The Odyssey Program

Odyssey to Rwanda

June 22-July 8, 2007

Dr. J. Timothy Cloyd, Dr. Robert Entzminger and Dr. Daniel Whelan will be the faculty leaders for a trip by 10-12 students to Rwanda, June 22-July 8, 2007.  Students will be expected to participate in pre-trip readings and orientation meetings, to keep a journal during the trip, and to share their experiences in a group presentation in the fall. Students who fulfill these requirements will be eligible for Odyssey credit in Global Awareness. The per student cost will be approximately $600 to $1,000.

NOTE: Students must already have a passport or have begun the application process to be considered for the trip. Also, students are responsible for completing the required vaccination protocol, including Yellow Fever and Malaria, found at www.cdc.gov/travel/eafrica.htm.

 

Itinerary:

Location

Planned Activities

 

Central Rwanda
  • Arrive in the capital city, Kigali, via Amsterdam and Nairobi.
  • Stay at Hotel Milles Collines (“Hotel Rwanda”)
  • Visit Kigali Memorial Centre (genocide museum)
  • Attending hearing at Gacaca genocide court (if possible)
  • Visit Opportunity International microfinance bank for briefing on lending programs.  Attend morning loan officer meeting, local borrowers group meeting and visit a small business funded through the loan program.
  • Visit Clinton Hunter HIV/AIDS project.
  • Meeting with Education Minister and four Rwandan students selected to receive Hendrix scholarships.
  • Briefing by government minister on creation of Rwandan constitution.
  • Brief meeting with President Kigami (if possible).
  • Visit Heifer Project offices.
  • Visit Columbia University Millenium Village and health clinic.
  • Visit U.S. Embassy
  • Visit USAID offices for briefing on U.S. foreign aid program.
  • Souvenir shopping at Caplaki street market and Cooperative des Artisans Rwandais in Kigali.

 

 

Northwestern Rwanda
  • Travel from Kigali to Ruhengeri (94 km)
  • Stay in Bishop John Rucyhana’s guest house.
  • Visit the Sonrise boarding school.
  • Attend church services at St. John the Baptist Anglican Cathedral.
  • Visit Shyria Hospital

 

Southwestern Rwanda
  • Travel from Ruhengeri to Gisenyi (62 km) for R&R on the beaches of Lake Kivu.
  • Travel from Gisenyi to the Parc National Nyungwe Forest and track colobus monkeys and chimpanzees.
  • Travel to Butare, Rwanda’s intellectual center.
  • Visit the National University, National Museum (one of the best in East Africa) and Arboretum de Ruhende.
  • Attend a performance by the Intore, a traditional Rwandan dance troupe.

 

Eastern Rwanda
  • Visit Parc National de L’Akagera for viewing of hippos, elephants, giraffes, lions, etc.
  • Visit Paul Farmer’s Partners in Health Clinic
  • Return to Kigali

Vaccination Information:

Visit www.cdc.gov/travel/eaftrica.htm for information about the immunization requirements to travel to Rwanda. Suggested immunizations are:  Hepatitis A and B, meningitis, typhoid, yellow fever (which needs a revaccination in 10 yrs.), and booster doses of tetanus-diphtheris, measles, and polio.  In addition travelers will need malaria medication.