What I Didn’t Expect in Botswana (But Will Never Forget)
Penn Global Seminar: Writing Health and Healing in Botswana
Manjay, one of the Spring 2026 Penn Global Seminar Correspondents, shares her experience abroad during the Spring Break. Follow along with the group of correspondents on our blog and look out for their images on the @pennabroad Instagram feed.
One of the most surprising parts of the travel component of PGS Botswana was how closely everything we experienced connected to the book we read and the topics we researched. It allowed us to move beyond just research papers and actually hear from people who live and engage with these issues every day. That made everything feel more real and meaningful. The programming also did not make us feel like tourists. We were engaging with people in ways that you typically don’t as a tourist, which has to be one of my favorite parts of the travel component.
Another thing that surprised me was how structured the program was, while still being flexible and accommodating to students’ needs. I was fasting for most of the trip, and I really experienced the kindness of the people in Botswana. When I couldn’t eat at the welcome lunch, the CIEE staff arranged for food to be brought to my room so I could break my fast. The hotel staff member who helped me was incredibly kind. He encouraged me to eat more and even checked in with me throughout the week, asking about my fast and teaching me some Setswana. That small experience meant a lot to me.
If I could do something differently, I would research the city we were staying in more deeply. I knew about Gaborone, but I didn’t fully understand what it would feel like, it was much calmer than I expected and also to know more places to visit outside program time. I also wish I had made more of an effort to talk to locals outside of structured programming.
My advice for future PGS students is to go beyond your research topic and learn about the country more broadly. It will help you better understand what you’re seeing in real life. I also recommend learning more of the local language, even knowing a little makes a big difference, and people really appreciate the effort. Go in with an open mind and heart, because my experience completely changed how I thought tourists were perceived. People were incredibly welcoming, often starting conversations just from a simple greeting.
I also suggest getting to know your assigned Penn Pal more before the trip. I didn’t communicate with mine much beforehand, so I didn’t bring her anything, but when we met, she gave me a bracelet that matched the meaning of her name, which was really thoughtful.
Finally, just enjoy the experience. It goes by extremely quickly, and it’s truly special. If possible, try to leave your Penn work behind while you’re there. I had a midterm the week I returned and spent time stressing instead of fully being present. If you can, focus on the experience and catch up on work when you get back, it’s worth it.