University of Botswana
- Study environmental studies and humanities in Botswana
- Engage in research at the University of Botswana's field station in the Okavango Delta, one of Africa's most biologically diverse regions
- Complement your coursework by volunteering with local NGOs in the fields of human rights, environmental conservation, and health
UB is located in the heart of Botswana’s capital city, Gaborone (est. population 300,000). The campus is within walking distance of government buildings, retail centers, night clubs, the national museum, and the national soccer stadium. The city has excellent public transportation networks. Also, students can travel throughout the country and around southern Africa on buses which leave daily from the central bus station.
While the Batswana people are the majority population in the country, there are numerous other ethnic groups ranging from the San or Bushman, who were hunter gatherers, to a number of other Bantu groups including the Kalanga and the Bayei, plus a substantial number of persons from ethnic groups in Zimbabwe. English is widely spoken in the country since all education is conducted in English beginning in the fourth year of elementary school. Political freedom insures that frank and intense debates occur on regular basis concerned with issues related to economic, social and political development.
Formerly a British Protectorate, the Republic of Botswana attained Independence in 1966 and has become one of the most politically stable and financially successful countries in Africa.
Nestled in the city of Gaborone, the University of Botswana offers excellent programs in Education, Business, Engineering, Science, Social Science and Medicine among other subjects. Short day-trips from Gaborone include the ancient rock-paintings of Mmashele’s cave, game-viewing at Moremi Game Reserve, and the magical Okavango Delta. Whether one wants to enjoy the urban recreation of Gaborone or the natural splendor of the surrounding country-side, the University of Botswana offers educational and extra-curricular learning opportunities.
The most appropriate fields are African studies, environmental science, humanities, and social sciences. The science and engineering departments have well equipped laboratory facilities which are comparable to those found in the developed world.
International students may opt to enroll in 3 credit hours of research including at UB’s major research station on the Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world with a unique ecosystem that spreads over 15,000 square kilometers of the Kalahari.
Students are housed in the on-campus undergraduate dorms with other international students. A stipend is provided to purchase meals in the cafeteria and in restaurants near the campus.
ISEP students are welcome to participate in over 100 student clubs, and to join team sports such as basketball, volleyball, track, and soccer. Participation on sports teams often includes travel to other southern African countries.
The OIEP occasionally sponsors an optional fee-paid trip to selected Botswana wildlife areas during the week-long break at half-term.
Independent Study, Volunteer and internship opportunities are available in Botswana. OIEP staff and some of your instructors will help set these up for you. There are several NGOs in Botswana that you may be able to work with. In the field of Gender and Development, you may be able to work with an NGO focusing on safety and legal rights for women; if you are interested in environmental issues you may want to work on conservation or forestry projects. There are also opportunities in the creative arts, health (such as HIV/AIDS support), human rights, economic development (such as micro-finance projects), and children/youth NGOs. A list of potential opportunities can be requested from the ISEP Coordinator.
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
Contact Jason Foster at jasonfoster@ku.edu for more information.
Further information on programs can be found on the ISEP Website.