Embracing Humanity through Cultural Exchange Past Review
By A student (Fordham University) - abroad from 01/01/2012 to 05/10/2012 with
CIEE: Gaborone - Arts + Sciences
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
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* 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. |
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* 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. |
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* 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. |
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* 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. |
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* 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
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Finances
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* 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
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * 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. |
