In 2020, OVPDEI Overseas Studies and Scholarship Program is partnering with IU Books & Beyond Project, the College of Arts and Sciences Office of International Affairs on a study abroad service program to Rwanda. The IU Books and Beyond Project is a collaborative literary leadership initiative. After a short course in Bloomington, student delegates visit Rwanda over the summer to deliver books, work at an English day camp for primary school students, co-teach with Rwanda teachers. Students will also go on safari and explore the rich historical, linguistic, and cultural heritage of Rwanda.
Students will take COLL-X211 course (1-credit) during the second eight-week of Spring 2020 semester on IUB campus and (2-credits) during the summer 2020 to travel to Kigali and Musanze, Rwanda).
Mandatory pre-travel classes (Fridays during the second 8-week of Spring 2020): March 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24, and May 1; 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Travel to Rwanda: The study tour will take place from July 7 – August 2, 2020.
The program is open to ALL IU Bloomington undergraduate students (over age of 18 years old).
To qualify for OVPDEI-funding assistance, the students must meet the below requirements:
Be in one of the OVPDEI academic scholarship programs:
Hudson and Holland Scholars Program (HHSP)
Groups Scholars Program
21st Century Scholars Program
FASE mentor or OVPDEI-funded ASC tutors
Have minimum IU Cum GPA of 2.5
Have not participated in OVPDEI-sponsored study abroad programs before (India, Ghana, Peru, Brazil and Dominican Republic)
Seniors must have one semester to complete at IU upon their return from the study abroad program.
Selection preferences are given to those who have no previous study abroad and overseas travel experience.
$4,000-$4,400 – full program cost + summer tuition for 2 credits $1,700-$2,100 – for selected students in OVPDEI academic scholarship program + summer tuition for 2 credits The program fee includes roundtrip international flights, airport transfers in country, accommodations in Rwanda, all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), domestic transportation to and from all excursion sites, attractions, excursions and site visits in Rwanda, lectures and workshop fees, student travel insurance, and administrative fees. *Program fee is subject to change due to unforeseeable circumstances.
Additional Variable Costs: Variable costs are paid before and after you arrive in Rwanda. The costs are:
Tuition for 2 credits during summer 2 (without mandatory fees)
Cost of US passport ($160: $145 passport + $15 passport photos). Expedited service costs additional $60.
Recommended vaccinations ($300-$500). Consult your health insurance provider or IU Health Center
Spending money in Rwanda ($150 to $200) to purchase gifts, personal items, additional or alternate meals, and tips for services)
The selected OVPDEI students automatically receive an OVPDEI scholarship towards the Rwanda program. Therefore, students are not eligible to apply for additional funding through the summer study abroad scholarship from OVPDEI.
Students are responsible for securing funds for the student portion or full cost (if not receiving the automatic scholarship) for the program. Since it is a Summer 1 course, students must be registered for at least 6 credits (another class) to apply for student loans.
Potential Scholarships for Program (please check your eligibility for each scholarship)
Edward L. Hutton International Experience Program (HIEP) https://hiep.indiana.edu Deadline: March 13, 2020
The course is intended for, but not limited to, students interested in topics such as human rights, social justice, social movements, language education, cultural literacy, African American and African Diaspora Studies, history, immigration, gender studies, literature, and anthropology.
Application is available online at http://go.iu.edu/2020BB by February 10, 2020 (priority deadline to be considered for OVPDEI scholarships) Final deadline: February 28, 2020
Qualified applicants will receive an interview request from IU Books and Beyond Project, College of Arts and Sciences International Affairs Office and OVPDEI Overseas Studies & Scholarship Program. Each interview will take about 10-15 minutes.
The applicants will be notified of the decision by March 3, 2020. Participation is contingent upon attending all pre-trip sessions, paying all required deposits and fees, and abiding by the rules/guidelines of the program.
Please contact the OVPDEI Overseas Studies and Scholarship Program (demaschl@indiana.edu) with questions.
January 30: Information session (4-5:30 p.m. Read Hall, Room C110) February 10: Application priority deadline (11:59 p.m.) February 28: Application final deadline (11:59 p.m.) March 3: Selection decision March 7: Student acceptance March 9: COLL-X211 course registration for Spring 2020 (to avoid late fees) March 11: $500 Deposit is due (non-refundable) March 11: Necessary forms due March 27: On-campus sessions starts April: Register for COLL-X211 course for Summer 2020 May 1: On-campus session ends July 7 - August 2: Travel to Rwanda
Complete/submit signed acceptance form
Complete all necessary forms (instruction will be provided)
Register for COLL-X211 course (Due March 9)
Pay deposit (Due March 11)
Apply for/renew passport (Apply now. Passports are issued for ten years.)
Apply for Hutton Honors College, Diversity Abroad, and other applicable scholarships. Please note that the OVPDEI summer study abroad scholarship cannot be used for this program.
Acquire necessary vaccinations and medication
Attend mandatory class sessions
Attend pre-departure orientation
Register for COLL-X211 course for summer 2020 session
