Experience ongoing research projects such as radio tracking, cheetah physiology, ecosystem management, and the design of school and community programs.
Travel to Namibia, Africa, with Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and Miami University instructors to join the Zoo’s long-term partnership with the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF)–the global center of cheetah conservation worldwide. This course is primarily based at CCF headquarters and explores how conservation organizations can succeed while partnering with local communities to save wildlife. Ongoing research projects at CCF include radio tracking, cheetah physiology, ecosystem management, and the design of school and community programs in Namibia. Discover the power of inquiry to generate knowledge and inspire conservation. All students will have the chance to conduct an inquiry investigation of the local ecosystem, asking their own questions, collecting data, and presenting conclusions. Students may also participate in CCF field research including species behavioral studies, waterhole surveys, and full or new moon game counts.
Prior to and following the field experience in Namibia, sstudents will complete coursework via Canvas, Miami University's learning management system as they apply experiences to their home institutions and communities.
| Course Details | |
|---|---|
| In-person travel dates: | Jul 14-24, 2025 Arrive at least one day before and depart on last day of course |
| On the Web: | Pre-travel preparations: February-March Login to online course: April Online course dates: May 19 - August 9 |
| Credits: | Summer course: 5 graduate credits Follow-on Fall course: 2 graduate credits All Miami University credits can be applied to the GFP or AIP (or other programs if approved) |
| Costs: | Summer course: $3,600* + your own airfare into Namibia - flying into Windhoek, Namibia (airport code WDH). |
| * $3,600 calculated as = $455 per credit tuition x 5 graduate credits + $1150 program fee + $175 Miami global fee | |
Project Dragonfly teams up with the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) to offer our Earth Expeditions Namibia course. In 2020, CCF celebrated their 30-year anniversary and Dragonfly was honored with the Distinguished Conservation Award for our work together.
Check out this short “thank you” video (<6-minutes) to learn more about CCF and how students are positively impacted by this Dragonfly course.
Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF)Most of the course will take place at or around the Cheetah Conservation Fund headquarters located in the bushveld ecosystem of North Central Namibia — in the heart of cheetah territory. Under the leadership of Dr. Laurie Marker, CCF maintains a modern Research Center housing research facilities and a veterinary clinic, an Education Center, and a Visitor’s Center.
We will visit Etosha National Park, one of the world’s greatest wildlife-viewing locations, home to elephants, giraffes, zebras, springboks, elands, hyenas, lions, cheetahs, leopards, ostriches, and many other species.
(Course locations are subject to change.)
In addition to covering the price for five graduate credits of Miami University tuition, field course costs cover all basic expenses, including:
*NOTE: The Namibia course carries a required extra charge to cover additional course support costs.
Course costs do not cover personal expenses, such as airfare to the course, personal gifts, or ancillary costs, such as passport fees, country entry fees, required course readers, and any additional course texts.
Airfare: To estimate fares applicants may wish to visit an online fare finder or call a travel agent. Bear in mind that airlines have seasonal fluctuations in fares.
Miami University also requires all international workshop participants to purchase travel health insurance for about $40. (Successful applicants will receive more details in their web-based learning community course workshop.) In some classes an additional textbook is required. In some countries, you may have to pay entrance and departure taxes/fees at the airport.
Because of support from Miami University, 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.
We offer some further ideas on Helping to Fund your Degree and Scholarships for Current Dragonfly Students
The 2-credit follow-on course, Inquiry & Action, puts the Earth Expeditions course ideas and concepts into practice. Students in this course will choose a research topic and construct a multidisciplinary semester-long project of their choice that includes inquiry-driven learning, participatory education, and community-based conservation to experience and promote action in real-world contexts. Students will connect and collaborate with peers and their instructional team throughout the semester working to make a positive difference in their local communities. This class is a required part of the Global Field Program (GFP) master's course sequence. Inquiry & Action is recommended though optional for non-GFP students.
Course cost: $910 (2 credits)
Snorkel in biodiverse marine protected areas, explore unique national parks, and gain an understanding of community-driven initiatives by talking directly with local experts at the forefront of conservation.
