CIEE Arts and Sciences Program in Gaborone, Boswana

  Botswana

Gaborone

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 18 weeks: 18 weeks: late July - early December ; Spring 18 weeks: early January - early May; Academic Year 39 weeks: late July - early May

Description: The goals of the Arts and Sciences program are threefold: to help students gain understanding of contemporary Botswana; to help them understand Botswana in the context of the Southern African region; and to give them opportunities to explore diverse African perspectives through direct matriculation in University of Botswana courses. In addition to coursework, these goals are achieved through a variety of community engagement and field-based research opportunities.

Academic Program
At the CIEE Study Center at the University of Botswana in Gaborone students have the opportunity to become fully integrated into the University of Botswana campus community. In addition to developing their Setswana language skills, participants benefit from unique academic courses in various disciplines that focus on Botswana and Southern Africa. Through CIEE-coordinated volunteer opportunities and excursions, students take important steps towards becoming members of the local community. And through specialized courses and integrated extracurricular activities, students are also able to gain a greater understanding of contemporary Botswana culture, and its role in Southern Africa.

In addition to the regular University of Botswana classes, during their second semester, academic year students can intern for credit with an organization that they choose from a list of companies selected and screened by CIEE.

Academic Culture
Students choose from courses in any faculties and departments for which they have the necessary prerequisites, They are required to undertake a full program of courses, and complete all prescribed assignments and written examinations. University classes normally involves a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, and laboratories.

Students will notice striking differences between their home educational system and that of the University of Botswana. The University's academic environment is part of the challenge of studying in Botswana. Following the British model, the system offers a less structured environment that requires students to take greater responsibility and initiative. Professors expect a great deal of individual study.

Learning by rote is the model most often used in classes. This entails professors reading from notes or books, with the expectation that students copy word for word their recitation. Most University classes are very large, thus making classroom interaction with the professor very rare. For example, lectures may involve as many as 100 students while tutorials and seminars have smaller class sizes, ranging from 15 to 25 students. The system is geared toward the serious student who is motivated and self-sufficient.

For semester participants, the program includes one week of orientation, fourteen teaching weeks, a one week mid-semester break, and two weeks of examinations. For academic year participants, the program includes one week of orientation, followed by two semesters; there is a break of approximately four weeks between the fall and spring semesters. Students are responsible for housing costs and meals during this break.

The CIEE Study Center follows the University of Botswana academic calendar, with additional time for orientation at the start of the semester. The fall semester runs from late July to December and the spring from early January to early May.

Highlights:

• Language and culture practicum to build a bridge between language and experiential learning; community engagement and independent research opportunities
  
• Wide range of direct enrollment courses for students in social sciences, natural sciences, humanities, and engineering and technology
  
• Program activities to introduce students to Botswanas rich biodiversity
  
• Excursions to such places as the Gaborone Game Reserve, National Museum,
  Kolobeng ruins, the Jwaneng diamond mine, and the Okavango Delta

There are numerous options for community engagement. These may include a Work Camp Association in which on-campus groups builds houses during a two-week program; UB Human Rights Organization; SAHA (Students Against HIV/AIDS); Princess Marina Hospital, which is ideal for students in the health sciences; and the United Nations.

Immersion
There are numerous options for community engagement. These may include a Work-Camp Association (on-campus group builds houses in a two-week program); UB Human Rights Organization; SAHA (Students Against HIV/AIDS); Princess Marina Hospital (ideal for students in the health sciences); and the United Nations.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Experience Required: yes

Overall GPA 2.75

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Botswana Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available. We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

CIEE's Mission Statement: Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world." Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever. As we look ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles and values that guide this mission statement.

Year Founded: 1947