UAlberta Southern African Field School

The Southern African Field School (SAFS) is a University of Alberta study abroad program providing world class field education in Swaziland, South Africa and Mozambique for undergraduate students interested in African Ecology, Marine Ecology and Directed Research.

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Welcome to Swaziland 

Our students arrived at Lidwala Lodge, in Ezulwini valley in Swaziland on Sunday, January 10. On Monday, our students had their orientation. After completing the orientation, many of students took advantage of the beautiful and idyllic location to hike Sheba’s breast.  Sheba’s breast are two distinctive peaks that are visible from Mbabane and Ezulwini Valley. The hiking trail to the top of the peak starts from Lidwala Lodge, where are students are accommodated for their first week in Swaziland. The peaks got their name from the legendary Queen of Sheba from Ethiopia. From the top of the mountain you can see Milwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Students have the option of visiting Milwane on their upcoming free weekend to see zebras, hippos, warthogs, and impalas up close. 

Talking to fourth year student Spencer Balay he says; “The first few days in Africa have been amazing. I don't think I have ever learned this much about so many different people and myself in such a short amount of time. Swaziland’s motto is “Sharing is caring”, and I couldn't be happier to share this incredible experience with the people here”

Photos contributed by Spencer Balay

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Meet and Greet-SAFS alumni and future students; great time sharing stories #ualberta #studyabroad #africa #ualbertasafs (at Garneau Pub)

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Intercultural training session hosted by Tanzanian writer Tololwa Mollel for the Winter 2016 SAFS group #africa #studyabroad #ualberta #crosscultures (at University of Alberta)

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Photo: Tracey Barrett

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Lions’ playtime in Kruger national park, South Africa | image source: the guardian

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Wow, look at these amazing images of Lions playing in Kruger National Park. All of our students get to go on a 5 day safari to Kruger National Park at the end of Module 1

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Lion cub metro at Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa by milkyway9

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Boulders Bay - South Africa (by Matthew)

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A trip to Boulders Bay, when you are living in Cape Town is always worth the visit. 

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Kruger National Park, South Africa (by Mario Moreno)

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Mliliwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Swaziland

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Come visit us at CCIS today for more information about studying in Africa with SAFS. #africa #studyabroad #ualbertasafs #ualbertagoabroad #ualberta #ualbertascience (at University of Alberta)

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Happy World Tourism Day! (27th September).

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Happy World Tourism Day #WTD2015

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Come visit us at the #goabroad fair at #ualberta to learn more about the southern African Field School #ualbertagoabroad #ualbertasafs #studyabroad #africa (at University of Alberta)

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Welcome to Africa

This video tribute is to the SAFS Summer 2015 class, you were the first to come on this magnificent journey with us and explore Southern Africa. This song is written by Randal Arsenault (aka Dr. Zoo), the director and lead instructor of SAFS, who is a world musician in his free time. 

In the song you will hear “Sawubona”which means “hello’ and “Unjani” which mean “how are you”. On the first day of class Dr. Arsenault got out his guitar and got all of the students singing along, after that point I don't think anyone forgot the local Swazi greeting!

 Have a look at some of the wonderful memories from Summer 2015.  

If you like the song you can download on iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/act-3-africa-welcome-to-africa/id206500396?i=206500496

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Rise and shine!

GORONGOSA PARK: REBIRTH OF PARADISE premieres tonight (9/22) at 8/7c.

Learn more.

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Learn more about Module 3: One Health in Cape Town. In this three week module students stay in Hout Bay and have the opportunity to do community outreach through Community Service Learning while completing BIOL 495 Zoonotic Disease in Africa. 

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The hums contradict a common belief that giraffes’ long necks could preclude them being able to vocalize.