The program takes place in South Africa and is designed for students and other people who are interested from all over the world! Outline
‘Into the Wild’ is an experiential two weeks intensive course in nature conservation with the focus on experiential learning methods. Our Into the Wild course offers the opportunity to acquire a profound knowledge of a global conservation plan. This course take
s a look behind the scenes of ecological, economical and social problems which our planet suffers from every day. It takes the course delegates directly to the source of these problems which are representative of ecological, economical and social conflicts. Elephants, as the ambassadors of wild, will be the companions of this course although the program will also focus on the consequences of man's influence on the environment. The course starts and ends in “Gondwana Game Reserve”, where the course delegates have the chance to meet Africa's wildlife and live in the pure wilderness. Thereby, the course members are given the opportunity to learn about the the reality of wildlife management and get to know a variety of nature conservation projects and strategies. In addition, the students gain an insight into the way of how behavioral research is done in practise, how to survive in the wild and they explore the unique Fynbos vegetation. The group gets in touch with applied ideas of sustainability by meeting different experts in this field. Having a traditional South African Braai these issues can be discussed in the evenings. To explore the area the course members do hikes and sometimes sleep outside. Additionally, the course delegates become acquainted with the South African so called “Big Five”. During the entire trip we will be exposed to a variety of conservation issues, challenges and principles. These will range from the ban on trade in ivory and rhino horn to culling as a conservation management technique. Course delegates will spend time with researchers conducting research in a National Park and in several private game reserves. The delegates will experience the role of scientists and wildlife managers in these research projects and the nature of their involvement. Further on the group of participants will get a deep insight in animal cognition by doing field research with elephants, which gives them the opportunity to work and live amongst elephants and other wildlife. On the other hand the program is focussing on the economical importance in conservation issues. Around bushfires where everyone will be able to air their views on many of these controversial topics and by dint of diverse role plays subject matters will be transmitted.
