Botswana Summer Community Public Health: This Is Africa (TIA) Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was reasonable for the amount of time there. However, the class itself was very simplified. I would have liked more specific course work i.e. specific to Botswana. Teaching methods were similar: powerpoints, papers, lectures. I liked that my one course provided me with hands on experience. I was able to further my education by taking part in an internship in public clinics. Grading systems were different, in that I never received any of my assignments back. I still have no idea where my grade stands because of this. In the USA I have a frame of reference for my grade because I receive graded assignments back before the end of the term.

On-site administration of your program

I was overall pleased with the program, but I was disappointed with the lack of organization. I do not think my program was prepared for the 22 students involved. Past programs had significantly less student, and from what I gather ran a lot more smoothly. However, 22 students are a lot to handle, and I think better preparation should have been taken into account especially in regards to transportation and homestays in the Mochudi. I think CIEE's decision to increase the program size was a mistake. It is harder to have a great experience when there are so many students to take care of.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I think future students studying during the summer program should stay with a homestay. However if the student is studying in during the semester while school is in session, they should stay in the dorms on campus. I was upset that as a dorm student I had to pay for a lot more than the homestay students. I think that expenses should balance out no matter which living situation you choose. If this cannot be done, then a better budget should be given to the students pre-departure from home country. My host family experience in Mochudi was not a positive one, however there were many students that did have a good experience. I think that if the families were better interviewed a lot of the problems could be resolved.

I was pleased with the food experience I had, but my program had nothing to do with this experience.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I highly recommend that all students take outside trips. I went to Victoria Falls and the Delta. I was extremely upset with CIEE, because the Delta trip I budgeted for according to their recommendations ended up being significantly more. This proved very difficult for me my entire trip. I thoroughly enjoyed the cultural experience I had. I encourage all students to get out in the community and meet people.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My program's focus was Public Health, so I was fully informed on the health issues found in Botswana. I was pleased with the private healthcare that was available to us. The doctor would see you day of and was available. I never felt unsafe while I was gone. I think that as long as students are smart and think logically about situations, there was no reason to be put in danger.

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

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Dorm

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Local Students
• Host Family