Gaborone, Botswana

Community Public Health

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Information for term Community Public Health

Application deadline, and cost information.

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Jul 25 – Nov 25, 2023 (18 weeks)
  • Credit: 15 -18 semester hours / 22.5 - 27 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.75 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

November 1, 2023
weeks
days
hours

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Tentative Dates: Jan 23 – May 31, 2024 (18 weeks)*
  • Credit: 15-18 semester hours / 22.5 - 27 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.75 Overall GPA

Overview

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Home to one of the most vital healthcare systems on the African continent, Botswana is the ideal study abroad destination for students who want to explore regional, social, and scientific health issues.

When class is in session, you'll further your understanding of biology, development, medicine, and public health courses at CIEE Gaborone and CIEE's partner school, the University of Botswana. Outside the classroom, you'll gain firsthand experience observing community public health in action in government-run clinics, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and hospitals.

Throughout your program, you will have opportunities to test your skills and knowledge by volunteering at local organizations, conducting community assessments, and organizing a health fair/expo to provide community health services to a village in rural Botswana. You can also expect your courses and experiences to be complemented by CIEE-led co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.

Unique Experiences

  • OBSERVE HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

    to experience how the primary healthcare system is used as the key to the attainment of the goal of health for ALL.

  • PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY ASSESSMENTS

    to gain insights on health issues affecting communities in rural Botswana

  • VISIT KHAMA RHINO SANCTUARY

    To discover Botswana’s rich wildlife and learn how communities are part of conserving the country’s ecology system

  • MILES FROM THE SOUTH AFRICAN BORDER

    9.3
  • OF BOTSWANA’S POPULATION LIVING IN GABORONE

    10 %
  • HIGHEST POPULATION OF ELEPHANTS

    130 K

Location & Culture

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A 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 Southern African Development Community, which focuses on regional development, economic growth, and poverty relief. 

CIEE Gaborone has its offices at the University of Botswana, one of the main and oldest universities in the country. The University is located in the center of the city, within walking distance of major shopping centers and government offices.

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Gaborone.

The Culture

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

  • Profile a community in rural Botswana and implement a community health outreach activity to learn about the health issues facing communities in rural settings. 
  • Practice your skills in Setswana language as you explore historical and cultural sites. 
  • Get out of the classroom with site visits and community-based learning projects. 
  • Discover Botswana’s rich history and biodiversity with excursions to Mokolodi Game Reserve, Khama Rhino Sanctuary and Bahurutshe Cultural Village. 

PROJECTS

Practicum: Participate in controlled weekly visits precepted by UB Family Medicine and Public Health Medicine Residents in government-sponsored clinics and conduct community assessments and expo to learn about scientific and social health issues and Botswana’s health care system. 

Volunteering: Make a tangible difference by donating time and energy to an environmental organization, NGO focusing on health, orphanage, hospice group, or women’s shelter. 

Program Blogs

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Program Blogs

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. 

  • 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

  • A

    CIEE GABORONE

    Botswana

  • B

    UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA

    Garobone

What People are Saying

  • “Our trip to Kanye was good exposure to clinics outside of Gaborone and the difference in culture between Gaborone and cities/villages outside of the capital.”

    Student, Fall 2017
  • “The staff was one of the best parts of my experience. They were able to help me with my registration issues and support me through all stages of my experience as staff but also as my friends. I can't say enough good things about the program volunteers and how they eased my transition during the first few weeks of my stay here.”

    Student, Fall 2017

Academics

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Academics

This program focuses on public and environmental health issues in Botswana. Students join the campus community and enroll in three required CIEE courses and three electives from CIEE Gaborone and/or University of Botswana courses. Students learn about healthcare delivery and related challenges, as well as basic Setswana speaking skills. The more students practice these skills, the more they will understand Botswana’s health issues. 

Students can stay for a year by enrolling in the CIEE Arts and Sciences program for a second semester. 

University of Botswana: Established in 1982, the university strives to improve economic and social conditions for the nation and maintain a regional and international outlook. 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. 

Except for the CIEE Setswana Language and Culture Practicum, Community Health Practicum, and Public and Environmental Health Issues in Botswana, courses are taught by faculty from the University of Botswana. 

