There is no risk to apply! All InPlace applications are FREE, and students will get a full refund for any cost incurred for programs canceled before departure. Please note, itineraries are subject to change in alignment with safety protocols to protect students and the local communities we work alongside. Learn more about our response to COVID-19 or contact us if you have questions.
This course explores the history and cultures of Rwanda through collaborative, community-based learning. We work alongside partners in the village of Gashora, Rwanda to learn about their cultures, the challenges and opportunities they face, and their grassroots approaches to community development. During our time in the field, we will consider a wide array of issues, particularly the remarkable primary health care system of Rwanda.
In addition to global health, we will also learn about local education systems, business ventures, sanitation, resource access, agriculture, land, family and childhood issues, and language. Our primary partners are the Gashora Health Center and the Gashora Girls’ Academy, where participants will stay during our time in Gashora, to learn directly from local students and community members.
Key Features
Work with a health center and grassroots organizations to learn about locally based community health and development initiatives
Explore the history, culture, politics, and economy of Rwanda
Spend 6 weeks in Rwanda and live among students at the Gashora Girls Academy
Develop skills in community engagement and global citizenship by creating a social action project
15 credits through Western Washington University
Program Information
details coming soon!
$TBD per student
INCLUDES:
15 credits through Western Washington University
Daily living expenses (food, lodging)
In-country transportation
Admissions (temples, parks, etc.)
Activities and excursions
Travel Health Insurance
NOT INCLUDED:
Visa
Immunizations/personal medical expenses
International airfare
Independent travel
What will you do in Rwanda?
Engage with the local community! For five weeks, you will be a part of a small group of students and faculty working with Gashora Health Center, the Gashora Girls’ Academy and other community-based organizations located in Gashora, a small village approximately 60 kilometers from Kigali.
Sample Daily Schedule
9:00-9:30am - Language study
9:30–10:00am - Reflection on yesterday’s activities/experiences & looking ahead
10:00–11:00am – Discussion, lecture on community development/global health topics, or planning for the days community engagement activities
11:30 – 12:30pm: Lunch in cafeteria with Gashora Girls’ Academy students
1:00 – 5:30pm: Community Engagement Activities (e.g., walk to Gashora Hospital and give English lessons to hospital staff, peer-co-education meetings with students at Gashora Girls’ Academy, sports / market / entertainment with kids at the Gashora Refugee Camp, etc.)
6:30 – 7:30pm: Dinner in cafeteria with Gashora Girls’ Academy students
7:30 – 9:00pm: Reading / writing / working on assignments
Community Partners
The Gashora Girls Academy is a boarding school for 275 girls grades 10-12. It was founded in 2009 with the mission to empower the next generation of leaders. GGAST is committed to creating an innovative model for education that combines college-prep and academics with extracurricular activities to support the health and emotional development of students. This allows the girls to “find their voice” and cultivate leadership skills to bring new insights and solutions to the global challenges we face.
Have Questions?
Trip Leaders
Liz Mogford
WWU Faculty Member, Rwanda Program
Chad Shultz
Rwanda Trip Coordinator
Hassan Byumvuhore
Rwanda Program Manager
Ready to join us?
