October 3 to 24 , 2004

To say that Botswana is beautiful would be an understatement. To say that Botswana is mysterious and magical comes closer to describing the heart of this great country; but to say that it is captivating reveals the true nature of Botswana. Be prepared to leave a little piece of your heart behind.

Free from the civil and economic perils of its neighbouring countries of Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, Botswana exists in peace and relative prosperity, which is reflected in its friendly, hospitable and warm-hearted people. With a population of 1.6 million people in a land area of 582,000 sq kilometres, there is plenty of space to roam and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the Kalahari Desert, which dominates the Botswana landscape. The Kalahari spreads westward from the eastern hardveld where 80% of the population live. Here you will find three of the country's largest urban centres including the capitol city of Gaborone - fondly referred to as "Gabs" locally. It is perhaps here in Gaborone that one can best see how this country has literally " a foot in both worlds" one in the ancient ways of the San people (bushman) and one in the more modern influences of western civilization. It is not unusual to see donkey carts and drivers sharing the same roads with expensive motorcars and modern high rises alongside of traditional rondavels. Often market vendors will set up shop beside modern supermarkets and the cattle, which are greatly loved by the Botswana, can be viewed on many of "Gabs" roads.

The Botswana are essentially agriculturists. Cattle are of utmost importance as the number owned define a Motswana's social and economic standing. Ask an elderly Motswana how much money he has in his bank account and he will proudly tell you how many head of cattle he has. To him they are one and the same thing. Inside the traditional houses or rondavels it is cool and inviting. The walls are made from a mixture of cow dung and mud and the roofs are thatched from local grasses. The floor has been stamped down and polished to a mirror-like sheen. The Botswana are very social and their love of community can be witnessed by the large numbers who will inhabit a" village" In Botswana a village may well contain 15,000 to 30,000 people. Traditionally, a family's status dictates the positioning of his rondavel in relation to the Chief's, which is usually located at the centre of the village. The chief (Kgosi) is the focus of the tribe and the highest tribal authority. Tribal matters are brought before the "Kgotle" (tribal court) where individuals are encouraged to express their views openly and freely. Once everyone has had his say the Chief makes his decision based on the view of the majority. Botswana's strong democratic government is said to have its roots in the Kgotle tradition. The Botswana love music and dance. Both traditional and modern African music is heard nearly everywhere you go in Botswana - the shops, malls, houses, schools, cars, taxis and on the local buses. Children are taught traditional music and dance at home and in primary school. Most school days begin with the children singing in perfect harmony some of the most stirring and soulful music heard on Earth.

The children of Botswana are a joy to behold with their brown velvety skin, bright shining eyes and wide-open smiles. They are also a joy to teach because they are proud and happy to be in school. Education and teachers are still highly respected in Botswana. While the children can be initially shy around foreigners they are exceptionally affectionate when they know you and often express their respect with a delightful traditional display of a quick curtsey coupled with rapid hand clapping.

This practicum will begin in October - spring in Botswana.

Due to the high daytime temperatures, classes in Botswana are taught in the mornings only. In most villages and cities school begins at 8 am and concludes at 1:00 PM.

There will be 30 hours of ESL 'practice' teaching mentored and supervised by a qualified TESOL Instructor who will evaluate and issue a seal upon completion for International TESOL.

Accommodations and meals for 20 nights and 21 days are provided. Local language and cultural lessons are included and arrangements will be made for local travel and tours.

The cost for this practicum is $3250.00 for 20 nights and 21 days, which includes the cost of certification as a TESOL teacher as well as food and accommodation for the duration of this time.

This does NOT include international or national travel to main destination point.

Gerri Walsh, B.A., B.Ed, TESOL Certified will lead this practicum. Gerri lived in Botswana for 5 years in the 1990's and taught in a village school. Her knowledge of the language and culture, in addition to her deep affection for this country will prove most beneficial to practicum teachers.

Some of the possibilities for tours include the following:

The Okavango Delta - an immense and wondrous inland waterway sprinkled with palm fringed islands and fertile floodplains. A number of safari lodges are situated here, offering 3-5 day guided tours in a "mokoro" (think dugout) meandering through the delta.

In a small 8 seater plane, you will fly to the main camp, where you will spend the first night - don't be surprised if and elephant or two pay a call that first night, they're attracted to the tree bark in that area. The next day, a travelling party of 3, along with a guide, will travel to a morkoro as well as set out on the delta. From your mokoro, much of Botswana's wildlife can be viewed going about their daily business of foraging for food. You will see: Giraffes, Zebras, Warthogs, Hippos, Water Buffalo, as well as numerous birds and water fowl. Lunch is camp-style on one of the many islands, followed by a rest and a lion-viewing quest. Tracking lion spoor is exciting and rewarding as often Prides of Lion can be sighted in this area.

Game Reserves

Moremei Game Reserve and Chobe National Park offer the best of several worlds - appealing to the game viewer and bird watchers These game reserves are well known for their midnight safaris - a group of travellers board a "bakki" (think open truck) and track wild game for photo ops and observation. During these midnight safaris is the best time to watch big game at the water hole and feeding.

Art/Culture

Botswana crafts people are among the finest in Africa. Basket weaving, Rug weaving, Batiks depicting village life, and the works of local artists are available in city gift shops or in village squares. Unique San (bushmen) rock art can be viewed in Tsodilo Hills. While these areas are open to visitors, they are considered sanctified areas by the locals and respect must be given by visitors.

Camping

Camping in the Kalahari Desert is an adventure of its own. The Southern Cross dominates the sky, which is filled with star patterns unfamiliar to the western eye. Devoid of city lights, the star filled night sky appears close enough to reach out and touch. After sunset the desert air-cools and a campfire is lit for comfort. In the darkness beyond the campfire, one can sense the night creatures' curiosity and crimson eyes glowing in the darkness as a group of Jackals have come to investigate. In the distance one can hear larger game hunting for food and the calls of the numerous wild birds of the Kalahari. If you are really lucky, you might receive a visit from a group of local Bushmen who want to share the comfort of the fire. The Bushmen love to trade stories and traditional bow and arrow sets for baseball caps or running shoes or the occasional walkman. It is comical to see a traditional bushman dressed in traditional skin clothing immixed with a New York Yankees baseball cap or somewhat used Nikkei's listening to a walkman playing western music. A further reflection of Botswana, a country with a foot in both worlds.

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©2003 International TESOL