Alexandra Vasquez

CIEE – University of Botswana – Gaborone, Botswana (summer 2014)

Dumelang! My name is Alex Vasquez and I am currently a senior biology major and anthropology minor at Ramapo College. This past summer I had the wonderful opportunity to study abroad in Gaborone, Botswana. I was able to spend 2 months of my summer learning a variety of things at the University of Botswana. I participated in the community public health program which consisted of three classes and an internship. In addition to learning about public health in the classroom we were able to visit different clinics throughout the 2-month period to experience hands-on healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa. I also took a course in Setswana, the cultural language of Botswana. By the end of my stay in Gaborone I was able to successfully hold conversations with locals in Setswana. The best part about studying abroad was being able to experience so many cultures that were different from my own. While abroad I was able to visit Cape Town, South Africa; Zimbabwe; Zambia; and Namibia. I also spent a whole week on Safari at Chobe National Park. Studying abroad is an experience like no other. I was pushed out of my comfort zone in a good way, and I made life-long friendships with people from all over the world. I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything.