents
Syllabus available upon request
Course Materials
Faculty Info
Go on an African safari this Winter Break!
Learn about wildlife conservation in Kenya and experience the incredible diversity of its wildlife and landscapes.
Due to the sensitive nature of the region, this group's size will be limited, so we suggest you submit an application online sooner rather than later. Read more about Academic Director Ryan Valdez's research and how this program began in an article recently published by Mason Research. An engaging exploration of Kenya's vast and diverse ecosystems, this course will put you in close proximity to some incredible and charismatic wildlife.
Map
View KENYA: Ecology & Conservation in a larger map
Participants will have an incredible experience viewing wildlife, while learning about current challenges facing terrestrial megafauna that include the classic big five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhino). We will accomplish this by visiting multiple national parks, meeting key conservation biologists, and being introduced to a wide range of current wildlife management issues. Here is a list of some of the places we will go:
At both the applied and academic level, topics will include the conservation, biology, and behavior of species; landscapes and the conservation of protected and non-protected areas; human-wildlife conflicts; and the complexities of community-level interactions.
Academic Director

Program developed and led by faculty director Ryan Valdez:
Ryan Valdez is a research fellow at the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park and a Ph.D. candidate at George Mason University. He is studying landscape-ecology as it applies to predator and herbivore recovery in savanna ecosystems of Kenya. Ryan has worked with the National Zoo's science initiatives (currently the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute) for the past ten years in exhibit, education, and research capacities, as well as managing a geospatial science program for the Amazon region. Prior to the Smithsonian, Ryan spent much of his time in the field studying wolves, ocelot, and sea turtles, among other species of wildlife. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University and a Masters degree from Yale University.
Our student group will experience an educational wildlife safari (using JK Safaris) in two large, 4-wheel drive Land Cruiser vehicles with detachable roof tops. These vehicles will always travel together and offer plenty of window and roof-top viewing. During the entire duration of the course, the group will be accompanied by an in-country field coordinator. We will have a very comfortable and safe journey while exploring Kenya's wild landscapes.

Dates: January 2 - 17, 2014*
You should plan to leave the United States at least one day prior to the program start date to arrive in Kenya for the first day of the program. You can schedule your return to the United States from Kenya for the last day of the program or choose to travel independently. Also, US-bound flights leaving Kenya on January 18th will arrive on January 19th.
Do not purchase airfare until you are advised by your Program Officer.
Program Fee: approx. $5,550
The Center for Gobal Education Program Fee includes:
Tuition
Housing
Transportation within Kenya in safari vehicles
Airport transfer in Nairobi to/from program lodging
In-country field coordinator
Most meals
All bush drives
Guest lectures
Pre-departure orientation
Emergency medical insurance, including medical evacuation and repatriation
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to George Mason students. George Mason students can click here to download the CGE Global Perspectives scholarship application. Mason students may also use financial aid to cover a program's cost. If you are not a George Mason university student check with your study abroad office or office of financial aid to learn more about how to cover the cost of your study abroad.
How to Apply
Consult the How to Apply section for detailed instructions. Start by completing the online application. Pay the $100 application fee.
Note that all supplemental documents are required by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Contact the Program Officer for further application forms and instructions specific to your program.

