Leadership & Service in Public Health
Summer '25 New Program!
The Take-Aways
Real-world Experience
Support public health initiatives alongside local CBOs. Come home with a greater understanding of your own leadership style and societal issues in Botswana. Be better prepared to take action on local public health issues.
Credentials For Your Future
Topics for your college essays; experience to inform your future career; a Community Profile documenting how you investigated needs, resources, and perspectives during your service; and a record of your service-learning hours.
Life Skills And New Friendships
Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication and leadership skills. Enjoy a broader worldview and diverse friendships from across the U.S.
50
Hours Of Service-Learning
3
Weeks Of Community Engagement
1
Life-changing Experience
The Destination
Welcome to Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, a country with forward-thinking approach to public health.
Recognizing the benefit of public health access, the Botswana government has set out to increase health infrastructure and better access to clinics and hospitals in recent years. Their campaign has been so successful that most of Botswana's citizens now live within three miles of a healthcare facility. However, as access to universal healthcare has risen, the quality of care and regulation of hospital systems stand to improve. Local organizations are diligently striving for further progress in the health sector.
Gaborone may be Botswana's capital, but it's a relatively quiet city that is both safe and bustling with vibrant markets, art museums, and cultural events. It serves as the gateway to some of Southern Africa's most beautiful wildlife attractions. Only 20 minutes outside the city, animals like rhinos, giraffes, and cheetahs roam at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve. Gaborone is also near the Okavango Delta, a sprawling wetland that's the largest inland delta in the world, which you’ll get to explore!
Cultural Awareness
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Gaborone.
Sample Activities
Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!
- Get in tune with rhythms of Botswana during dance and marimba lessons with local artists. Discover the power of music in Botswana culture!
- Go on an exciting game drive, where you can encounter Africa’s iconic wild animals like elephants, zebras, lions, and more. Learn how tourism contributes to Botswana’s economy and its effects on public health.
- Try your hand at traditional Botswanan games, like mhele, a two-player strategy board game that’s been played for countless centuries.
- Explore rolling hills and rare wildlife on safari at Mokolodi Nature Reserve.
- Surround yourself by nature at Bahurutshe Cultural Village. Experience a kglota, a public meeting led by the village chief.
Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Final Reflections and Advice for Future Students
It is our last day here in Botswana and before all the tears began, we asked students to share some of their final reflections and thoughts. Over the past three... keep reading
A Baobab that rose from the Okavango Delta
There are some things that are iconic to the continent of Africa- the big five, delicious food and the majestic Baobab tree. The Baobab is known as the tree of... keep reading
Khama Rhino Sanctuary
The first stop on our journey to the northern part of Botswana was the Khama Rhino Sanctuary; established in 1992, the sanctuary is a “community based wildlife project” aimed at... keep reading
Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to current high school students—Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. Students must have completed Freshman year of high school before traveling on program.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our Scholarship page.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations, or contact us!
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Program Balance = $5,450
Total Fees = $5,450Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Program Balance = $5,450
Total Fees = $5,450Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Ready to change your life?
What's Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection
24/7 Emergency On-site Support
Our Staff
Basetsana Maposa
Center Director
Basetsana Maposa returned to Botswana in 2008 after spending 10 years living in the United States. She has extensive experience working in health, youth leadership, human rights, and educational development.
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