Botswana and Tanzania are two new destinations now available to students looking to study abroad through the University of California Education Abroad Program.
According to EAP Director Jinous Kasravi, these programs were added to increase diversity to the program. Before, Africa was underrepresented with only three countries — Ghana, Egypt and South Africa — available.
“[We would like to] move more programs to less traditional locations,” Programs Abroad Advisor Maribeth Erlich said. “It’s such a unique opportunity for EAP students or any UCSD student.”
Kasravi said the programs in other African countries do not conflict with each other and all have different ranges of focus.
Botswana and Tanzania were chosen, according to Kasravi, because of a recommendation from the UC faculty advisory committee.
In May, the University Committee of International Education passed the proposal for a pilot program affiliation with the Council on International Educational Exchange, which already administers the program.
UCEAP Director Michael Cowan in the May meeting minutes, the fees for enrolling in EAP would be less expensive compared to the CIEE program because CIEE offers a discount to UCEAP.
“The goal is to increase the numbers of students studying abroad in Africa and these are great programs providing an introductory experience,” Kasravi said in an e-mail.
For the 18-week Botswana program, offered only in the fall, students study at the University of Botswana. The university is located in the capital city of Gaborone, where students can learn about Botswana’s role in the Southern Africa region.
Programs available in Botswana — which are taught in its official language of English — include biological sciences, business, education, engineering, film and media studies and political science.
“The ideal students for these programs are those who are interested in African studies, development studies, public [and] global health, African language and literature and service learning [or] internships,” Kasravi said. “Botswana offers opportunities for students to enroll directly in a variety of other academic disciplines as well.”
In addition, there is a public and environmental health program called Public Health Track, which focuses on the AIDS epidemic in Bostwana, where nearly 40 percent of adults have the disease, according to an Africa Renewal report by United Nations.
The University of Botswana is home to the Centre for the Study of HIV/AIDS, which is a key part of the public health program.
Those on the Public Health Track can volunteer for organizations like Botswana Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS and the Youth Health Organization.
Students in Botswana will be registered with a study center with other Americans, but will have the option to take a variety of other courses through the University of Botswana.
“The Botswana program has a reputable Public Health Track which is very attractive for students in our new global health minor offered through [Eleanor Roosevelt College],” Kasravi said.
The 15-week Tanzania program, offered only in the spring, lets students study at the University of Dar es Salaam.
The UC classes offered at Dar es Salaam include African studies, anthropology, archeology, development studies, history, legal studies and some biological science classes.
At the University of Dar es Salaam, students will take classes exclusively through a study center.
Programs in Tanzania include a Kiswahili language and culture practicum, as well as classes taught by local faculty.
Programs for both schools are offered for students who are at least sophomores and have a minimum GPA of 2.75.
According to the UCEAP office, the cost of studying abroad for one semester costs $16,550 for Botswana and Tanzania each. Students can use financial aid to subsidize the costs of enrolling in the program.
