The day begins with a field-based primate ecology study, either golden monkeys or mountain gorillas, depending on permit availability. Students will record behavioral observations and habitat features while analyzing species interactions, niche adaptation, and human impact. An afternoon workshop on forest buffer zones explores strategies for reducing conflict and preserving biodiversity, especially in areas where human activity meets critical wildlife corridors. Evening discussions will delve into research ethics, data accuracy, and how science informs conservation policy.

Through a guided volcanic hike on Mount Bisoke or Muhabura, students will explore how the region’s geology shapes ecosystems. They will conduct soil sampling, vegetation profiling, and erosion assessments, linking earth sciences with ecological resilience. Guides will explain crater formation, lava flow patterns, and tectonic shifts, providing insight into how such processes have contributed to biodiversity and endemism in the Albertine Rift. Evening reflection sessions will synthesize field observations with broader questions on evolution and adaptation.

Students will immerse in the social dimensions of conservation through field visits to women-led cooperatives and local eco-tourism initiatives. Interviews and participatory observation will help analyze how conservation supports livelihoods through sustainable enterprise. A case study on Rwanda’s Tourism Revenue Sharing model will examine how policy translates into local benefit. The day closes with an optional cultural experience, traditional music and storytelling that reveal the intangible heritage linked to land and wildlife.

A visit to Rugezi Wetland or Musanze Caves introduces ecosystem services from carbon sequestration to water regulation. Students will conduct water sampling, map vegetation zones, and assess biodiversity indicators. A lecture on Rwanda’s Integrated Natural Resource Management policy will guide understanding of how governance systems aim to balance development and ecological health. Group discussions will challenge students to design practical, science-based solutions for wetland restoration or watershed protection.

At the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Ellen DeGeneres Campus or the Rwanda Development Board offices, students will explore how institutions conduct research, policy planning, and cross-border collaboration. The afternoon is dedicated to student-led presentations synthesizing field data, stakeholder insights, and policy analysis into actionable conservation recommendations. This collaborative activity develops skills in evidence-based argument, public speaking, and constructive peer review. A closing session will help students reflect on the professional pathways opened by their experience.

During the return to Kigali, students engage in a structured debrief to consolidate lessons learned and identify questions for further research. A stop at Nyandungu Eco Park or Inema Arts Center offers a glimpse into urban sustainability and how green spaces contribute to environmental education in city settings. The program concludes with drop-offs at Kigali International Airport or university campuses, sending students home with field experience, analytical tools, and renewed purpose.