Located in the heart of Southern Africa, Botswana borders Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. With one of the fastest growing economies in Africa, due in part to its growing tourism industry, Botswana has become a respected leader within the South African Development Community. The unique Tswana culture permeates society with thriving traditions involving folk music, crafts and cattle. Explore Botswana's natural beauty as you watch herds of zebra, elephants and wildebeests graze in the world's largest inland delta.
Languages Spoken:
English, Tswana
Education System
HIGHER EDUCATION OVERVIEW
Founded in 1982, the University of Botswana began as part of a larger university system known as the University of Bechuanaland (Botswana), Basutoland (Lesotho) and Swaziland (UBBS). UBBS was located in Basutoland and began in 1964 as a way to reduce the reliance of the three countries on the tertiary education in South Africa during the apartheid era. After Botswana and Lesotho became independent in 1966, the university was renamed University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland (UBLS). In 1975, Lesotho withdrew from the partnership and established its own national university. A separate University of Botswana and Swaziland existed for several years until the university was amicably divided into two separate national universities in 1982. Batswana (the people of Botswana) and other stakeholders made contributions of all types (including cash, cattle, grain and more) towards accomplishing the set target to build the new university. As a result, many citizens have a personal sense of ownership to the university and its students.
STUDYING IN BOTSWANA
Courses
Most classes are a mixture of lectures and seminars with individual laboratory time and library work. Students usually write term papers more than they take exams. International students may opt to enroll in a three-credit-hour research course, including one at UB’s major research station on the Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world, spreading over 15,000 square kilometers of the Kalahari.
Registration
ISEP students who satisfy the university entrance requirements may register to take courses for credit or audit. No student will be registered for any program more than two weeks after its commencement, and students should be aware that they are not guaranteed their course on their course request list. You may change courses for which you are registered within the first two weeks of classes.
Course Load
The University of Botswana uses a credit system where one lecture hour per week is equivalent to one credit. Most courses carry three credits and meet for three hours per week. A normal workload for a full-time undergraduate is 15–18 credits per semester, which is equivalent to five to six courses.
Exams & Grading
Final exams are held within the semester in which the course is taught. Students must take final examinations at the scheduled times. Failure to do so without valid reasons will amount to the student being awarded a zero mark.
Performance in a course is assessed on a percentage scale, a letter grade, and a 5-point scale. The grading system in Botswana is far more stringent than in the U.S. System. It is extremely difficult for a University of Botswana student, either in the high school or tertiary level, to obtain an "A" aggregate.
Transcripts
Transcripts will be forwarded to ISEP, and then to the student’s home institution. Students who wish to have additional copies of transcripts for graduate school or other post-baccalaureate programs should notify the coordinator.
Visa and Residency
Visa regulations can change at any time and without notice. Students should always consult their local Consulate or Embassy to verify the most up to date visa information. Visa requirements can vary depending on the country your passport is issued in.
Many students will not need a visa to enter Botswana. Students are advised to check with Botswana embassies in their countries if they need a visa to enter Botswana. Students are also advised to check the visa requirements of any countries in which they may have layovers on their flights to Botswana. Guidelines for students from visa waiver countries and visa required countries are both included below.
Visa Waiver Countries
U.S. passport holders and most countries in the ISEP network are not required to obtain a visa before entering Botswana. View the full list of visa waiver countries here. Students will be required to apply for a waiver application or residence permit upon arrival in Botswana.
Important note: You are required to have a return flight. Some airlines or airline officials are less familiar with Botswana student visa requirements. You will need to provide an explanation letter from the University to your airline official if they inquire about return tickets that exceed 90 days. Be sure to keep this in your carry-on.
Applications for a residence permit or waiver will be processed only after on-campus registration.
· International students staying only one semester or up to six months are issued a waiver.
Requirements for a waiver application:
o Copy of the admission letter (provided by the University of Botswana)
o Copy of sponsorship letter (provided by ISEP in Acceptance Packet)
o Pages of passport that contain passport numbers, date of birth, expiry date, etc (certified by the embassy or police officer or notarized by a public notary)
o Letter from the Office of International Education and Partnerships
· International students staying longer than six months are issued a residence permit, not a study permit, for the duration of their study.
