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Is this program right for you?

The Arts and Sciences study abroad program in Gaborone, Botswana at the CIEE Study Center at the University of Botswana offers students from a wide range of academic disciplines the opportunity to live and study in Botswana, learning firsthand about the country and its people, while pursuing an intensive curriculum in classes with local students. Through courses at the university and a variety of community engagement and field-based research opportunities, participants will explore Botswana and learn about its important role in the Southern African region.

Program Snapshot

  • Choose from direct enrollment courses in social sciences, natural sciences, humanities, and engineering and technology
  • Enhance your learning through a language and culture practicum to build a bridge between language and experiential learning
  • Participate in a weeklong rural homestay to get an understanding of the interaction between traditional and modern issues in Botswana today
  • Learn about Botswana’s rich history and biodiversity through excursions to the Gaborone Game Reserve, National Museum, and the Okavango Delta

Subject Areas

  • African Languages
  • African Literature
  • Biological Sciences
  • Business
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Environmental Health and Science
  • History
  • Internship
  • Literature
  • Media Studies
  • Political Science
  • Public Health
  • Science
  • Setswana Language
  • Technology and Design

About Gaborone

Botswana is one of Africa’s most stable countries, and a multiparty democracy. It is unusual in that the majority of its population is from a single ethnic group, the Tswana. Gaborone, its capital and one of Africa’s fastest growing cities, lies in southeastern Botswana, close to the border of South Africa. In addition to the main campus of the University of Botswana, Gaborone also hosts the headquarters of the 14-nation Southern African Development Community, which focuses on regional development, economic growth, and poverty alleviation.

Where You'll Study

University of Botswana

Established in 1982, the University of Botswana has a student population of 15,000 and a staff of over 2,000. The University’s vision is to be a leading center of academic excellence in Africa and the world; its mission is to improve economic and social conditions for the Nation, while advancing itself as a distinctively African university with a regional and international outlook. The University is committed to its students, to academic freedom and integrity, to cultural authenticity, and to internationalism.

Thoughts From Abroad

Botswana is Africa’s shining example of a stable and peaceful democracy. It is one of the few African countries that enjoys scheduled popular elections and a democratic, multiparty government. The Botswana culture has evolved in response to urbanization, westernization, modernization, and globalization. The evolution of Setswana culture, however, has posed a number of challenges to locals and foreigners alike. It is very interesting to see how Batswana are balancing tradition and modernity in a rapidly changing environment. Gaborone (pop.250,000) is one of the fastest growing cities in the world, as well as the hub of commercial activities in the country. It is here that students are exposed to a higher socio-economic stratum.

Botswana has also been “crowned” the jewel of Africa in as far as tourism is concerned. The country boasts some of the region’s major tourist attractions, including its well-preserved and managed national parks, the Okavango Delta, and the majestic Kalahari Desert. Beneath the surface, however, tourism presents a set of complex challenges that provide a great learning opportunity for our students. Does Botswana need to increase acreage of grazing lands for wild animals or that of cattle? How do the competing needs for economic growth through prospecting for diamonds stand in conflict with the needs of the First Peoples and/or tourism? As students explore these and other related issues, the complexity becomes evident, thus providing a rich field of study and research.

— Batsirai Chidzodzo, Resident Director

Staff Bios

Batsirai Chidzodzo received his B.A. from the University of Zimbabwe and holds a Diploma in Personnel Management from the Institute of Personnel Management of Zimbabwe. He recently completed an M.B.A. at De Montfort University, where he was recognized for his thesis focusing on the flight of intellectual capital from Zimbabwe. A native of Zimbabwe, Batsirai has spent more than ten years working with U.S. study abroad programs in Zimbabwe and Botswana. Batsirai’s research interests include the history and politics of Southern Africa in relation to global political history. The CIEE Study Center team also includes a Program Assistant as well as several local Student Assistants.

Recommended Credit

semester: 15-17 semester/22.5-25.5 quarter hours
academic year: 30-34 semester/45-51 quarter hours

Eligibility Requirements

  • Overall GPA 2.75

Program Dates

Fall 20117/25/2011 - 12/3/2011
Academic Year 2011-127/25/2011 - 5/10/2012
Spring 20121/3/2012 - 5/10/2012
Fall 20127/23/2012 - 12/8/2012
Academic Year 2012-137/23/2012 - 5/18/2013
Spring 2013Available: 9/15/2012

Important! Students should not purchase plane tickets based on these dates. Please check with your Study Abroad Professional regarding travel plans.

