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African Exploration: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia

Dates: 14 May–16 June 2026 (approx.)
Priority Deadline: 1 November 2025
Application Deadline: 31 January 2026

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience and take in the splendor of southern Africa, from the peak of Cape Town’s Table Mountain to the red sands of the Namib Desert. Experience the best wildlife areas on the African continent and stand on the edge of the “Smoke that Thunders.” the mighty Victoria Falls. Wake up to the roar of lions and relax next to the waterhole as lion, leopard, black rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo stroll in to quench their thirst. Visit one of the world’s greatest botanical gardens and learn about medicinal plants from a traditional healer. Spend a day with the Khoisan people and learn about their intimate knowledge and relationship with the natural world. Discover how infectious diseases impact life in southern Africa. Come with us, fill your soul, and let your heart beat to the pulse of Africa as you make the world your campus!

“Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you . . . of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth . . . things which are abroad . . . and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—that ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.” (D&C 88:78–80)

Click here to apply today!

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Contact Us

Brad Geary
(801) 422-2369
brad_geary@byu.edu

Don Breakwell
(801) 422-2378
don_breakwell@byu.edu

PDF

Program Flyer

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
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More Information

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Courses

Participants will have the opportunity to enroll in 6 credits using the following courses:

PWS 150—Environmental Biology (3 credit hours; Arts, Letters and Sciences—Biological Sciences General Education)
PWS 101—Cultural History of Medicinal Plants (3 credit hours; Global and Cultural Awareness General Education)
MMBIO 551R—Current Topics in Microbiology and Molecular Biology (1–2 credit hours; Infectious diseases of Southern Africa)
PWS 494R—Biogeography, Ecology, and Natural History of Southern Africa (1–3 credit hours)

Students may not take any other courses on this program, including BYU Online courses, without approval by the program director and ISP.
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Cost

$9,500–10,000

Includes Latter-day Saint undergraduate full tuition (increased cost for graduate and non–Latter-day Saint students), accommodation, most meals, professional guides, transportation in Africa, entry fees, and international health insurance coverage.

Does not include airfare to and from the program, preparation course tuition, some meals, or personal expenses.
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Funding Sources

Regular BYU tuition scholarships, Pell Grants, and Federal Insured Student Loans may be applied to study abroad programs.

Students who submit the financial aid section of the ISP application and who have a current FAFSA form on file at the Financial Aid Office (A-41 ASB) will be considered for a Study Abroad scholarship.

Academic departments and colleges may assist with scholarships and grants.

Private grants and scholarships outside of BYU may also assist (see kennedy.byu.edu/scholarships).
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Preparation

Accepted students are required to participate in an international cross-cultural preparation course (IAS 369R, 1 credit hour).

Students must meet all country- and program-specific COVID and health requirements for travel.

International study programs are physically, emotionally, and mentally taxing and you must be in good health to participate. These programs often take place in international locations that do not have the same level of safety and services in terms of transportation, living conditions, residential accommodations, food, public behavior, and policing that you may be used to on campus. If you have further questions or concerns on this, please see our travel policy.
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Housing

The group will stay in mid-range accommodations and safari lodges. Students will have Internet access, laundry, and other amenities at each location. All the housing will be safe and has been arranged by two local tour operators.
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Travel

Students are responsible for purchasing their own airfare to and from the program sites. Airline reservations must be made through BYU Travel. Students should contact a BYU Travel agent.

BYU Travel
280 HRCB
(801) 422-6293
travel@byu.edu
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Application Process

Applicants should note that this program is highly competitive. It is strongly suggested that applicants prepare to apply to an alternative program.

Students must be 18 years of age or older to participate.

Complete the online application here. A nonrefundable $35 application fee is required; applicants will be interviewed once the application is complete.

Students will be notified via e-mail of their acceptance into the program. The first payment is due upon acceptance; please refer to the Payment Information page.

Priority Deadline: 1 November 2025
Final Deadline: 31 January 2026
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Program Adjustments

International Study Programs (ISP) reserves the right to cancel this program, revise its offerings, or make any adjustments to the preliminary cost estimates due to conditions beyond its control.

If it becomes necessary for ISP to cancel a program, all program payments made to BYU ISP will be refunded to the student’s BYU Financial account.

ISP is the only office authorized to cancel any of its programs.
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Faculty

Dr. Brad Geary
(801) 422-2369
brad_geary@byu.edu

Dr. Don Breakwell
(801) 422-2378
don_breakwell@byu.edu
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Contact Us

International Study Programs
101 HRCB
(801) 422-3686
isp@byu.edu
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ISP Student Handbook

To see the student handbook,click here.
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Payment Schedule

To see the payment schedule, click here.