Requirements for residence permit application:
o Copy of admission letter (provided by University of Botswana)
o Copy of sponsorship letter (provided by ISEP in Acceptance Packet)
o Two passport photos
o Pages of a passport that contain passport number, date of birth, expiry date of a passport – certified
o Copy of birth certificate – certified
o Payment of P500.00 charged for Immigration services
o Letter from Office of International Education and Partnerships
o NB: emergency travel documents will not be accepted when processing a residence permit, only a valid passport will be accepted.
o It is advisable for new students to bring certified copies of the above documents with them when they travel to Botswana to avoid delays and paying a fee for certifying.
o You are responsible for maintaining the validity of your residence permit or waiver throughout your stay in Botswana.
o You are advised to apply at least six weeks before the expiry date. The International Office provides support in this regard.
Visa Required Countries
Students who hold a passport from China, Colombia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Lebanon, Morocco, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and several other countries are required to obtain a visa before entering Botswana. View the full list of countries that require a visa to enter Botswana here.
Type of visa: Student Visa
Visa fee: P 1,500, an equivalency of $325 USD
When to apply: at least 4 weeks before departure
View the printable paper application here
Botswana embassy in the United States consular services
Application Requirements:
· Fully completed paper application
· Certified (notarized) copy of passport page of applicant
· Original passport with validity of six months or more and three unused pages
· Cover letter from the applicant
· If the applicant previously applied for a visa, attach the copy of the visa outcome
· Travel schedule, flight itinerary, hotel bookings
· Pre-paid, self-addressed shipping label or envelope to return passport
· Fingerprints upon entry (not to submit with visa application)
· Mail completed applications to:
Consular Section
Embassy of the Republic of Botswana
1531-33 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20036
Additional Guidelines:
· Visa fee is non-refundable
· Yellow fever vaccination is not required to enter Botswana
· Malaria shots or medication is advised
Typical Processing Time: 21 business days
Culture
Greetings
Batswana are mostly assiduous about greetings. It is important to politely greet everyone who is present in a room before turning to the subject to be discussed. People will feel disrespected if the necessary formalities are not taken care of first. The interaction ensures that trust and friendship is established.
Food and Meals
Breakfast is taken between 7-9 a.m.; lunch from 12-3 p.m.; and dinner from 4-8 p.m. The typical lunch and dinner meals include one starch, meat, one vegetable and a drink. Fast food such as burgers, fish and chips, etc., is also available.
Family and Culture
There are variations in family structure between cities and villages. In cities, there is predominance of nuclear and smaller family size, while extended family networks are more valued in rural areas. This makes a typical household in villages much larger. Since Batswana attach much importance to attending family events, it is common for those working in the city to travel back to their home village over the weekend or during public holidays to attend events such as weddings, funerals, and other family gatherings. Traditionally, family members assume distinct roles. This is evident in weddings, where for instance, uncles and aunts perform specifically designated functions.
Many people living in urban areas also own livestock, due to the great deal of cultural significance and status attached to such belongings. As modern Tswana farmers see commercial value in their cattle, many individuals have begun to travel to the "cattle posts" in the countryside on weekends to check on their possessions. Cattle posts are often open communal grazing areas (pastures) with isolated kraals, very simple accommodations, and no amenities. For many urbanites it would seem nothing surpasses the periodic thrill of long, grueling hikes through the wilderness looking for stray cattle.
A Changing Way of Life
It should be noted that the way of life of most Batswana has been changing rapidly over the past two to three decades. The young tend to be less interested in farming, cattle posts, and going back to their villages than their parents and grandparents. They spend their vacation and holidays in the cities or travel widely to see new interesting places within the country and the region. They spend far more time and money at restaurants and bars. These changes have ushered new perspectives, altered gender roles, family structures, social patterns and habits, values and cultural status.
Religion
Although most Batswana identify with traditional African beliefs and practices related to ancestral worship, many also consider themselves Christians. However, Botswana is a pluralistic society with various religions representing various groups and ethnicities in the country. In addition to major Christian traditions such as the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Baptist, Methodists, Seven Day Adventist found in most towns and villages, other religious traditions are also present including Islam (with mosques in some major towns and villages), Hindi and Baha’i Faith Mission. Botswana is known for its religious tolerance, which is built into the nation’s democratic ideals.
COUNTRY INFORMATION
The Republic of Botswana is located in Southern Africa with a land area about the size of France or Texas. It is surrounded by South Africa in the south, Namibia in the west, and Zimbabwe and Zambia in the north. The population is about 1.83 million, and has a substantial number of Zimbabwean refugees. Formerly a British colony known as Bechuanaland Protectorate, Botswana gained independence in 1966.
