Rwanda
Travel Dates: March 15-26, 2027
CULTURAL COMPETENCY RWANDA: INTER-PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL EDUCATION CAMPAIGN
Rwanda, a land adorned with breathtaking vistas, warm-hearted souls, & beautiful wildlife, provides students a transformative educational adventure. From a sunlit savanna safari amidst the “land of a thousand hills” to vibrant market excursions, the journey extends to rural agrarian villages then diverse urban facades. This program of a lifetime will provide students hands-on learning opportunities and fantastic authentic cultural experiences.
Occupational Therapy & Physician Assistant students will apply knowledge & skills learned through graduate coursework, transferring knowledge to real life situations through interaction with local Rwandan communities.
Program Eligibility: Must be enrolled in the OT or PA program. No undergraduate students.
International Travel & Health Information
Important Dates
Study Abroad Fair
- 9/9/2026, 10AM-1PM
- JSAC Breezeway
Flight & Airport Navigation Workshops
- 11/6/2026; 11/13/2026
$200 Initial Program Fee, Application & 2nd Payment Deadline
- 12/3/2026
Flight Purchase Window
- 12/4/2026 - 1/14/2027
Final Payment Deadline
- 1/5/2027
Sweet Send Off
- 3/9/2027, 5PM-6PM
SAO Orientation
- TBD
Contact Us
Study Abroad Office
Summerville Campus
Suite 251
Program Cost
*Please note that the program fee is not final and should be used for planning purposes only.
Estimated Program Fee
- Transportation
- Lodging & Some Meals
- Mandatory Excursions
- Health Insurance
Airfare
- Purchased Individually
- Students must attend a mandatory workshop before purchasing flights
Tuition & Fees
- Tuition and fees are billed at the same rate per credit hour as on-campus classes
Not included: CFAR insurance, some meals, optional excursions, and spending money.
Courses Offered
OTHP 6002 - Fieldwork IC (2 credits)| OTHP 6910 - International Fieldwork Experience Seminar (2 credits)
OTHP 7010 - Level II Fieldwork Experience (9 credits) | PAHS 6090 - Elective Clinical Practicum (2 credits)
Program Leaders: Dr. Ryan Carrick | Dr. Melania Velasquez | Dr. Elizabeth Prince-Coleman
This is a spring semester program. Classes meet pre- and post-travel.
*Itinerary Subject to Change
15
MarchDay One
Travel to Rwanda16
MarchDay Two
Upon arrival in Kigali, students will settle into the hotel before exploring the city through visits to cultural sites, museums, and local restaurants.17
MarchDay Three
Students will visit both the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Nyamata Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history, resilience, and rebuilding efforts while engaging in guided reflection and discussion.18
MarchDay Four
The group will travel to Gahara village to participate in community engagement activities, including time with local children, home visits, and collaborative learning experiences with community members.19
MarchDay Five
Students will assist with a community health conference alongside local partners while also participating in hands-on service and village-based activities.20
MarchDay Six
Students will experience daily life and spirituality within the village community while participating in cultural exchange activities and a community soccer game.21
MarchDay Seven
The program continues with health and wellness initiatives, including client-centered activities and collaborative experiences with local artisans and community members.22
MarchDay Eight
Students will continue educational programming and participate in a guided water hike experience that highlights local daily life and community resources.23
MarchDay Nine
The group will visit a local elementary school and pediatric education program in Muyumbu before returning to Kigali for shopping, exploration, and group reflection.24
MarchDay Ten
Students will travel to Akagera National Park for a full-day safari experience focused on wildlife, conservation, and Rwanda’s natural landscapes.25
MarchDay Eleven
The final full day includes time for reflection, shopping, and a farewell lunch before departing Rwanda for the United States.26
MarchDay Twelve
Depart for homeWe believe that the best classrooms don’t require four walls. Study abroad takes learning beyond the traditional classroom and helps students grow academically, professionally, and personally. Unfortunately, financial barriers put these life-changing opportunities out of reach for many students.
A gift of just $25 helps send students and their curiosity on an international journey. Each donation expands access to study abroad and directly supports students participating in the Rwanda program by providing scholarships or funding students’ in-country expenses such as housing accommodations and meals. Your generous gift is an investment in a future leader who returns home with greater cultural awareness, confidence, resilience, and a new set of skills. One gift, one journey, but a lifetime of impact.