Tough, rewarding and life changing. Past Review

By (English Literature (British and Commonwealth)., Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/14/2013 to 05/24/2013 with

CIEE: Gaborone - Arts and Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that the best experiences, friendships and lifelessons come from overcoming struggle and discomfort.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you're planning to travel, use your money wisely and save on the daily things so you can save up for trips.

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? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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
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?
  • the students in my program
  • my host family
  • the accessability to Southern Africa
* What could be improved?
  • onground organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had researched my travel options more before getting to Botswana. Whithin the country itself, there is so much to see and explore which I was unable to do.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Gender Issues in African Literature

Course Department: English Literature
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: My professor was extremely enthusiastic about her subject and extremely intelligent. It was unfortunate that my fellow students were not very enthusiastic about the subject, as it brought the level of discussion and eficacy of her overall class down.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

God vs. Evil

Course Department: Philosphy and Religion
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was a very skewed course in that the religious leanings of the professor and students led to limited freedom of discussion and argument. I participated often, discussing my views of the issues related to the philosphy around religion, specifically God's coexistence with evil based on biblical interpretation. Due to the importance and devout nature of Christianity in Botswana, my views were often not taken legitimately or viewed as valid.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

The Politics of Southern Africa

Course Department: Political Science
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Great class, very interesting material, though my professor was quite disorganized. The students were enthusiastic and very eager to learn and share their thoughts.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Issues of African Literature

Course Department: English Literature
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The class was not very well instructed. The first two classes were lectures, then the rest of the course was presentations by students.
Credit Transfer Issues: