Rwanda Summer
Coming Summer 2024
Imagine a different kind of study abroad experience that immerses you in the rich culture of the African Great Lakes Region and exposes you to long-term missional engagement and advocacy work, all while earning academic credit. Learn how the gospel moves us to seek reconciliation and restoration of life and beauty amidst woundedness in the post-genocide contexts of Rwanda and Burundi.
Program Pillars
- Academic Course: Community Development & Approaches to Poverty.
The context of poverty in which the student will be immersed will pose questions about how to respond. The student will examine poverty issues facing the world and study biblical perspectives on faith, wealth and poverty, theologies of the poor, and examples of the church’s response in history and today in order to formulate their own faithful response.
- Field Practicum: In addition to coursework, you will gain experience through a practicum, aligning your vocational interests with local community needs. Practicums are organized based on the student’s interest and focus of study, which include: Christian ministry and mission, social work, NGO management, social entrepreneurship and job creation, community health, community development, peace studies, English as a second language, urban farming, and East African studies.
- Life in Community: Throughout the program, you’ll live with a local host family. You will also participate and learn within the long-term community and ministry of Word Made Flesh (WMF), where you will grow in faith and understanding of God’s purposes in the world.
- Excursions: Enjoy the beauty Rwanda offers with a few trips throughout the program including a safari and a time of debrief and retreat at a lake.
Program Location
Kigali, Rwanda – The main program site is in Kigali, the capital city of the Republic of Rwanda – a nation of roughly 13 million citizens. Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda has stunning scenery and warm, friendly people. Rwanda experienced Africa's worst genocide in modern times, but in the 25+ years since, Rwanda has seen unprecedented growth and development. However, nearly half of the population still lives in poverty. Students will join Word Made Flesh Rwanda as they invest in women living in vulnerable communities through friendship, discipleship, and opportunities for economic empowerment and holistic transformation.
Program Courses:
Students will be able receive credit for:
- Community Development/Approaches to Poverty, 3 credits
- Cross-Cultural Field Practicum, 3 credits
How will I grow as a disciple of Christ?
- Join in the weekly spiritual rhythms and values expressed by the WMF community.
- Cultivate a spirituality that sustains life and ministry in cross-cultural communities working among the poor.
- Regular check in's with a mentor.
- Option to participate in the life of a local church and student IFES movement, GBUR.
Talk to an Advisor
Interested in learning more about the Rwanda program? We are here to help you navigate questions as you discern, work with your university and plan for study abroad. Take the next step and schedule an appointment with an InterVarsity Advisor today.
Talk to an Advisor
