Reflection upon return
By Stephanie M.
Published Aug. 9, 2022
Since returning back to my home country after five weeks spent in Rwanda, I have been doing a lot of reflecting on my experience. I have been reflecting on what I’ve learned during my five weeks spent in Rwanda and how I will apply what I have learned to my everyday life at home. On…
Learning the history of Rwanda
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…
Everyday challenges and interactions
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…
First week reflection
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…
Pre-travel thoughts
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…
Sense of identity
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…
Pre-departure
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…
Rwanda teaching abroad experience
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…