Rwanda

Interdisciplinary Study of the Genocide and its Aftermath

Program Highlights

• Gain knowledge about the roles played by governmental, nongovernmental, military and religious institutions as well as the International Community
• Witness Rwandan people's challenging attempts at cultural renewal. Be inspired by people in the midst of recovering from human disaster
• Learn to challenge your assumptions about yourself and the world by debunking myths and stereotypes

Location

Rwanda is located in Central Africa. This small country, about the size of Maryland has been in the news in recent decades because the genocide that took place in 1994 when about a million of people were killed. Most of the victims were from the minority Tutsi ethnic group. Others were sympathizers from the majority Hutu group. Postgenocide Rwanda has become an important site of knowledge from which we learn about violence, human rights, reconciliation, justice as well as human capacity to re-imagine the world after such catastrophe.

Located at Rwanda's geographical heart, the rapidly growing city of Kigali is not only the national capital, but also the country's most important business center and main port of entry. Despite conces­sions to modernity, Kigali City retains the feel of a garden city, with a satisfyingly organic shape dictated by the verdant slopes over which it sprawls. The compact, low-rise city center surrounds a busy, col­orful market, and is studded with souvenir stalls displaying a wide range of lovingly executed local crafts. The atmospheric Muslim quarter abutting the city centre is well worth a visit. Among the safest and friendliest of African capitals, Kigali City is blessed with a moderate high altitude climate that belies its tropical location. The Rwandan capital provides both a comfortable and welcoming introduction to this land of a thousand hills and an ideal springboard from which to explore this magical country.

Academic Program

Course of Study

Participants will be exposed to a unique post-genocide situation where survivors live with perpetrators. They will visit sites of genocide, prisons, institutions, commu­nities, governmental and non-government organizations. They will attend lectures by academic and professional guests who work in or on Rwanda. The program will include: the background of the genocide, the role played by the media in the 1994 genocide, the responsibility of the inter­national community (UN, France, USA, etc.), the role of the Church, the denial of genocide, the concepts of memory and reconciliation, structures and mechanisms of justice systems (regular courts, Gacaca courts, International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda). Specific post-conflict topics such as gender, education, traumas will be explored. Also, there will be opportunities to interact across disciplines as well as with Rwandans and non-Rwandans around the question of postconflict societies.

Course Credit

MODL 498 or 898 / 3 credits or 6 credits

Eligibility

This program is open to undergraduate and graduate UNL students in good academic standing. While applications from non-UNL students may be considered, preference will be given to UNL students.

Faculty Leader

Accommodations and Other Arrangements

• The UNL faculty leader will collaborate with the University of Missouri faculty leader on some program activities. The program will also be supported on-site by Rwandan coordinators, translators, student interns, and guest speakers.
• Students will share rented apartments/houses in Kigali and stay in hotels during excursions.
• Internet will be available in the rented apartments/houses.
• When the group travels together, they will ride in a rented vehicle with a professional driver. Students will also travel by bus and taxi.
• All meals will be paid out-of-pocket by the students, with the exception of a closing dinner/ceremony.
• Each student will puchase airfare to Rwanda, with the guidance of the

Budget

See the "Budget Sheet" [added 1/10/13] above and the Financial page on the Education Abroad website.

Explanation of Costs

Please see the Budget Sheet [added 1/10/13] for a detailed explanation of billable and non-billable program costs, withdrawal policies, and the payment process. Costs vary by program, so it is important to review this information carefully.

Deposit

Upon confirmation of participation, program participants will pay a $500 deposit. The $500 deposit will be applied to the final program cost balance. If a participant withdraws from a program, the participant will be responsible for any irrecoverable costs associated with the program at the time of withdrawal (including a non-refundable $150 Education Abroad Fee).

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Please see the Education Abroad website for detailed information about financial aid and scholarships.

Additional Resources

Below you will find links to resources for travel, health, and safety:

Rwandan Embassy

Center for Disease Control

US Department of State

*UNL Education Abroad does not officially endorse, administer, or monitor the content of these links.