Overview
Click to OpenThis program has been suspended for summer 2021.
Explore our other active study abroad programs for summer 2021, or check out our travel assurances and updated health and safety guidelines.
With one of Africa’s most vital health care systems, Botswana is an engaging place to explore regional social and scientific health issues. Learn from successes and failures as you visit and assist at clinics. You will also have an opportunity to visit public health non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and hospitals to further learn about the country’s health delivery system. Engaging coursework, community outreach, language learning, homestays, and more will open this inspirational country to you, and stay with you long past summer.
Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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Shadow healthcare providers
to experience how care is delivered in and around Gaborone.
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Stay in a rural village
and gain insight into the resident's public health challenges there.
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Visit Mokolodi Nature Reserve
full of celebrated African wildlife, like giraffes, rhinos, and big cats.
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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 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 14-nation Southern African Development Community, which focuses on regional development, economic growth, and poverty relief.
The Culture
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Visit a village to discover public health challenges faced in rural settings.
- Practice your skills in Setswana language as you explore historical and cultural sites.
- Get out of the classroom with community-based learning projects.
- Explore Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Bahurutshe Cultural Village, and Mokolodi Nature Reserve – always highlights.
PROJECTS
Practicum. Shadow healthcare service providers in government-sponsored clinics and the like, learning about scientific and social health issues, and Botswana’s healthcare system.
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.
Program Blogs
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Daily Life
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HOUSING
Homestays: Some students stay with host families in the neighborhoods around the University of Botswana campus.
Residence Halls: Students can also live on campus in an apartment-style university residence hall with single rooms. Rural stay students live with host families in a rural village for one week of the program
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MEALS
Homestay: Host families provide two meals a day. Students are responsible for lunch. Residence hall: Students are responsible for meals. There are dining halls on campus, as well as local restaurants and cafés.
Residence Hall: Students are responsible for meals. There are cooking facilities in the graduate dorms but students bring/buy their own utensils. Additionally, 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 BOTSWANA
Botswana
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B
UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA
Gaborone
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
This program includes six weeks of coursework and a one-week visit to public health facilities in a rural village. Students also participate in organized volunteer activities in and around Gaborone as part of the academic curriculum. Students gain a holistic understanding of health and healthcare, the challenges of developing sustainable public healthcare, and basic Setswana-speaking skills. Courses are taught in English at CIEE Gaborone.
CIEE Gaborone is located in an ultra-modern building on the University of Botswana campus and features faculty offices, classrooms, and computer labs.
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.
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
Recommendations
College-level coursework in public health is recommended.
Program Requirements
Students enroll in three required courses.
Program Credit
Total credit: 10 U.S. semester/15 quarter credits
Course Credit
CIEE courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours
Class Format
Coursework is conducted in English, except for the Setswana Language and Culture Practicum. The Professional Healthcare Issues course includes direct instruction, field trips, course material, class discussions and reviews of public health-related current events. The Community Health Practicum uses classroom discussions to contextualize visits to health facilities and includes a week of shadowing practitioners in a rural village. Both courses feature guest lecturers from public health organizations around Gaborone. Courses are open only to CIEE students.
Grading
Most courses use a continuous assessment model that includes written assignments, group projects, research exercises, essays, presentations, and written and oral exams. Grades are given on a percentage scale, letter grade (A-F), and grade point scale.
Language of Instruction
English
Courses
Click to OpenCourse 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.
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
- 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
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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
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.
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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