Information for term Community Public Health
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenHome 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.
Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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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.
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PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY ASSESSMENTS
to gain insights on health issues affecting communities in rural Botswana
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VISIT KHAMA RHINO SANCTUARY
To discover Botswana’s rich wildlife and learn how communities are part of conserving the country’s ecology system
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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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Your Destination
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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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
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CIEE GABORONE
Botswana
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UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA
Garobone
Academics
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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
Click to OpenCourse Information
Effective Spring 2020, CIEE will offer COMM 3301 GABO: Intercultural Communication and Leadership course as an additional elective option.
Fall 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenAcademic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Health Professions and Related Programs
Languages and Cultural Studies
Host Institution Courses
Click to OpenUNIVERSITY 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
Click to OpenScholarships & 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 infoDates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & 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 |
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| Fall 2023 18 weeks | Deadline Passed | Jul 25, 2023 | Nov 25, 2023 |
$18,950
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Program FeesCIEE 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 = $18,950Estimated CostsStudents 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 = $5,550Financial AidCIEE 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. 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 FeesCIEE 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 = $19,850Estimated CostsStudents 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 = $3,570Financial AidCIEE 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. 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
Click to OpenWhat's Included
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.
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Eunice Nkete
Program Assistant
Eunice completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology in 2019 from the University of Botswana.
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.