SRUC Student life | Study abroad

Expand your learning and your horizons

Our annual study trips are designed to complement SRUC’s practical, hands-on approach to learning, allowing you to engage directly with agricultural, environmental, and rural industries in diverse global contexts.

Aligned with SRUC’s course programmes but open to all, these study trips offer the opportunity to enhance your subject knowledge, insight, and skills while fostering important skills that go beyond the classroom. You'll make incredible memories, learn valuable skills, and instantly become more connected to the international community at SRUC. Plus by studying abroad, you'll boost your employability after graduation with the international experience, fresh perspectives, and transferable skills that are highly valued by employers across sectors.

4 Current trips available:

South Africa: Shamwari Group Expedition

Trip dates: 7-21 June, 2026
Cost: £2,775 payable in instalments

The Shamwari Group Conservation Experience is a once in a lifetime chance to get behind the scenes and involved with the day-to-day operational conservation efforts of the world renowned Shamwari Game Reserve.

(note that this trip is for further education students only)

To sign up for this trip, you must complete the online booking form by 16 October 2025.

Learn more about the trip using the link below or by contacting lorna.howe@sruc.ac.uk

Full trip details

South Africa: KwaZulu-Natal Conservation Research

Trip dates: 13-25 July, 2026
Cost: £2,655 payable in instalments

Take part in conservation research across both the Nambiti Game Reserve (with its 23,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness and boasting the Big 5 and incredible biodiversity) and Zingela Wildlife Reserve (including a river safari, research, and the opportunity to participate in a host of adventurous activities).

(note that this trip is for further education students only)

To sign up for this trip, you must complete the online booking form by 16 October 2025.

Learn more about the trip using the link below or by contacting lorna.howe@sruc.ac.uk

Full trip details

South Africa: KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife & Community Project

Trip dates: 31 May - 17 June, 2026
Cost: £2,850 payable in instalments (some funding available)

You'll spend 12 nights at the Bonamanzi private game reserve, a Natural Heritage Site and one of the best birding destinations in Southern Africa for a variety of wildlife and community projects plus 3 nights at the beautiful coastal resort of St Lucia Wetlands Park and World Heritage Site to take part in some amazing activities including a hippo and crocodile tour.

(note that this trip is for higher education students only)

To sign up for this trip, you must complete the online booking form by 10 October 2025.

Learn more about the trip using the link below or by contacting lorna.howe@sruc.ac.uk

Full trip details

South Africa: Waterberg Conservation Research Project

Trip dates: 3-17 July, 2026
Cost: £2,415 payable in instalments (some funding available)

Your Waterberg conservation research programme is split between two locations, both in the Limpopo province. You will first spend 9 nights at the SwebeSwebe Game Reserve involved in conservation and research activities before travelling south to the Welgenvoden Game Reserve for 5 nights to participate in research and ecological biomonitoring

(note that this trip is for higher education students only)

To sign up for this trip, you must complete the online booking form by 10 October 2025.

Learn more about the trip using the link below or by contacting lorna.howe@sruc.ac.uk

Full trip details

Past trips

Explore some of the incredible study abroad trips SRUC students have done before

: In the first week of this trip, students lived at the Pacuare Turtle Conservation Project, a remote area only accessible by boat. The students patrolled the beach for sea turtles laying their eggs, helped establish hatcheries, and assisted with beach clearing and maintenance of the site.

In the second week they visited some of the larger national parks, where they learnt about the native species and conservation of their habitat.
: In this trip, students spent their first week in the Nambiti Game reserve where they were taught and worked alongside field guides on a hands-on conservation project. The second week of this trip was spent at the Zingela Nature Reserve where students had the opportunity to be involved with the research that takes place there as well as participate in adventurous activities.
: In the first week of this trip, students lived at a wildlife rescue sanctuary, engaging in structured training, learning about the animals of the Amazon, the challenges faced by habitat destruction and human interference, and techniques used by conservationists in the rehabilitation and release of captive animals. Ecuadorian veterinarians, biologists, and zoologists provided instruction on animal nutrition, behaviour, and monitoring techniques and students applied their newfound knowledge to develop behavioural enrichment structures, carry out monitoring activities, and help feed the animals.

In the second week, students moved to a nearby ecological reserve where researchers trained students in habitat conservation, ecology, and techniques used to monitor and gather data in conservation initiatives.
: The Greater Kruger area is renowned for its wildlife reserves and the iconic Big 5 animals. It also boasts the 3rd largest canyon in the world called the Blyde River Canyon.   

On this trip in the 2023/24 academic year, students learned about the issues facing South African wildlife reserves. They closely monitored the terrain to ensure the optimal environment for endangered animals and helped with removing alien plant species to encourage natural grasses and trees to thrive. They also had the opportunity to learn about rhino poaching, the current situation and the solutions. Students were also taught how to collect data on native species and shown how this is used in conservation efforts.