Field Work

We have started the field component of our Study Abroad Program. We have been learning how to identify trees, take structural measurements of trees and shrubs in three dimensions, estimate ground cover percentages, and take canopy cover readings. These measurements are used for the ongoing scientific analysis of savanna functioning.

Emma and McKenna taking structural measurements.

Sam taking the World by the [t]horns.

Katie, Kevin and Mustafa measuring small shrubs.

Alex and Mary working as a team.

Mustafa and Carolyn on today's plot with Thoralf.

Student Introductions II

"Seasoned" Sam

Dumelang! (Hello!) My name is Sam Lewis and I am a senior studying Geology and Geography at the University of Texas. I am currently in Ghanzi, Botswana participating in a one of a kind study abroad experience. The chance to spend time with Dr. Kelley Crews and Dr. Thoralf Meyer and learn from them in the amazing country of Botswana is genuinely an experience that I expect to hold near and dear for years to come. I am so grateful to my family and friends for being supportive of me and my adventures, especially my father and brother who are watching my kitty. Thanks Mark (happy belated birthday!), give Ashe a good rub for me. Also I would like to thank the Bernard and Audre Rapoport endowment for International and Multidisciplinary Studies for their generous financial support which helped me over the funding hurdle. These six weeks, for me, will be spent studying the social and environmental effects of climate change. I hope to use this experience to not only give me another line on my C.V., but to further spread my personal perceptions and allow me to continue along a path to help us better manage the resources afforded to us by our amazing planet. Salang sentle (good bye), until we meet again!

"Kickass" Katie

Dumelang (Hello)! My name is Katie Gibbon and I am a senior at UT majoring in Geography. I want to join Professors Crews and Meyer in Botswana to learn more about sustainability and climate change. I am looking forward to seeing tlou (elephants) and pitsi ya naga (zebra) in their natural habitats while in Maun and Ghanzi. Back in Austin, I enjoy catching shows at Cap City, checking out art galleries, and hiking. Thank you to my family, the Rapoport Endowment, COLA, and the Terry Foundation for providing the means for me to travel to Botswana. Salang sentle (goodbye)!

"Embraceable" Elizabeth

Elizabeth Conlon is about to start her third year as an environmental science major at UT. She spends her time doing research in caves and working on a farm. When she isn’t working or studying, she nice hammock naps and petting dogs. After graduation, she plans to continue her education in grad school or take a year off to do trailwork in Washington. She would like to thank her family and the Bernard & Audre Rapoport Endowment for their support.

"Majestic" Mariana

Dumela, leina lame ke Mariana Velazquez! I am a third year geography and environmental science major in the geology track. I wanted to be a part of this study abroad program because I wanted to learn more about conducting research and getting field work experience. Since I’ve been thinking about going into academia after I graduate, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to gain some insight into a field that interests me. I also want to thank my parents for supporting my dreams and making them possible, as well as Audre Rapoport and the International Office for the scholarships I received!

Student Introductions

Each student would like to introduce themselves and thank the people that made their Study Abroad trip possible. Each student also picked an adjective/nickname with the same first letter as their name. First up is Alex and Kevin:

"Active" Alex

Dumela, leina lame ke Alex. I am a fourth year economics and international relations and global studies major with a focus on science technology and the environment.

Ever since I found out about the Study Abroad program in Botswana 3 years ago I have wanted to go. I knew that having the opportunity to travel and learn in Botswana would be an incredible experience. I am finally here in beautiful Botswana and I am so excited for all of the invaluable experiences, memories and friends I will gain. I know that everything I learn on this Study Abroad will provide lifelong memories. I am also hoping the work I do in Botswana will help guide me in possible future endeavors.

Thank you so much to my family, especially my parents, for making this Study Abroad dream a reality. Y’all have done so much for me and I appreciate everything. Thanks and love y’all!

"Kudu" Kevin

Hi there, my name is Kevin Strybos and I’m a geography student at the University of Texas at Austin with a focus on Geographic Information Systems (GIS). After graduation, I aim to work in regional planning utilizing the GIS and computer science skills I learned in school. I am studying in Botswana this summer to improve my data gathering skills and to learn more about savanna ecosystems. I’d like to thank the Audre Rapoport Foundation for the scholarship granted to me, all of my siblings, my Aunt Nancy and Uncle Dean, both of my grandparents and especially my parents who have paid for my medical expenses and have provided other resources; I love and appreciate all of you so much.

Setswana Lessons

Dumelang, gompieko re ne re thutiwa Setswana! (Hello everyone, today we learned Setswana!). Tefo Setilo is currently enrolled in the Okavango International School in the 9th grade and is here with us for a few days to teach us Setswana, which is the most spoken language in Botswana. We all learned greetings, animals, numbers, verbs and useful phrases. 

Tefo in action.

Everyone listening carefully.

"Wait.. how do you say that again?"

Re tla go bona kgantele (until next time). 

Video!!

Here is a short video of us leaving Okavango River Lodge as we left Maun for Thakadu Game Farm.

Produced by consultant videographer, Emree Weaver.

We made it to Camp!

Yesterday, we drove down to our base camp in Ghanzi from Maun which is about a six hour drive in our safari vehicles. We will be staying here at Thakadu Game Farm in tents for the next three and a half weeks where we will be learning about environmental and social dynamics here in Botswana. Everyone had a great time today getting settled in camp while learning about how to stay here in camp and while doing fieldwork.

Group photo with students and faculty.

We also went for a bush walk today as a group here on the game farm, where professor Thoralf introduced the savanna environment.

Thoralf leading the pack through the bush.

Thoralf explaining how vegetation deals with the arid savanna environment.

Heading back to camp.

Tune back in tomorrow to see photos from our Setswana lesson. However, please keep in mind that we are in a remote area so internet is slow and may not work all days. We will try our best to post every few days or so though.

Study Abroad Botswana 2016!

Hello from Botswana! Everyone has arrived safely in Maun, Botswana.

We have been sleeping off jet lag today and will be resting as well tomorrow. The program officially beings on Wednesday, the 25th of May. We have two student phones, which the students will be able to use freely once they get here. You can also call Professor Thoralf or TA Thomas if you cannot get through (in case of emergencies ONLY).

Calling from the US to Botswana: 011 + 267 + phone number

Student Phone 1: 75 05 83 18
Student Phone 2: 75 05 83 16
Thoralf: 72 67 08 36
Thomas: 75 12 65 82 

Cell phone service in Botswana does not work as well as in the United States, so you may have to call a few times to get through. We have also been experiencing power black outs from time to time which also means you might not be able to get through.

We will have a satellite phone ready once the program starts, which will be turned on every night between 7-8 PM (Botswana time, which Texas is currently 7 hours behind). This phone will work in case of power black outs and when we are on safari (where there is no phone service coverage). This phone is for absolute emergencies ONLY.

The satellite phone number: 00881631627587

We are all excited for the program to start and will be posting updates here on the blog every few days or so.

Stay tuned!