Botswana has been a stable multiparty democracy, holding elections every five years. It is a middle income country that has seen rapid economic growth over the last four decades. The mining of diamonds has been the mainstay of the economy and the country exports more diamonds by value than any country in the world. It also exports beef, mainly to the European Union. Tourism, financial services and subsistence farming are other important sectors of the economy.
Tourism is a growing sector due to the country’s conservation practices and extensive nature preserves, and is also an increasingly important industry in Botswana, accounting for almost 12% of GDP. The country also has some of Africa's last great wildernesses, including the Okavango Swamps and the Kalahari Desert. The Okavango is the largest inland delta system in the world, a bit smaller in size than Israel. The northeastern region of the Kalahari Basin contains the Makgadikgadi Pans, an extensive network of salt pans and ephemeral lakes. Botswana offers some of the best cultural and wildlife tourism in Africa, and is home to 11 national parks and 11 big game reserves. Wildlife is abundant. including lions, elephants, crocodiles, hippopotamuses, brown hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, wild dogs and antelope, and various species of birds.
English is the official medium of communication and Setswana is the national language. There are numerous ethnic groups speaking over 28 languages. The capitol city of Gaborone, affectionately known as Gabz, is a modern city and is a stopover for self-drive tours on the way to the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park. It is the economic hub as well as the headquarters of government Ministries, the Parliament, House of Chiefs and most International organizations and foreign diplomatic missions/embassies. The city has many shopping malls, hotels, interesting markets, and numerous restaurants and night clubs which often host live music by local artists. The National Museum is situated near the center of town and houses important collections of traditional crafts and Southern African fine art.
LGBTQAI+
It is recommended that LGBTQAI+ students conduct personal research on their host country before departing for their program. The articles BELOW may be a good starting point on such research. However, students should keep in mind that social attitudes and acceptance may vary based on a number of factors including region, age, and the local political climate. If you would like to be connected with your host coordinator or an alumni who identifies as LGBTQAI+ before your departure, please contact your Student Services Officer.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana/local-laws-and-customs
https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/10/03/victory-gender-identity-botswana
Daily Life
Greetings
Batswana are mostly assiduous about greetings. It is important to politely greet everyone who is present in a room before turning to the subject to be discussed. People will feel disrespected if the necessary formalities are not taken care of first. The interaction ensures that trust and friendship is established.
Food and Meals
Breakfast is taken between 7-9 a.m.; lunch from 12-3 p.m.; and dinner from 4-8 p.m. The typical lunch and dinner meals include one starch, meat, one vegetable and a drink. Fast food such as burgers, fish and chips, etc., is also available.
Family and Culture
There are variations in family structure between cities and villages. In cities, there is predominance of nuclear and smaller family size, while extended family networks are more valued in rural areas. This makes a typical household in villages much larger. Since Batswana attach much importance to attending family events, it is common for those working in the city to travel back to their home village over the weekend or during public holidays to attend events such as weddings, funerals, and other family gatherings. Traditionally, family members assume distinct roles. This is evident in weddings, where for instance, uncles and aunts perform specifically designated functions.
Many people living in urban areas also own livestock, due to the great deal of cultural significance and status attached to such belongings. As modern Tswana farmers see commercial value in their cattle, many individuals have begun to travel to the "cattle posts" in the countryside on weekends to check on their possessions. Cattle posts are often open communal grazing areas (pastures) with isolated kraals, very simple accommodations, and no amenities. For many urbanites it would seem nothing surpasses the periodic thrill of long, grueling hikes through the wilderness looking for stray cattle.
A Changing Way of Life
It should be noted that the way of life of most Batswana has been changing rapidly over the past two to three decades. The young tend to be less interested in farming, cattle posts, and going back to their villages than their parents and grandparents. They spend their vacation and holidays in the cities or travel widely to see new interesting places within the country and the region. They spend far more time and money at restaurants and bars. These changes have ushered new perspectives, altered gender roles, family structures, social patterns and habits, values and cultural status.
