The Bushveld as Canvas: Art and Symbiotic Relationships in South Africa

About this Travel Course

Course Description

This immersive interdisciplinary RISD Global Summer Studies course is for art and design students interested in studying symbiotic relationships in the Lowveld Bushveld ecosystem of South Africa as inspiration for their creative practice. Taught by conservationist, educator, writer, and veterinarian Dr. Lucy Spelman, a senior lecturer in History, Philosophy, and the Social Sciences, this course gives students the opportunity on location to create/make new works of art, design, and writing informed and inspired by their understanding of the many deep connections within nature and their conservation value.

Eligibility

RISD Students

If your current cumulative GPA is 2.5 or above, you are eligible for registration. If your current cumulative GPA is lower than 2.5, you must first contact the Registrar at registrar@risd.edu to seek exception to this academic policy.

Non-RISD Participants

If you are a college student currently enrolled in another art and design college or institution around the world you are eligible for registration. We will collect a recommendation and support form from your institution within the application.

In order to register for RISD Global Summer Studies, you are expected to have a high level of English (speech, writing, and comprehension) as all coursework and critique is delivered in English, and your current cumulative GPA must be 2.5 or above.

Attendance Policy

Global Summer Studies are three weeks long and take place in June and July. You are required to attend all program activities scheduled during the travel course. RISD Global Summer Studies comply with RISD class attendance policy. In case of unexcused or multiple absences, you may be removed from the course, given a grade of “W" (withdrawal) or a grade of “F” (fail).

Withdrawal Policy

Requesting to withdraw from a RISD off-campus global learning program, including RISD Global Summer Studies, prior to the start of the course is highly discouraged and requires a formal process outlined in the RISD course withdrawal policy. It is not possible for a student to drop a RISD Global Summer Studies travel course via the standard Add/Drop process after it has commenced. In the case of unforeseen and extenuating circumstances (and only after students have spoken with the faculty lead and RISD Global for approval to withdraw from the program), students should be aware that no refund will be issued.

More Info

Passports + Visas

Apply for/Renew your Passport

You will require a valid passport that should not expire within 6 months of the return date from your travel course. Additional requirements may apply.
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U.S. citizens – Check the Department of State website for application/renewal guidance.
Citizens of all other countries – Check your consulate/embassy’s website for renewal guidance. If you have an I-20 form, you must also ensure that you get it signed for travel by a member of the International Student and Scholar Affairs (ISSA) before departing the United States. If you are a Permanent Resident you should carry your green card together with your passport.

Research Visa Requirements

Be sure to research any visa requirements based on your course destination and passport. It is your responsibility to determine if a visa is required based on your nationality and to take the necessary steps to secure one. You need to research the destination(s) of the Global Summer Studies course(s) you are interested in and should not apply to a course in which you may not be able to obtain the necessary visa(s) associated. Assessing the visa application process, feasibility of receiving a visa, and obtaining a visa is your responsibility. You should research visa requirements well in advance, as processing times and documentation may vary depending on your passport and destination country. If you choose to apply for a course where you are not eligible to secure a visa, please note that no refunds will be issued for any course related costs. 

Enrollment + Cancellation

In order to reserve a seat, a non-refundable deposit of $500 is required at the time of application submittal. Students will submit full payment for the course when all seats are occupied but no later than March 23, 2026. Students that fail to make full payment by their deadline will forfeit their $500 deposit and their seat in the course.

All RISD students and full degree seeking students enrolled at other schools or universities are required to remain in good academic standing in order to participate in Global Summer Studies. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for all participants. Failure to remain in good academic standing can lead to removal from the course, either before or during the course.

In cases where summer travel courses do not reach full capacity, the course may be canceled after the last day of registration. As such, all students are advised not to purchase flights for participation in Global Summer Studies courses until the course is confirmed by RISD Global.