Rwanda
Travel Dates: March 15 - 27, 2027
About / Important Dates / Courses / Program Costs / Itinerary /
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 鈥渓and of a thousand hills鈥� 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
- September 9, 2026, 10AM-1PM
- JSAC Breezeway
$200 Initial Program Fee & Application Deadline
- December 3, 2026
2nd Payment Deadline
- TBD
Final Payment Deadline
- TBD
Purchase Flight (must attend SAO workshop first)
- TBD
Sweet Send Off
- March 9, 2027, 5PM-6PM
- Maxwell Alumni House
SAO Orientation (mandatory)
- TBD
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 and Dr. Melania Velasquez
This is a spring semester program. Classes meet pre- and post-travel.
Program Cost
Initial Program Fee: $200
Deadline: 12/03/2026
Program Fee: Approx. [insert cost] (excludes airfare, tuition/fees)
Final Payment Deadline: TBD
Tuition & Fees: based on number of credit hours enrolled
*Itinerary Subject to Change
15
MarchDay One
Travel to Rwanda16
MarchDay Two
The group will land in Kigali in the evening and head straight into their first cultural experience: dinner at KFC鈥攗niquely different from its American counterpart. Afterward, they鈥檒l travel to their hotel to rest and recover from the long journey.17
MarchDay Three
The first full day in Rwanda begins with breakfast followed by visits to the Nyamata Genocide Memorial and the Kigali Genocide Memorial, offering students deep historical context and cultural awareness. After exchanging currency and lunch at Simba Restaurant, the group will begin their journey to Kibungo. Along the way, they鈥檒l stop at Imigongo Coffee Shop for dinner, debriefing, and souvenir shopping before arriving at their hotel for the night.18
MarchDay Four
After breakfast, students will travel to the rural village of Gahara. There, they鈥檒l engage with local children through games and interactive activities before leading an educational session for about 60 community members. A large group lunch with the children will follow. In the afternoon, students will facilitate a mural project, conduct interviews, and perform task analysis activities. The evening will include rest, dinner, and preparation for the next day.19
MarchDay Five
Students will return to the village for a rich day of cultural exchange. The morning may include a spiritual experience or optional cultural activity, followed by lunch and a friendly soccer game with local residents. After traveling back to the hotel, students will reflect and prepare for the next teaching sessions.20
MarchDay Six
After a hotel breakfast and introduction to Yeti (a local partner), students will play with children using OT pediatric techniques. They will lead a painting activity and practice task grading before enjoying lunch with translators and children. In the afternoon, students will conduct home visits with the Yeti team before returning to the hotel for dinner and reflection.21
MarchDay Seven
Students will finish their time in Gahara with OT psychosocial and movement activities, teaching sessions for adults and local artisans. After lunch, the group will begin their return trip to Kigali, stopping once more at Imigongo Coffee Shop to eat, rest, and reflect before settling back into the hotel.22
MarchDay Eight
After breakfast, the group will travel to City on a Hill in Muyumbu for a full day of training and educational sessions for both children and adults. The day includes hands-on activities like ice breakers, OT movement exercises, and assessments with a local organization. Dinner and debriefing will take place at a local Chinese restaurant before heading back to the hotel.23
MarchDay Nine
The second day in Muyumbu will focus on client-centered interventions led by students and local professionals. The morning includes group education and psychosocial activities, followed by an afternoon of applied OT practices with Nepo鈥檚 organization. The day will end with dinner and discussion at Sola Luna Restaurant before returning to the hotel.24
MarchDay Ten
A very early start leads to an all-day safari at Akagera National Park, where students will experience Rwanda鈥檚 breathtaking wildlife and landscapes. A brief stop for coffee and breakfast will precede the adventure. After returning in the evening, the group will enjoy dinner at the hotel and rest.25
MarchDay Eleven
The final day will include breakfast, local shopping, exploring the city, and a farewell lunch at African Bite Authentic Restaurant. In the afternoon, students will return to the hotel to rest, pack, and prepare for their journey home. They will depart Kigali airport in the evening to travel home.26
MarchDay Twelve
27
MarchDay Thirteen
Experience education in Rwanda