By Stephanie M.

Published June 28, 2022

This past weekend, my understanding and knowledge of the culture and history of Rwanda had greatly expanded. As a group, we visited the Institute of National Museum of Rwanda, Kings Palace, University of Rwanda and Murambi Genocide Memorial Center. Before this program, I did not have a true understanding of this country and was not…

By Hannah B.

Published June 24, 2022

Hiking is a super big thing for Norway given the beauty of all the mountains. Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains and it's a goal for many hikers to be able to hike all seven in one day. I have not been able to personally complete this goal, but hiking has become a great love…

By Sydnie K.

Published June 22, 2022

I have been in Butare, Rwanda, for about a week now and I have learned many things and have become open to many more things. When our car first pulled up to Butare after being in the fast-paced environment that I saw in Kigali, I was not sure what I was going to experience. I…

By Mya C.

Published June 20, 2022

This first week in Rwanda has been a little overwhelming. There are so many things that are different from the United States that I was not expecting. From getting off the plane I have noticed everyone here is so caring. I wrote before, I had heard unity was huge in Rwanda and it is so…

By Keltin S.

Published June 17, 2022

On Jan. 17, what feels like a lifetime ago, I left Missouri for Italy without having a clue what the experience would be like or what I would get out of it. Questions like “Will I like my roommates?” and “How much will my Italian improve?” ran wild in my mind and I was excited…

By Quiny U.

Published June 15, 2022

I have been in Galway, Ireland, for about a week now. It is beautiful here! The weather is not what I expected at all. It is very cold, rainy and windy, which is the complete opposite of the weather at home right now. I got off on a rough start due to many apartment issues…

By Tiffany C.

Published June 13, 2022

I come into this journey anticipating that my experience as an American educator will be different from that of Rwandan educators. As a teacher in the Bronx, I have had my share of students who were living in poverty and the high crime communities that too often coexist with poverty in America. Part of my…

By Sydnie K.

Published June 13, 2022

As an American educator, I know it is important to recognize cultural differences and to accept them. I also know by doing so, I create the possibility of forming deeper connections with my students and their families. The education system in America is very different than the education system in Rwanda. I need to be…

By Mya C.

Published June 13, 2022

I am expecting to gain a new perspective as a teacher after my trip abroad. Currently, I feel like I have high expectations for myself as a teacher. I am just finding myself overwhelmed with the concept of classroom management. I have had experiences recently observing classrooms where there is little to no classroom management…

By Stephanie M.

Published June 13, 2022

While I prepared for my time abroad in Rwanda, I am feeling a lot of excitement and nervousness during the preparation process. I have been eager to travel abroad, learn about different cultures and people who differ from me, and learn from others who have different experiences and lifestyles than I do. Since I will…