Summer Community Public Health Program in Botswana

Location: Botswana: Gaborone

Term: Summer

Dates: 7 weeks: early June - late-July

http://www.ciee.org

300 Fore Street Portland, ME 04101 United States

Call Us

Phone: 207-533-4000;
Toll-free: 800.40.STUDY

Fax: 207-553-5000

Description

The summer Community Public Health study abroad program in Gaborone, Botswana is designed for students with an interest in public health issues in developing countries; the governmental, societal, and environmental factors that influence healthcare; and international health issues including HIV/AIDS. Students should expect to learn about overcoming challenges in healthcare from the context of a developing nation.

Academic Program
This seven-week program consists of five weeks of coursework, a language and culture practicum, and a weeklong field placement in a rural clinic. Students also engage in an urban community service practicum in and around Gaborone as part of the academic curriculum. Students gain a holistic appreciation and understanding of health and healthcare, and obstacles impeding the successful development of sustainable public healthcare. In addition, the program helps equip students with basic Setswana-speaking skills.

Academic Culture
The University of Botswana (UB) is a relatively young institution and, like other universities in the region, has limited resources compared to most U.S. colleges and universities.

The summer courses have been designed by CIEE in conjunction with the University's Department of Environmental Health. All coursework is conducted in English with the exception of the Setswana Language and Culture Practicum. Students should be prepared for a style of teaching that is more formal and technical, tends to rely solely on lectures, and emphasizes memorization. Readings are typically assigned in class. The practicum may involve independent research, hands-on training, journal writing, and presentations.

Students take the Public and Environmental Health course every morning Monday through Friday for two hours each day. The Community Health Practicum combines lectures with a local service practicum, and includes a week at a rural Botswana health clinic. The practicum features a mix of lectures, tutorials, seminars, and field work.

Highlights

* Work with local public health experts on a community health practicum in rural clinics and an urban community service project
* Examine HIV/AIDS and other community health issues in Botswana in an innovative course
* Learn firsthand about rural public health issues and the relationship between modern and traditional medicine through a multi-day stay in a rural village
* Explore Gaborone and the area through excursions to places such as the Mokolodi Nature Reserve, Chase National Park, or the Okavango River Delta

Culture
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
The program includes guided visits to sites of historic and cultural importance in and around Gaborone, including a weekend camping trip to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary and a safari drive in the Mokolodi Nature Reserve.

In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in an optional field trip either to the Okavango River Delta or Chobe National Park in the northern parts of the country. This optional field trip occurs at the end of the program and requires an additional fee. Students interested in this optional safari should plan to spend approximately five additional days in Botswana after the conclusion of the regular academic program.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Cost Includes:

Cost Include Description:

The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, orientation, cultural activities, field trips, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. *Two meals a day and all meals on weekends are included for students in homestays.

Credit Available

no

Experience Required

yes

    * Overall GPA 2.75 * College-level coursewok in public health recommended
This Program is open to

Worldwide Participant.

Typical Living Arrangements
  • Home-stays
  • Group living
  • Dormitory

Participants Travel to Botswana

Independently

Application Process Involves
  • Written Application
  • Letters of Reference
  • Other
CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947

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