Religion
Although most Batswana identify with traditional African beliefs and practices related to ancestral worship, many also consider themselves Christians. However, Botswana is a pluralistic society with various religions representing various groups and ethnicities in the country. In addition to major Christian traditions such as the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Baptist, Methodists, Seven Day Adventist found in most towns and villages, other religious traditions are also present including Islam (with mosques in some major towns and villages), Hindi and Baha’i Faith Mission. Botswana is known for its religious tolerance, which is built into the nation’s democratic ideals.
COUNTRY INFORMATION
The Republic of Botswana is located in Southern Africa with a land area about the size of France or Texas. It is surrounded by South Africa in the south, Namibia in the west, and Zimbabwe and Zambia in the north. The population is about 1.83 million, and has a substantial number of Zimbabwean refugees. Formerly a British colony known as Bechuanaland Protectorate, Botswana gained independence in 1966.
Botswana has been a stable multiparty democracy, holding elections every five years. It is a middle income country that has seen rapid economic growth over the last four decades. The mining of diamonds has been the mainstay of the economy and the country exports more diamonds by value than any country in the world. It also exports beef, mainly to the European Union. Tourism, financial services and subsistence farming are other important sectors of the economy.
Tourism is a growing sector due to the country’s conservation practices and extensive nature preserves, and is also an increasingly important industry in Botswana, accounting for almost 12% of GDP. The country also has some of Africa's last great wildernesses, including the Okavango Swamps and the Kalahari Desert. The Okavango is the largest inland delta system in the world, a bit smaller in size than Israel. The northeastern region of the Kalahari Basin contains the Makgadikgadi Pans, an extensive network of salt pans and ephemeral lakes. Botswana offers some of the best cultural and wildlife tourism in Africa, and is home to 11 national parks and 11 big game reserves. Wildlife is abundant. including lions, elephants, crocodiles, hippopotamuses, brown hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, wild dogs and antelope, and various species of birds.
English is the official medium of communication and Setswana is the national language. There are numerous ethnic groups speaking over 28 languages. The capitol city of Gaborone, affectionately known as Gabz, is a modern city and is a stopover for self-drive tours on the way to the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park. It is the economic hub as well as the headquarters of government Ministries, the Parliament, House of Chiefs and most International organizations and foreign diplomatic missions/embassies. The city has many shopping malls, hotels, interesting markets, and numerous restaurants and night clubs which often host live music by local artists. The National Museum is situated near the center of town and houses important collections of traditional crafts and Southern African fine art.
LGBTQAI+
It is recommended that LGBTQAI+ students conduct personal research on their host country before departing for their program. The articles BELOW may be a good starting point on such research. However, students should keep in mind that social attitudes and acceptance may vary based on a number of factors including region, age, and the local political climate. If you would like to be connected with your host coordinator or an alumni who identifies as LGBTQAI+ before your departure, please contact your Student Services Officer.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana/local-laws-and-customs
https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/10/03/victory-gender-identity-botswana
Health and Safety
Your health and safety is our number one priority. Please read and reference our Guides and Tips section for general information regarding health and safety abroad.
For helpful tips for before, during and after your study abroad trip, please visit this page of the CDC website.
If you’re planning to bring your prescription or over-the-counter medicine on your trip, you need to make sure your medicine is travel-ready. More information can be found here. Please contact your Student Services Officer and ISEP Coordinator with any additional questions.
Detailed information about Botswana can be found here. Please pay special attention to the Safety and Security, Local Laws and Special Circumstances and Health sections.
Please review the CDC's Health Information for Travelers to Botswana.
Note: Information sourced on this page is provided by the U.S. Department of State and the CDC. Non-U.S. nationals should disregard the Embassies and Consulates and Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements sections.
Currency
MONEY MATTERS
The unit of currency in Botswana is the PULA (BWP simply written as P), which is equal to 100 Thebe. The notes are in dominations of P10, P20, P50 and P100. The coins are in denominations of 5 thebe, 10 thebe, 25 thebe, 50 thebe, P1, P2 and P5.
You are advised to carry some cash as you may need it upon arrival, but it is wise to bring most of your money in travelers checks or to just wait to withdraw money as you need it from an ATM. There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency you may bring into the country, but it must be declared at the Customs & Excise when you arrive. The following currencies can be changed at commercial banks in Botswana: Euro, US Dollar, South African Rand and British Pound.
There is a well-established network of ATMs in major towns and villages for cash withdrawals using major international credit cards and debit cards. Visa is the most common ATM sign in the country. MasterCard and American Express are also widely accepted. There are several ATM machines within the University where students can withdraw cash. All major shopping centers offer ATMs for most banks in Botswana.
