Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

Study Abroad

The Ohio State Department of Sociology proudly offers a unique education abroad opportunity in Rwanda! 

Professor Hollie Nyseth Nzitatira established Ohio State’s Genocide and its Aftermath in Rwanda education abroad program to immerse students in the historical context and consequences of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. The program — which has run six times — introduces students to the causes of genocide, how genocides unfold, and how countries rebuild in the aftermath. Students are based in Kigali, Rwanda, but also have the opportunity to travel around the country, including to the national safari park. They learn about Rwandan culture and time at the national university in an exchange with local university students. They travel to genocide memorials, museums, Rwandan government offices, and survivor organizations and women’s cooperatives, among others. Finally, they are witness to the testimonies from people who were rescued during the genocide, those who participated in the violence, and those who survived. This course meets three times prior to departing to Rwanda, though the majority of the time will be spent in Rwanda. The group will meet one time several weeks after the group returns from Rwanda in order to debrief, reflect and discuss how to share insights with others.

"Coming to Rwanda and fully entrenching myself into its history and culture has shown me a new dimension to what it means to be open, especially with my education. I hope that I can carry on all the lessons I’ve learned to build a future where we can be just a little bit better than we were yesterday." - past student participant testimonial

For more information on the Genocide and its Aftermath in Rwanda study abroad program contact Professor Hollie Nyseth Nzitatira at nzitatira.1@osu.edu. Note also that the department offers a scholarship for this program, and Professor Nyseth Nzitatira can provide more information about this as well. 

 

Rwanda

Hollie Nyseth Nzitatira with Ohio State students at the main genocide memorial in Kigali, Rwanda, June 2018


Visit the Ohio State Office of International Affairs for more information about other study abroad program offerings.