Embracing Humanity through Cultural Exchange Past Review

By (Fordham University) - abroad from 01/01/2012 to 05/10/2012 with

CIEE: Gaborone - Arts and Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Independence and a new look at human relationships

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of Botswana
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The most important part of the experience in Gaborone was embracing the academic culture of the University of Botswana. Though the classes may not have been challenging, I certainly learned a lot about how I view the world and how that affects my relationships with other people.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Batsirai Chidzodo was a fantastic resource for students, but I don't believe he shall be running the program anymore.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed with a homestay, and I loved my family so much. I learned so much about what it means to grow up in Block 9 of Gaborone with a single mother. I also learned a lot about the food.

* Food:

If you have money, you will never have to worry about eating food that you don't find appealing. Gaborone has a ton of chain-like restaurants for Westerners to embrace. However, I tried to stick to more traditional foods and those prepared by my family- which were delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

If you live on campus, it is very easy to embrace the party and social lifestyle of students there. Living off campus is a bit more difficult with that scene, but much can still be learned from relationships with families and neighbors.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I worked in a clinic, so I had access to medical officials whenever I needed it. However, the clinic at school is accessible to students granted they provide their own scribbler and don't mind waiting in lines.

* Safety:

Very safe if you are smart and try to embrace the culture as much as possible.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

5

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20-30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? eat at home and use combis

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? NA
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Change the set up of the Setswana course and have more of a speaking component with fellow students

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • integration with local people
  • study trips
  • safari
* What could be improved?
  • CIEE class structure
  • CIEE advising and cultural lectures
  • use of student funds paid to CIEE becoming more transparent
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? DON'T BE AFRAID TO MAKE MISTAKES ON THE COMBIS- and use them always.