Overview:
The people of Rwanda have endured many significant hardships, including the genocide that took the lives of a million people in 100 days. In recent years they have worked tirelessly to repair and restore their society and culture creating a stronger infrastructure as well as safe environment. The purpose of this course is to examine the Rwandan genocide through the eyes of those who participated in it with a particular focus on the survivors and their recovery. We will highlight the process of forgiveness, hope and resilience required for constructive reconciliation and community well-being. 

The course is created and conducted through W&M's School of Education. This course will consist of lectures by local experts, genocide survivors, government officials and peace educators. Activities will include readings, research, tours of genocide memorials, engagement with those living in reconciliation villages, small group session, and optional meditation practice. The program is a collaboration between the W&M School of Education and the Global Education Office.

Partner Information (Aegis Trust):
William & Mary is partnering with the Aegis Trust, an international organization working to prevent genocide. Aegis Trust honors the memory of the victims of genocide and enables students, professionals, decision-makers and a wider public to meet survivors and learn from their experiences. Through education, Aegis Trust works to build long-term peace by encouraging communities to change from mindsets of mistrust and prejudice to a position of shared responsibility for peace and stability. Aegis also helps survivors in difficult circumstances to rebuild their lives.

About W&M Winter Programs:
W&M Winter programs are led by W&M faculty and students will receive W&M credits. All courses must be taken for a grade, which will be calculated into their GPA. Students will participate in a 1 credit pre-course that will run from mid-October until just before fall exams. This course is required for participation in the program.  Students will automatically receive COLL300 for courses taken abroad.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
All information regarding Winter 24-25 programs is subject to change. Anything below listed as "TBD" will be updated as information is fully confirmed - students who open applications with information listed as "TBD" will be sent an email once that information is updated and confirmed. IF SOMETHING IS LISTED AS "TBD" THERE IS NO ESTIMATED DATE AS TO WHEN THAT INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE.


Location Information:
The program will be based in Kigali, the geographic, economic and governmental center of Rwanda. Kigali, once the center of the 1994 genocide, has since grown into a vibrant city and was awarded the UN Scroll of Honor in 2008 for its innovations in modern development.

Student Eligibility: 
All undergraduate students are eligible to apply to this program and scholarship. There are no pre-requisites. 
In person graduate/PhD students (part-time and full-time) are eligible to apply to this program and scholarship. There are no pre-requisites. 
Online graduate students (part-time and full-time) are eligible to apply to this program and scholarship, however students must be aware that program dates will overlap with the start of spring 2025 online courses. They will be expected to keep up with both study abroad program academics AND their traditional online courses. There are no pre-requisites.  

Course Information:
Pre-Course (fall semester) - "W&M Winter Kigali Pre-Course" (INTR 299 for undergrads, EDUC 501 for masters/PhD). (1 credit)

Program Course (abroad) -  "Community Well-Being and Peace Education" (EDUC 364 for undergrads, EDUC 501 for masters/PhD). (3 credits)
Required Text: “How People Matter: Why it Affects Health, Happiness, Love, Work, and Society” By Issac Prilleltensky and Ora Prilleltensky.

W&M Faculty:
Spencer Niles, PhD (sgniles@wm.edu)
School of Education

Dates:
Arrival: January 4, 2025
Departure: January 17, 2025
*Please keep in mind that in order to arrive in country on this date you will need to depart the US at least one day prior. 

Important Dates:
Application Due ($75): September 9, 2024
Deposit Due ($700): October 4, 2024
Balance Due: November 1, 2024
*A $75 application fee applies, to be paid to the Bursar’s Office. Please note that the application and deposit fees are non-refundable.

Application fee information:
The application fee ($75) is due by the deadline and should be paid online at the GEO Marketplace Store. Whoever is making the payment will need student 93#, email, and phone number. The application fee is refundable in the event that you are not accepted into the program or the program is canceled by W&M. ​

Program Fees:
Program Cost: $6,425
Includes: Excursions, accommodations, in country transportation, some meals, course fees, international health insurance. 
Does not include: Flights, personal expenses, some meals, US transportation, required texts.
For more information on the breakdown of program fees please visit our budget sheet. 

Funding:
Scholarship for this program is available. Please apply to the Reves Winter Scholarship by the September 9 deadline. 
Please open a scholarship application AFTER opening a program application to avoid technical difficulties
Funding will be awarded based on financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid. 

Eligibility:

• Students must be an active W&M undergraduate student in good standing, not on academic or disciplinary probation during time abroad, and eligible to take classes at the W&M Williamsburg campus to study abroad. 
•  Students currently on-campus must successfully complete 1 credit fall course. 
• For more information about eligibility, please visit our Policies that Affect You page.
• IMPORTANT: Interviews will likely be conducted for this particular program in September 2024. More details and scheduling information to follow.

Questions:
Please contact Lisa Roney, Special Programs Advisor (lmroney@wm.edu)

Handbook:
Click here to view W&M Winter Program Handbook 2024