The goal of this project is to optimize management practices in a 62 million acres nature reserve in the lowveld area of South Africa by working with biologists, park rangers, and other interns to monitor and record data about the organisms in this reserve. This area houses immense biodiversity, and your internship will focus on the ecology and management of organisms on this reserve, such as elephants, lions, hyenas and leopards. In addition, breeding initiatives on buffalo, Livingston eland and nyala are underway at this location.
What will I be doing?
This is a hands-on experiential internship. As an intern, you'll actively participate in research, restoration and conservation activities. This project involves game drives, bush walks and habitat maintenance work. Each day you will be in an open air safari vehicle or on foot with ranges and local experts to track, identify, and record data on species in the game reserve.
A typical week may include:
daily game drives and/or bushwalks, collecting data on organisms and entering it into the database, deploying and retrieving camera traps, habitat restoration and clean up, learning to use wildlife apps like CyberTracker and EpiCollector, and lectures with wildlife biologists and conservation researchers.
as with all field work, weather and local conditions play a role in the schedule and can lead to last-minute changes in the planned activities.
What will I learn?
Previous interns often tell us that the biggest impact of these internship programs are the increase in self-confidence, the ability to get out of your comfort zone, the cultural learning, and the friendships made.
Below, are the research methods and research areas that are currently being focused on at the project.
Research Methods:
Species identification: Learn to identify species of mammals, birds, trees, insects and other organisms visually and by tracks and other sign
Data collection and input into dataset for analysis
Telemetry, GPS, and other software to quantify spatial and temporal patterns
Habitat health assessment: Monitoring grassland restoration, invasive species, and tree damage in the reserve
Camera track deployment and analysis: assist in setting up and maintaining cameras and going through footage to help inform management decisions
Various ongoing research projects include elephant contraception, disease research, breeding initiatives, and grassland restoration
Research Areas:
Describe the general principles which govern lowveld ecosystem interactions
Document the spatial and temporal movements of large mammals in the game reserve
Explain animal behavior and how it relates to physiological requirements, consumption, predation, and reproduction
Analyze population dynamics and the impact of disease, reproductive rates, and changing climate
What previous experience or skills do I need?
Strong interest in wildlife ecology, research, conservation, education, and learning about other cultures Interns need to show enthusiasm, positivity, maturity, and independence, adaptability, and willingness to work in a team
The project is located at the research station in Makalali game reserve near the town of Hoedspruit and Kruger Park.
How does housing and food work?
There are a variety of housing options at the research station. Generally, the interns will live at the research station in shared dorm rooms with bathrooms down the hall. There is a lounge area where lectures are delivered and a small library with reference material. If you prefer to spend some of your time in a permanent tent camp, that can be arranged, too. All meals are prepared on site. Dietary requirements like vegetarian, vegan, or other allergies can be accommodated. There is laundry and wifi near the main camp area.
What’s included?
Round trip transfer of the project from Hoedspruit, meals at the project, housing, all the research, educational, and cultural activities, game drives, bush walks, wifi, laundry, local experts talking with the group, pre-departure support, a field study abroad t-shirt, and logistic support at the Johannesburg airport at your arrival and for your return flight home.
Not Included: International flight, Transfers, International Health and Travel Insurance, and Optional excursions.
How to Finance your internship
Pricing starts at $2,475 for 2 weeks.
Most universities have a wide range of scholarships for study abroad. You can check with your university to see which scholarships they offer. You should visit your study abroad/global engagement office and your department. Your department may have travel funds available to assist with airfare or other program-related expenses.
If you need academic credit, we will work with your university advisor or study abroad office. Generally, this internship will satisfy any field course or experiential learning requirement you might have. There is also an option to take a course through Michigan State University for credit.
You will also receive a certificate of completion from Field Study Abroad and post-trip resume help.
What did previous interns say?
“No amount of money could ever pay for the experience and newfound perspective I gained, nor the confidence I found in myself and my career path. If you are like me and want to know if zoology is truly the field for you, going on The Big 5 Conservation Internship is a perfect way to figure that out”
- Ethan W., Psychology, Michigan State -
“I loved traveling out of the country independently as it helped build my confidence. When I arrived, the scenery was absolutely beautiful. I learned about animals and their importance to the local environment, as well as the impact of plants and trees. This impacted me greatly as it was a new learning experience for me, and the people involved were amazing. I’m already planning to go back.”
- Jake Bowman, Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech University -
“This trip was one of the greatest experiences of my entire life, and I am thrilled with what I got out of it. I feel more confident in my ability to solve real-world problems. It is as though I’ve stepped into the life of the people I grew up admiring. I’ve been instilled with a newfound love and appreciation for how diverse and beautiful the world is, as well as how nature can connect people together from anywhere.”
- Giovanni D., Michigan State, Fisheries and Wildlife -
Research Methods:
Research Areas:
