"Botswana: Boring but Invigorating" - University of Botswana Past Review
By Jeremy H (Geography and Environmental Studies, Towson University) for
University of Botswana: Gaborone - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I understand, to a degree, the potential for new businesses going into Africa which interests me a lot.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I had group presentations in almost any class, and if you want to give a presentation anywhere resembling quality work, be prepared to do all the work yourself. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I had a fantastic student mentor who helped us in the program get acclimated as well as make friends. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Don't expect anything special, but food on campus is cheap and will fill up the average person. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I helped with a girls soccer team the whole semester, and that was the most rewarding experience of my life so far. Get involved with something, anything. I personally believe that building relationships is the most important aspect of studying abroad. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I did not have any issues with having anything stolen. However, many other Americans had cell phones, cameras, and wallets stolen. From the stories I heard, they were honestly being careless. Botswana is a very safe place, so if you have your wits about you, you will be fine. I had malaria pills for a trip north prescribed for me in the states, but other students had no trouble getting the pills in Botswana. |
| 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Build some kind of budget. Walk when you don't need to take public transport, save money when you can, and use it on trips. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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