Application Deadlines

Fall 20114/1/2011
Academic Year 2011-124/1/2011
Spring 201211/1/2011
Fall 20124/1/2012
Academic Year 2012-134/1/2012
Spring 2013TBA

Click here to check for deadline extensions.

Duration

Fall 201118 weeks:

late July - early December
Academic Year 2011-1239 weeks:

late July - early May
Spring 201218 weeks:

early January - early May
Fall 201218 weeks:

late July - early December
Academic Year 2012-1339 weeks:

late July - early May
Spring 201318 weeks:

early January - early May

CIEE Costs

CIEE program fees, inclusions, and estimated additional costs, are outlined below. Please note that CIEE reserves the right to adjust its fees in the event of significant change in exchange rates or other factors beyond its control. The actual cost of the programs may vary slightly for students from different institutions.

For comprehensive fee breakdowns and estimated additional costs, click the costs below. Please note that comprehensive fee breakdowns are available in early January for summer and fall programs and mid-August for spring programs.

  • Fall 2011 $12,100
    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, cultural activities, field trips, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits. *Students placed in homestays have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee. No meals are included in the residence option.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Housing*$1,300
    Medical Insurance$77
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$10,723
    Total$12,100

    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, cultural activities, field trips, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits. *Students placed in homestays have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee. No meals are included in the residence option.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$2,200
    Personal Expenses$1,800
    Meals (residence option)**$1,200
    Books and Supplies$200
    Local Transportation$150
    Total$5,550

    **Homestay students need to budget for lunches, estimated at $400.


  • Academic Year 2011-12 $23,000
    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, cultural activities, field trips, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits. *Students placed in homestays have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee. No meals are included in the residence option.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$20,323
    Medical Insurance$77
    Housing*$2,600
    Total$23,000

    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, cultural activities, field trips, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits. *Students placed in homestays have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee. No meals are included in the residence option.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Books and Supplies$400
    Local Transportation$300
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$2,200
    Personal Expenses**$3,600
    Meals (residence option)***$2,400
    Total$8,900

    **Academic year students are responsible for housing and meals during the break between semesters. These additional expenses are estimated at $550 and are not included in the Estimated Additional Costs listed above.

    ***Homestay students need to budget for lunches during the semester, estimated at $400 per semester.


  • Spring 2012 $12,350
    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, cultural activities, field trips, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits. *Students placed in homestays have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee. No meals are included in the residence option.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Housing*$1,300
    Medical Insurance$102
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students)$10,648
    Participation Confirmation fee (non-refundable)$300
    Total$12,350

    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, cultural activities, field trips, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits. *Students placed in homestays have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee. No meals are included in the residence option.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,650
    Personal Expenses$1,500
    Meals (Residence option)**$1,200
    Books and Supplies$250
    Local Transportation$150
    Total$4,750

    **Homestay students need to budget for lunches, estimated at $400.


  • Fall 2012 $12,350
    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, cultural activities, field trips, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits. *Students placed in homestays have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee. No meals are included in the residence option.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Housing*$1,300
    Medical Insurance$102
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students)$10,648
    Participation Confirmation fee (non-refundable)$300
    Total$12,350

    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, cultural activities, field trips, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits. *Students placed in homestays have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee. No meals are included in the residence option.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,750
    Personal Expenses$1,500
    Meals (residence option)**$1,200
    Books and Supplies$250
    Local Transportation$150
    Total$4,850

    **Homestay students only need to budget for lunches, estimated at $400.


  • Academic Year 2012-13 $23,500
    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, cultural activities, field trips, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits. *Students placed in homestays have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee. No meals are included in the residence option.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Participation Confirmation fee (non-refundable)$300
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students)$20,498
    Medical Insurance$102
    Housing*$2,600
    Total$23,500

    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, orientation, cultural activities, field trips, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits. *Students placed in homestays have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee. No meals are included in the residence option.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Books and Supplies$500
    Local Transportation$300
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,750
    Personal Expenses**$3,000
    Meals (residence option)***$2,400
    Total$7,950

    **Academic year students are responsible for housing and meals during the break between semesters.  These additional expenses are estimated at $550 and are not included in the Estimated Additional Costs listed above.

    ***Homestay students need to budget for lunches during the semester, estimated at $400 per semester.


  • Spring 2013 Available 8/15/2012

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Available 8/15/2012



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Available 8/15/2012


Scholarship Information

For a complete list of scholarships available, please vist our Scholarships section.