SIT Study Abroad: Rwanda - Post-Genocide Restoration and Peacebuilding
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(For American Students)
Examine the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda and efforts to foster peace, unity, and reconciliation. Travel to northern Uganda to study collective strategies of remembrance.In 1994, Rwanda was the site of a devastating genocide in which ... read more
All Reviews

As someone who hadn't travelled internationally before, I gained a lot of confidence exploring and building connections with people on my own. I also made incredibly significant relationships that I will keep for a long time. Emma W - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Honestly I loved the friends I made both within my program and the locals. Was worthwhile professionally as I still love my internship, however that was done on my own accord. Additionally, I got to leave the U.S. which was a first and so transformative. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
It was worthwhile. I learnt about forgiveness and peacebuilding efforts. I became more independent. I got to talk to people about the things I was learning about. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
it was very worthwhile. I was really interested in interrupting some common misconceptions and obsolete thinking about African countries and I think I did that. I also got to see how much of a privilege it is to have an American passport. I think I really needed to have this experience to make choices about my career and life in... Katherine Murphy - Berea College View Entire Review
So much knowledge, exposure, a greater understanding of the world and politics and humanity, and a generally wonderful time with amazing people. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Rwanda taught me to reconsider what is possible in terms of the human capacity for forgiveness. It was so inspiring to live among genocide survivors and perpetrators and see how they have been able to rebuild a cohesive society. That being said, I also was able to experience so many new things and grow in ways I didn't know I wo... Brianne - Wellesley College View Entire Review

Absolutely worthwhile. SIT's formatting and its staff training are fantastic for this sort of experience with this sort of learning. I love my SIT staff, my family, my SIT friends, my Rwandese friends, my memories. Julia K - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I gained everything. I grew immensely as a person, I changed in ways that I will be trying to process for a long term, I made a ton of lasting relationships, and I learned more than I could have in almost any other environment. I cannot say enough about how amazing the experience was and about how indescribably meaningful it was... A student - Villanova University View Entire Review
I learned so much about myself, Rwanda, and how I want the things I learned to shape my future. Catherine P - Fordham University View Entire Review
Gave me a new perspective on the learning process and the current political climate in the world and specifically sub-saharan Africa. A student View Entire Review
I would have never been able to learn the things that I did about Rwanda had I not been studying in the country. I have such a good understanding of the country, and it has prompted me to continue to study this very complicated and interesting region. I now have a better idea of what I would like my comps to be. Claire M - Carleton College View Entire Review
I gained a knew academic perspective and experienced personal growth that I don't think I would've gotten in another program, for better or worse. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I'm so glad I went, especially given the state of the U.S. right now even though it was not easy. I learned a lot about flexibility and patience. Academically I learned a lot about positionality. Anonymous - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Going to Rwanda was one of the best choices I've ever made. Looking back, I learned so much about Rwanda's history and the way that it informs modern society. I also had a very positive experience with my host family which gave me insight into Rwandan culture that I could not have gained elsewhere. It was truly a unique experien... Elena O - Georgetown University View Entire Review
Family, and I gained new perspective on life and future. Totally worthwhile. Philip Gyamfi - The Evergreen State College View Entire Review
I actually believe that I became more confident in my beliefs as a result of this program. It also challenged many of my perceptions about what certain things like development, growth, forgiveness, reconciliation, love etc. looked like. Certain aspects were really hard to cope with but it was worthwhile. I recommend. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Too many things. It was incredibly worthwhile. Andrew B - University of Arkansas - Fayetteville View Entire Review
My time in Rwanda was so impactful. It was entirely worthwhile A student - Providence College View Entire Review
I gained a multi-faceted view Rwandan history that I previously hadn't had, which will broaden my understanding of other conflicts and cultures in the world. Personally, I left Rwanda with close friends and a family that I didn't have before, and a greater level of confidence in my ability to adapt to new situations and cultures... A student - Barnard College View Entire Review
I experienced more happiness than I've ever known while abroad. Alexandra S - Barnard College View Entire Review
It was incredibly worthwhile to me. It reminded me how much I love living abroad. It gave me a very nuanced understanding of a specific issue that interests me. Alicia H - Austin College View Entire Review

Yes. I learned a lot about myself and surprised myself with my own strengths. I learned so much from the lectures and research period too. Caitlin L - Austin College View Entire Review
About
In 1994, Rwanda was the site of a devastating genocide in which more than 1 million people were killed in 100 days. Today, Rwanda provides an excellent case study on reconciliation and peacebuilding. In Kigali, the sprawling capital city, you will study the root causes and impacts of the genocide. Travel to Uganda to learn about the Lord’s Resistance Army conflict and Uganda’s own reconciliation process. You will visit genocide memorials, a refugee settlement, and healing programs for genocide survivors and victims of displacement. You will also see Murchison Falls National Park.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- African Studies
- Peace Studies, Conflict Resolution
- Genocide, Holocaust Studies
Minimum GPA:
2.5Website
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SIT Study Abroad Scholarships
SIT Study Abroad is committed to increasing access to international education and to ensuring you have the information you need to successfully access funding for your study abroad program with us. SIT has awarded an average of over $1.3 million in scholarships and grants to SIT Study Abroad students in the past three years. We encourage all qualified students to apply for our need-based scholarships. SIT scholarships are not available for online courses or virtual internships. Your scholarship application is created when you select your interest in SIT need-based scholarships when asked in the drop-down section of your SIT Study Abroad program application. Your application is then reviewed separately, on a rolling basis, when complete. For a list of available scholarships and grants, click here.
$500 - $5000