Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I loved traveling, hated being in Gaborone. Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., Clark University - Worcester) - abroad from 01/12/2014 to 05/24/2014 with

CIEE: Gaborone - Community Public Health

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot of patience and acceptance of different cultures. I learned that everything will work out in the end. And I value my current education at Clark.

Personal Information

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.

Horrible, the academic rigor was that of middle school, maybe freshman year of high school. It was extremely disappointing and in many of my classes I was being taught incorrect information. And the grading did not accurately reflect the work being turned in. Impossible to achieve good grades.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Sometimes disorganized. For example. we had to move out of the dorms 2 days early because the CIEE staff did not double check to make sure that we could stay. In that process we were told to leave our sheets on the bed. Then we got an e-mail from CIEE saying that we are being accused of stealing the sheets and that we may have to pay $50 for them. In that case, it was not our fault if the sheets were stolen. We did what CIEE told us to do, and they did not ensure that our sheets were properly returned.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

They were alright, I did not have high expectations. But I did have to lock up my belongings in my locker and $250 was stolen from me.

* Food:

The cafeteria served the same exact food every day for lunch and dinner and it was the only option for meals.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The only good part about being at the University of Botswana was that I was able to take classes with locals so I made friends with locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have experience but it seemed accessible.

* Safety:

I could not walk around, even on campus, at night. I stayed in all the time. Depressing.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? $30

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? Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Traveling
* What could be improved?
  • School System
  • CIEE
  • Language Class
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the education is horrible and it will mess up your GPA. Do not go on this program.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.