gaborone-bao-bab-tree-star-trails
Gaborone, Botswana

Semester in Gaborone

Study Program

Dates

-

18 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

44 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

18 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

18 weeks

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your Semester in Gaborone program lasts a full semester and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Botswana's culture. Live and learn in Gaborone!

Unique Experiences

Take classes across all departments

at the University of Botswana (UB) with local and international students

Attend a dance workshop

to learn the significance of dance in Botswana culture

Enjoy a morning hike at Tlokweng Hill

and witness a breathtaking African sunrise

Experience
  • gaborone student group posing for photo

Your Destination

Gaborone is Botswana’s welcoming capital, offering an inspiring environment for students across disciplines. With its blend of traditional culture and modern development, vibrant local markets, arts scene, and access to nearby wildlife and natural reserves, Gaborone provides a unique and enriching backdrop for learning. Whether you're studying business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Gaborone is the perfect place to study abroad.

gaborone trio of students sitting in a hut

Program Highlights

  • Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses, host institution courses, and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
  • Cultural Projects: Volunteer with members of the local community, join university clubs to socialize with your peers, and attend local workshops and events to get to know your host city.
gaborone botswana safari truck ride

Excursions & Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Gaborone will open doors for you to explore Botswana’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.       

Samples of past excursions and activities:   

  • Learn how communities play a critical role in preserving the environment by visiting Khama Rhino Sanctuary, a community-based conservation initiative  
  • Practice Setswana with a native local speaker
  • Make local friends by joining a student club at the host university 

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.  

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Eat, Drink, Explore: Gaborone

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

BEST FOOD TO EAT IN BOTSWANA Africa is a meat-eating continent, and Botswana is no different. The country’s national meat dish has two names: “ seswaa” in the Central District... keep reading

From CIEE

HSSA Leadership and Service in Public Health Experience

By CIEE Gaborone at CIEE

We often hear phrases, “When an opportunity presents itself, take it” but what happens when there are a vast majority of opportunities to choose from? The short answer is to... keep reading

What I Packed to Study Abroad in Gaborone, Botswana

By Aspen H.

A master list of the items you should bring to study abroad in Gaborone, Botswana - including tips and tricks from my student perspective at the University of Botswana campus.

Housing
Academics

Academics

CIEE Gaborone: Study on the campus of the University of Botswana, the first higher education institution established in the country. The campus is conveniently located within walking distance of Riverwalk Mall – one of the oldest shopping centers in Botswana – where you will find a movie theatre, plenty of restaurants, and shops. CIEE Gaborone is situated on-campus where you will have access to a gym and computer labs.

University of Botswana: The University of Botswana was established in 1982 with the goal of improving economic and social conditions for the nation. With more than 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. Except for the CIEE Language and Culture Practicum, all courses are taught by University of Botswana’s faculty.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar. 

Courses

Course Information

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

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
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • Trailblazer Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

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

Program Fall 2025 18 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $19,950
Program Academic year 2025-2026 44 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $37,000
Program Spring 2026 18 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $17,950
Program Fall 2026 18 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*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.

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 protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $16,456 **
Housing $3,000 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $19,950

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 grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

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 $252
International Airfare $1,700 ††
Local Transportation $150 †††
Books & Supplies $250
Personal expenses $210 ††††
Total Costs $2,562

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in Residence Halls, you should budget approx. $756 for meals

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

†††Homestay students should budget for $190

††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

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 protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $31,006 **
Housing $5,500 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $37,000

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 grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

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 $252
International Airfare $1,700 ††
Local Transportation $150 †††
Books & Supplies $250
Personal expenses $210 ††††
Total Costs $2,562

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in Residence Halls, you should budget approx. $756 for meals

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

†††Homestay students should budget for $190

††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

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 protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $14,956 **
Housing $2,500 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $17,950

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Plus Housing Fee $2,850

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 grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

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 $290
International Airfare $1,700 ††
Local Transportation $150 †††
Books & Supplies $250
Personal expenses $245 ††††
Total Costs $2,635

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in Residence Halls, you should budget approx. $850 for meals

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

†††Homestay students should budget for $190

††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

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 protection with benefits.

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 grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

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

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 travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Basetsana Maposa

Center Director

Basetsana Masego Maposa is a seasoned health, gender, and international development professional with over 15 years of experience managing and directing national and multilateral public health projects. She holds two...

Keneilwe Manisa

Program Assistant

Keneilwe completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology at the University of Botswana in 2022. She started as a student volunteer in 2019 and also has experience with...

Get Started Steps

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!

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.

Request Info