A Journey of Experiential Learning Across Uganda and Rwanda - SIT: Kampala - Uganda/Rwanda: Post-Conflict Transformation Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt that the workload and grading systems were fair. The differences in the educational system from what I experienced to my university back in the States can't really be compared because in both Uganda and Rwanda it's treated as one particular class, as it should be since we didn't attend a host university but had classes at our program sites. We often had guest lectures or we were traveling on excursions.

On-site administration of your program

I felt that the program was just great in general. We were able to hear guest speakers who some of them are very impressive either politically or educationally. The excursions were appropriate and I felt that they were very important and had a lot of meaning to what we're studying. There were of course a couple of things that probably could've gone better such as at times especially in Rwanda (and a little bit in Uganda) our lecturers were a little bit politically bias towards a particular discussion and at times we may not have gotten the full picture. But overall I felt that the program size was good, the accessibility/support services was good for the most part and my expectations were met.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I love both of my host families and I felt incredibly grateful for their hospitalities. I didn't really have to buy anything to settle in because both of my host families made the arrangements prior before my stay. My host family treated me well and like a member of their family.

I liked most of the food that I had. Of course there were some dishes that I may not have quite agreed with but that's part of the experience.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

In Rwanda we visited the Millennium Village Project where we were able to see and practice traditional dance just as we did in Uganda at the Acholi Institute.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I've had a couple of experiences dealing with health issues. Sometimes yes the hospitals might be a little bit slower compared to what you may have experienced in the U.S. but I was able to get the help that I needed and the right types of medication. I've also had experiences where the waiting period wasn't bad at all. Our program dealt with a yellow fever outbreak in northern Uganda (while we were there) quite well and the transitions were fairly smooth, especially at the time we had no idea what this mystery illness was. With that said our program handled the situation well and was able to make a decision based upon facts and keeping us safe.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

In Rwanda communication with the host family or in the neighborhoods could become a little challenging because English is the third language, but other than that it was fine. We were taught Kinyarwandan. Uganda, English is declared as the primary language but we were taught a little bit of Acholi.

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