Overview of the Botswana Plan

The Background.

I will be studying abroad in Botswana's capital city, Gaborone, for the Spring Semester. I'll take three classes at the University of Botswana, and take a few field trips. We will live in graduate student housing - my own room in a unit with shared bathroom, kitchen, and living space. My three classes are a Setswana language class, a course called "The Determinants of Wealth and Poverty," and an elective which is yet to be determined.

Additionally, I will complete an independent study project. Currently, I am interested in ambition and entrepreneurship in developing countries, as seen through Botswana. What makes a career goal or an outcome seem realistic enough to be worth attempting? I think that in order to act on a goal, an individual must understand the "stepladder" for getting from the current state to the aspired one (ex. apply for funding, sign up for classes, get training, order supplies), and must have some of the "steps" readily available to him or her. I'd like to study whether this is true and how this has affected those organizations and agencies working to strengthen Botswana. Ideally, this could be a cross-cultural angle that could guide how economy-building organizations interact with the communities they serve. On a much smaller scale, it should be interesting for me.

The Agenda.

Jan 4: We hang out over the Atlantic Ocean for 15 hours.
Jan 5: Arrive in Gaborone, Botswana
Jan 12: Classes begin at the University of Botswana
Jan 30-Feb 1: Fieldtrip - Soweto & Johannesburg, South Africa
Feb 28-Mar 8: Fieldtrip - Maun (safari!)
May 8: Final Exams end
May 9: Fly to Cairo
May 16: Return to Chicago
May ?: Return to Portland