Overview
Click to OpenWith an array of courses in African languages, biological and environmental sciences, business, education, engineering, media studies, and more, Gaborone – or Gab as it’s locally known – is a fantastic place to advance your academics and connect with the people of Botswana. Take courses, in English, at CIEE’s partner school, University of Botswana, as well as at CIEE Gaborone. You can also choose a for-credit internship at a local business or make a real difference by volunteering at a local organization. All courses are complemented with CIEE co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.
Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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ENJOY LIFE AS A VILLAGER
and be exposed to different socio-economic space in modern day Botswana during a three-day stay in rural Botswana
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EXPLORE A WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
with 30 animal species and more than 230 species of birds
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PRACTICE SETSWANA
while you lead a research or community project that’s close to your heart
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miles from the South African border
9.3 -
of Botswana’s population living in Gaborone
10% -
elephants roam Chobe National Park
12K
Location & Culture
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Your Destination
Run by multiparty democracy, Botswana is one of Africa’s most stable countries. Most of its people belong to a single ethnic group, the Tswana, and the country is well known for its rich biodiversity and diverse landscapes. The capital Gaborone is one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, located in the south, close to the South African border. Gaborone hosts the headquarters of the 14-nation Southern African Development Community, which focuses on regional development, economic growth, and poverty relief.
The Culture
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Meet students by joining a campus sports team or student group, such as the Human Rights Organization, or Students Against HIV/AIDS.
- Expand your view of Africa with local and regional excursions to places like the National Museum, and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary.
- Discover Botswana’s rich history and biodiversity with excursions to Bahurutshe Cultural Village and Mokolodi Game Reserve.
PROJECTS
Volunteering. Make a tangible difference by donating time and energy at an environmental organization, orphanage, hospice group, soup kitchen, game reserve, or women’s shelter.
Internships. Get experience for life after college with an internship at a community-based organization such as the Mokolodi Nature Reserve, Project Concern International, Nkaikela Youth Group, or a local business.
Program Blogs
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Daily Life
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HOUSING
Homestays: Maximize immersion by staying with a carefully-selected host family in greater Gaborone.
Residence Halls: Students can also live on campus in a university residence hall, sharing double rooms with local undergraduate students. Halls have shared bathrooms.
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MEALS
Homestays: Host families provide breakfast and dinner during the week and all meals on weekends.
Residence Halls: Students are responsible for all meals. There are dining halls on campus, as well as local restaurants and cafés.
Gaborone, Botswana Where You'll Study
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A
CIEE GABORONE
Gaborone
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UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA
Gaborone
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
This program invites students of all majors to earn credits toward their degree with cutting-edge courses at University of Botswana and CIEE Gaborone. In addition, students volunteer and participate in unique excursions designed to immerse themselves in the community. Together, these pieces give students a solid understanding of contemporary Botswana culture and its role in Southern Africa. A typical course load is five classes a semester. Students choose courses from a range of options and must include one that focuses on Botswana or Southern Africa.
University of Botswana was established in 1982 with the goal of improving economic and social conditions for the nation. With 15,000 students and a staff of more than 2,000, the university is committed to academic freedom and integrity, cultural authenticity, and internationalism. The University of Botswana offers state-of-the-art facilities including a newly built medical school and sports facilities open to all students. Expect for the CIEE Language and Culture Practicum, all courses are taught by University of Botswana’s faculty.
CIEE Gaborone is located in an ultra-modern building on the University of Botswana campus, and features faculty offices, classrooms, and computer labs.
GPA
2.75
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
Program Requirements
Five classes from the University of Botswana and/or CIEE electives
Program Credit
Total credit: 15-17 U.S. semester/22.5-25.5 quarter credits
Course Credit
- CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
- CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours
- University of Botswana courses: 2-4 U.S. semester/3-6 quarter credits; 30-60 contact hours
Academic Culture
The educational system is different, and students notice striking differences. Following the British model, this system offers less structure and asks students to take greater responsibility and initiative. Professors expect a great deal of individual study. Students are expected to take a full program of courses and complete all prescribed assignments and exams. Learning by rote is common. Professors read from notes or books, expecting students to copy their recitations word for word. Most professors are eager to give extra help during office hours.
Class Format
University classes involve a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, and laboratories. Lectures may include up to 100 students. Tutorials and seminars range from 15 to 25 students.
Grading
Most courses at the University of Botswana use a continuous assessment model that includes written assignments, projects, research exercises, essays, and written and oral exams. Assessment is done with percentage scale, letter grade (A-F), and grade point.
Language of Instruction
English
Courses
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Host Institution Courses
Click to OpenUNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA COURSES
Students may select from a variety of courses. This is a sample list of courses offered:
African Languages and Literature
Politics and Southern African Poetry
Epic Performance in Africa
Popular Culture in Africa
Women’s Literature in Botswana
The Perception and Transcription of African Language Sounds
Studies in African Aesthetics
Business and Economics
Development Economics
Economics of Botswana and Southern Africa
Econometrics I
Environmental Economics
Industrial Relations
Development Problems and Policy
Education
Rural Development and Rural Extension
Engineering and Technology
Design for Sustainability
Design Fundamentals
Engineering Mathematics I
Engineering Materials
English
Botswana Literature
Currents of Thought in the Literature of the African Diaspora: African-American Literature
Gender Issues in African Literature
Environmental Health and Environmental Science
Environment and Disease
Urbanization and Environment
Energy and Environment
Rural Development Theory and Practice
Ecotourism
History
African Cultures and Civilization
African Diaspora in the Islamic World and Asia
Historiography of Botswana
Trade and Politics in Central African Kingdoms
Media Studies
Media in Botswana
Current Issues in African Media
Economics and Social Issues in PR and Advertising
Media Law
Basics of TV Production
Introduction to PR and Advertising
Political Science and Administrative Studies
Africa in World Politics
Politics in Botswana
Politics of South Africa
Botswana in the Region Context
Science
Applications of Thermodynamic and Electrochemistry
Dynamics of Savanna Ecosystems
Regional Geology of Southern Africa
Parasitology for Health Sciences
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Biology of Flowering Plants
Chemical Informatics
General Geology
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
Scholarships
Click to OpenScholarships & Grants
CIEE offers more than $8 million in scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.
See more scholarship infoDates & Fees
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You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
What's Included
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Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Basetsana Maposa
Director
Basetsana Maposa has extensive experience working in health, youth leadership, human rights, and educational development.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! -
2
CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. -
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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