On the University of Botswana main campus, there are two ATMs as well as a bank specifically catering to students' banking needs.
Commercial banks are open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during weekdays and from 8-11 a.m. on Saturdays. Students generally open a bank account and are issued a bankcard valid for cash withdrawals, although for students staying for three to six months it might be just as well to use your credit or debit card from your bank at home. Be sure to tell your bank that you will be traveling and check with your bank about international withdrawal fees.
Cost of Living
Living costs vary according to the hobbies, eating habits and social activities. Students staying in dorms can live inexpensively as meals are inexpensive. Apart from the basic needs, you should have a small amount of money for use on entertainment, domestic excursions, etc. Bear in mind that Botswana has a somewhat higher cost of living than most African countries.
Sources of Information
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Links
http://www.gov.bw/
Botswana Government Online
http://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/
Botswana tourism
http://www.ub.bw
University of Botswana
Suggested Readings
Anthropology:
- A Handbook of Tswana Law and Custom - by I. Schapera (Author), Simon Roberts (Introduction)
- Reasonable Radicals and Citizenship in Botswana: The Public Anthropology of Kalanga Elites - by Richard P. Werbner
Economics & Economic Policy:
- Aspects of the Botswana Economy: Selected Papers - by J. S. Salkin, et al
- Policy Choice and Development Performance in Botswana (Economic Choices Before the Developing Countries) - by Charles Harvey (Author), Stephen R. Lewis (Author), Keith Griffin (Foreword)
Fiction:
- Far and Beyond - by Unity Dow
- Juggling Truths - by Unity Dow
- The Screaming of the Innocent - by Unity Dow
History:
- The Colour Bar: The Triumph of Seretse Khama and His Nation - by Susan Williams
- History of Botswana - by Thomas Tlou
- King Khama, Emperor Joe, and the Great White Queen: Victorian Britain through African Eyes - by Neil Parson
- Marriage of Inconvenience: The Persecution of Ruth and Seretse Khama - by Michael Dutfield
- Seretse Khama, 1921-80 - by Thomas Tlou, Neil Parsons & Willie Henderson with an epilogue by Julius K. Nyerere (Hardcover)
Memoir:
- Botswana Time - by Will Randall
- Desert Doctor - by Dr. Alfred Merriweather
- Doctor Remembers - by Dr. Alfred Merriweather
- The Lost World of the Kalahari - by Laurens Van der Post
- Place of Reeds - by Caitlin Davies
- Twenty Chickens for a Saddle: The Story of an African Childhood - by Robyn Scott
- Masire: Very Brave or Very Foolish? Memoirs of an African Democrat - by Quett Ketumile Joni Masire (Author), Stephen R. Lewis Jr. (Editor)
- Whatever You Do, Don't Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide - by Peter Allison
Politics:
- An African Miracle: State and Class Leadership and Colonial Legacy in Botswana Development - by Abdi Ismail Samata
- Botswana: Politics and Society - by W.A. Edge (Editor), M.H. Lekorwe (Editor)
Travel:
- Botswana - Culture Smart!: a quick guide to customs and etiquette (Culture Smart!) - by Michael Main
- Botswana: Okavango Delta, Chobe, Northern Kalahari, 2nd: The Bradt Travel Guide - by Chris McIntyre
- The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals Including Hoofed Mammals, Carnivores, and Primates - by Richard D. Estes
- Botswana: The Insider's Guide - by Ian Michler
Popular:
Please note that the books in this section are or have been quite popular and are in most cases enjoyable to read. But the conditions described or the narrative voice is considered by some to be outdated and not an accurate representation of present day life in Botswana.
- Maru - by Bessie Head
- Cry of the Kalahari"- by Mark James Owens
- Survivor's Song: Life and Death in an African Wilderness - by Mark Owens and Delia Owens.
- The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series: The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency (Book 1), Tears of the Giraffe (Book 2), Morality for Beautiful Girls (Book 3), The Kalahari Typing School for Men (Book 4), The Full Cupboard of Life (Book 5), In the Company of Cheerful Ladies (Book 6), Blue Shoes and Happiness (Book 7), The Miracle at Speedy Motors (Book 8)
NOTE: If you read only one book before going to Botswana, read "Botswana - Culture Smart! A quick guide to customs and etiquette" by Michael Main.