Study Abroad in Botswana: Summer 2012
Program Overview
Students selected to participate in the study abroad Service-Learning program to Botswana will play a role in addressing the larger global issues of development and environmental sustainability through the lens of ecotourism. By enrolling in courses taught by Georgia Southern faculty on the University of Botswana campus, students will be able to earn academic credit towards their degree programs. This program also promotes a strong emphasis on Service-Learning, and students will work closely with an African non-profit organization in the capital of Gaborone to engage in working with the unique issues faced by the country and people of Botswana. Students who take on this challenge will gain an understanding of emerging complex social, political, and cultural issues while developing the leadership skills necessary to become engaged global citizens.
Dates: May 20 – June 15, 2012
Estimated Cost: $4,800 + tuition and fees
Classes Offered
HIST 1112s – World History II: Emergence of Modern Global Community
Addresses the historical context of contemporary global society by tracing developments from the fifteenth century to the present. Fulfills the basic core Area B requirement for all Georgia Southern students.
HIST 3030s – Selected Topics Abroad: Environmental History of Southern Africa
This course looks at the natural environment of Southern Africa in a Historical context. How have individuals historically attempted to exploit, profit from, or protect the natural environment of the region. Students will explore efforts related to public healthcare, policy creation, and the environmental factors that pose challenges to the region, especially emphasizing local policies of Botswana.
LEAD 2031s – Principles of Leadership Abroad
The Principles of Leadership course will prepare students for leadership roles in the community and in their professions. The course will provide students with the knowledge, skills, and foundation in Leadership necessary to be effective in a variety of settings. Students will develop an understanding of the components that make leadership successful. Students will gain both the theoretical and practical skills necessary for success in both their personal and professional lives. An emphasis will be placed on successful leadership in an international setting.
Independent study options may be arranged with some majors.
The program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students of all majors. Students must enroll six (6) hours of credit. The LEAD 2031 class is required for all participating students.
The lead faculty member for the program will be Dr. Cathy Skidmore-Hess of the Department of History.
University of Botswana Partnership
Located in a safe, quiet residential neighborhood in the capital city of Gaborone, students will stay at the University of Botswana during their time in-country. As your host institution for this program, the University provides lodging in the university residence halls, meals in the campus dining facility, and local transportation as necessary. Students will reside in dorm-style residence facilities and have access to university resources such the library and student health center.
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About Botswana
Since gaining independence in 1966, Botswana has experienced over four decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and is one of the most dynamic economies in Africa. The discovery of diamond mines in the 1970s led to unprecedented economic growth which has resulted in the country having one of the highest rates of GDP per capita on the African continent.
Botswana’s citizens enjoy a peaceful existence under a constitution which protects freedoms of speech, association, press, and religion. Today, the country still faces challenges and Botswana has one of the world’s highest known rates HIV/AIDS infection, but also one of Africa’s most progressive and comprehensive programs for the dealing with the disease. The state’s political effectiveness is a model for explaining how stability, prosperity, and openness help to provide necessary relief and unique problem-solving methods necessary to tackle tough social issues.
To learn more about Botswana through the CIA’s World Factbook page, click here.
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Program Cost
The estimated cost per student is $4,800 for the trip.
This includes airfare, transportation to and from the airport, 15 meals per week, lodging at the University of Botswana, local transportation when necessary, welcome and farewell activities, excursions to experience the culture and natural surroundings of the country, and a primary health insurance policy.
Tuition and fees are based on Georgia Southern prices for Summer Term A 2011 and are not included in the program cost.
*All costs are subject to change because of unanticipated increases in airfares or other program costs, as well as fluctuations in monetary exchange rates. The program directors make every effort to keep program costs as advertised and will inform prospective participants of any changes as they occur.
Excursions and Activities
Students will be able to experience the culture and natural beauty of Botswana by participating in several excursions within and outside of the city. These trips include visits to national museums, a cultural heritage village, a sustainable production pottery craft shop, the Mokololdi Nature Preserve, a wildlife safari, and many other cultural activities designed to familiarize students with their “home away from home.”
Additionally, students will also be able experience South Africa by spending a few days in the city of Johannesburg and engaging in a comparative understanding between the two countries.
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Application and Deadlines
To download the application form, please click here. Please read the application carefully and supply all information and materials requested. The application page should be typed.
Please submit all applications materials to Danielle Smith in the Center for International Studies. See contact information below.
You will receive acknowledgement of receipt of application and final notification of acceptance within two weeks of submitting the complete and full application. All materials must be submitted in order to be accepted.
A non-refundable deposit of $200 is also due at time of application and is required for processing. All deposits are deducted from the total cost of the program. Deposits will only be returned if the student is not accepted.
Deadlines for materials and payments are as follows:
March 2 – Final deadline to submit all application materials and $200 deposit
March 23 – First payment of $2,300 due
April 13 – Second payment of $2,300 due
*Please note that program payments are non-refundable.*
Financial Aid
Several options are available to help students finance study abroad. All forms of financial aid, including HOPE, Pell, and/or student loans are eligible to be applied to programs like this one. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.
There are also a variety of scholarships and external funding options available to students. Information on scholarships available through the University can be found at the following webpage: http://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/international/study_abroad/Scholarships_FinancialAid.htm
For further information related to scholarship and funding opportunities, please visit the Study Abroad Resource Room, located in Forest Drive Bldg. 1316. .
Passports and Travel Documents
U.S. Citizens are permitted stays up to 90 days in Botswana without a visa. You must have a current valid U.S. passport with at least six months of validity remaining after date of entry into the country.
If you do not have a passport, the process can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks to complete. If you are seriously considering applying to this program, please begin the process to obtain a passport immediately, to ensure it is received well prior to the departure date.
If you currently possess a passport, please be certain it does not expire prior to November 2012, and contains several blank pages. Please renew or request additional pages, if necessary, through the state department.
To view information about obtaining or renewing a passport, please the State Department’s webpage here.
Medical and liability documents must be submitted before departure date.
Advance Medical Preparations
Students will be required to submit a Georgia Southern University medical clearance form to the Center for International Studies prior to departure. The form is to be signed by the student’s physician or member of the Georgia Southern University Health Services staff.
All routine vaccinations (MMR, DPT, Polio, and Varicella) are necessary for entrance into Botswana, and the vaccines for Hepatitis A, Hepatisis B, and typhoid are recommended. Malaria is not a serious concern within the city of Gaborone, but can often be widespread in the middle and northern parts of the country. Since some excursions may bring us to these areas, it is strongly recommended that you speak with a healthcare professional familiar with travel medicine about prophylactics for malaria.
An excellent resource for this is the Chatham County Health Department of the Coastal District of Georgia.
If you are taking proscribed medications, please see your personal physician to be sure that all prescriptions will be up to date and will last for the duration of the trip if necessary
Have more questions?
Need more information or guidance?
Please contact Danielle Smith for more information about this program.
Danielle L. Smith, Program Director
Center for International Studies
Georgia Southern University
Forest Drive 1319
daniellesmith@georgiasouthern.edu
(912) 478-7968