GPA

2.75

Language Prerequisites

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Students take three required CIEE courses and select three electives from CIEE Gaborone and/or a range of options at the University of Botswana. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Program Requirements

  • Three required CIEE courses 
  • Three elective courses at the University of Botswana, one of which must be in public and environmental health  

Program Credit

Total credit: 15-18 U.S. semester/22.5-27 quarter credits 

Course Credit

  • CIEE courses: 2-3 U.S. semester/3-4.5 quarter credits; 30-45 contact hours 
  • University of Botswana courses: 2-4 U.S. semester/3-6 quarter credits; 30-60 contact hours 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Academic Culture

Students notice striking differences in the educational system here. Following the British model, there is less structure and students 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 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. Semester schedule: One week of orientation, 14 weeks of classes, a one-week break, and two weeks of examinations. CIEE Gaborone follows the University of Botswana academic calendar, with additional time for orientation. 

Class Format

University classes are open to students from Botswana and other nations. They 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. CIEE classes are only open to CIEE 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. Grades are given on a percentage scale, letter grade (A-F), and grade point scale. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Courses

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Course Information

Effective Spring 2020, CIEE will offer COMM 3301 GABO: Intercultural Communication and Leadership course as an additional elective option. 

Fall 2023 CIEE Courses

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Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Health Professions and Related Programs

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Host Institution Courses

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UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA ELECTIVE COURSES 

Students select three University of Botswana courses from the offerings listed below. One of the three elective courses must be Public and Environmental Health related. It is not guaranteed that the classes below will be offered, so we recommend choosing backup courses. 

PUBLIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 

Students enrolled in this program must select at least one course from this list. 

Community Mental Health Nursing 
Principles and Practice of Community Health Nursing 
Traditional and Alternative Medical Systems 
Demographic Aspects of HIV/AIDS Epidemic 
Basic Nursing Concepts and Skills in Health Sciences 
Basic Toxicology 
HIV/AIDS Education, Prevention and Control in Botswana 
Introduction to Community Health Nursing 
Parasitology for Health Sciences 
 

ADDITIONAL UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA COURSES 

African Languages and Literature 
Politics and Southern African Poetry 
Post-Colonial Theory and African Literature 
Rites of Passage: A Study of Social Dramas 
Studies in African Aesthetics 

Business and Economics 
Development Economics 
Economics of Botswana and Southern Africa 
Entrepreneurship and New Business 
Environmental Economics 
International Trade 
Money and Banking 

Education 
Rural Development and Rural Extension 

Engineering and Technology 
Design for Sustainable Development 
Digital Cartography 
Engineering Materials 
Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics 
Infrastructure Planning and Management 
Water Engineering 

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 
Environmental Issues 
Urbanization in the Developing World 

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 
 
Political Science and Administrative Studies 
Africa in World Politics 
Politics in Botswana 
Politics of South Africa 

Science 
Applications of Thermodynamic and Electrochemistry 
Dynamics of Savanna Ecosystems 
Geology of Africa 
Parasitology for Health Sciences 
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics 
Wetlands Ecology and Management 

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.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

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Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers 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:

  • Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • McDermott Health Sciences, Nursing, and Public Health Merit Scholarships
  • Stohl International Undergraduate Research Scholarships
  • 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 info

Dates & Fees

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Dates & Fees

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.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Fall 2023 18 weeks Deadline Passed Jul 25, 2023 Nov 25, 2023
$18,950
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Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300 *

Educational Costs = $15,903 **

Housing = $2,550 ***

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $18,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,800

International Airfare = $1,800 ††

Local Transportation = $200 †††

Books & Supplies = $250

Personal expenses = $1,500 ††††

Total Estimated Costs = $5,550

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

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 by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** students placed in homestays have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee

for residence hall students; homestay students only need to budget for lunches and occassiional dinners with friends, estimated at $700 per semester

†† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

††† Homestay students should budget for 350

†††† If you are planning an independent study then budget more for that depending on your plans

Spring 2024 18 weeks Nov 1, 2023 Jan 23, 2024* May 31, 2024*
$19,850
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Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300 *

Educational Costs = $16,356 **

Housing = $3,000 ***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $19,850

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,260

International Airfare = $1,700 ††

Local Transportation = $150 †††

Books & Supplies = $250

Personal expenses = $210

Total Estimated Costs = $3,570

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

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 by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** students placed in homestays have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee

For Residence Hall. Students at Homestays should budget $500

†† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

††† Homestay students should budget for $190

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

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What's Included

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What's Included

Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext and a local liability insurance
24/7 emergency on-site support

Our Staff

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Get Started

Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:
  • 1

    START AN APPLICATION
    You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! 

    Apply Now
  • 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.