CIEE Gaborone
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Language of Instruction: English
- Class Eligibility: Juniors
Introduction
Run by 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. Its capital, Gaborone, is one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities and is 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 is located at the University of Botswana, one of the main and oldest universities in the country. The university is situated in the city’s center, within walking distance of major shopping centers and government offices.
- Visa:
Required.
Non-US citizens should consult with CIEE and the Office of International Student Support before applying to the program.
- Fees: Students pay Haverford tuition to Haverford College. Haverford will then be responsible for submitting payments to the program. Students pay room and board fees directly to CIEE.
Academic Overview
Requirements
Students take a Setswana Language and Culture Practicum course and regular university courses. These courses can be chosen from the CIEE program electives and courses offered by the University of Botswana. The CIEE Study Center follows the University of Botswana’s calendar, similar to the North American calendar. This differs from many other Southern African universities that operate on the Southern Hemisphere academic calendar.
Academic Credit
Students are expected to take 15-17 credit hours per semester, usually 4-5 University classes plus the required language course. Students in the Arts & Sciences program take a mandatory Setswana Language and Culture Practicum course, and 4-5 other electives.
Students in the Community Public Health program take the mandatory Setswana Language and Culture Practicum course, 3 mandatory Public and Environmental Health Courses, and 1-2 other electives.
Fulfills Haverford’s language requirement. Major, minor, and concentration transfer credit will only be granted for courses in which students received a grade of a C or above.
Curriculum
There are two CIEE programs students may participate in: Arts & Sciences or Community Public Health.
Course Highlights
African Literature, Art History, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Cities, Ecology, Economics, Education, Engineering & Technology, English, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Feminist and Gender Studies, Geology, Health Studies, History, International Relations, Literature, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Health, Urban Studies
Note: Changes occur frequently. Students are responsible for finding the classes they need and consulting the official site of the institution.
Non-Academic Overview
Orientation
An online pre-departure orientation to meet the Resident Director, plus a week-long orientation in Gaborone to introduce students to the city, country, culture, and academic programs.
Number of Students
TBD
Housing/Meal Plans
University residence halls or homestay. CIEE students living on-campus live in double rooms in apartment-style residences with local and other international students. Meals are not included in the program fee. Students who live with homestays are provided two meals per day. Students may not opt for housing not arranged by the program.
Notes
Gain Travel Grant – The CIEE Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grant helps cover airfare to and from CIEE program locations for students who demonstrate financial need. Pell-eligible students are guaranteed a GAIN Grant if they submit their CIEE scholarships application by October 15 for spring programs, or by April 1 for fall programs. GAIN Grants are available on a first-come first-served basis to students with a wider range of need. Students can be awarded $750-$2,000 toward airfare. The award amount depends on CIEE program location.
View Scholarship InformationOptions
- Semester
- Fulfills Language Requirement
Dates
- Semester I: Late July to early December
- Semester II: Mid-January to late May
Application Deadlines
- Semester I: March 5
- Semester II: October 15