Uganda
- Spring
Program dates and itinerary are tentative and subject to change
This program is associated with ISU's Center for Sustainable Livelihoods (CSRL) collaboration with the University of Cumbria and Makerere University in the Innovation for Conservation (ICON) program, whose objective is to improve human well-being and conservation by mitigating human-wildlife conflict in and around Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda. This study abroad program is designed to provide students interested in human-wildlife coexistence and biodiversity conservation with a unique opportunity to experience and learn about challenges associated with human-wildlife coexistence and biodiversity conservation firsthand and from the perspectives of wildlife managers and local community members.
While in Uganda, students will view the wildlife of the national park, meet with representatives of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) who manage the park, and meet with local community members who live adjacent to the park. Students will provide service to the park guided by UWA staff and ICON staff who work in the park. Students will provide service to the community by assisting with activities at two elementary schools under the guidance of Iowa State University Uganda Program (ISU UP) staff who currently work with the schools.
Students will prepare for the program during the first half of the spring semester in NREM 4960. In this course, students will receive an introduction to the country of Uganda; information about the history, biodiversity, and conflicts associated with Murchison Falls National Park; and the ICON program's efforts to mitigate wildlife conflict to promote biodiversity conservation and human well-being. Students will be prepared for the activities they will engage in while in Uganda.
3 credits of NREM 4960 during spring 2026 semester
This program is being offered for the first time in 2026. It is tentatively scheduled to run again in spring 2027.
Important Note Regarding Missing Classes
Please note that participation on some travel courses require you to be away from campus for some school days. The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences tries to minimize the number of days missed for this purpose, but in some events, the inflexibility of the travel schedule prevents us from working completely within our breaks. Should you choose to enroll in a travel course that requires missing some class(es) on campus, you will need to contact your instructor directly to inquire whether or not arrangements can be made to make up this class work and/or exams. The CALS Study Abroad office can provide you with a letter explaining the dates of the trip. However, it is your responsibility to contact the instructor to determine the potential impact on your grade before signing up for a Study Abroad program. The instructor is responsible for determining the impact of any absence from class.