Experiential learning in Botswana Past Review

By (Psychology and HSSP, Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/26/2014 to 07/10/2014 with

CIEE: Gaborone - Community Public Health

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about public health care and the challenges that accompany providing healthcare to a large population. I learned about the positive and negative effects of urbanization. I also learned a lot about cultural differences and what it felt like to stand out so much in a new culture. I think I became a little bit more independent as well.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were not rigorous, but the majority of learning was experiential through the clinical experience and living in the city.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living in a homestay was wonderful and I had a great home. Living in the city was the best choice to have a true cultural experience.

* Food:

Food was good, even for a vegetarian.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The local culture is not usually very accepting of American tourists, and you will often feel like you stand out very much. However, living in a homestay really helped me feel a part of the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

For a community health program I thought more precautions would have been taken to keep students protected in clinics. There was a doctor we could see if needed but we needed to travel to another town on our own to see her.

* Safety:

Gaborone is a relatively safe city but you really can't be out on your own at night. Ciee gives you lots of independence which is great but they only taught about safety a week after homestay students had been navigating the city on their own.

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)

I felt that we ended up being responsible for more than I expected, but I was still able to keep to my budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 (more during travel)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan travel in advance so you can budget for visas, accommodations, etc.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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? None in Setswana
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? Speak it with locals!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Living in homestay
  • Program excursions
* What could be improved?
  • More NGO experience
  • More rigorous courses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The program is a lot of group work and I wish I would have known that before as I don't really enjoy group work.