Pitzer Direct Enroll – SIT Rwanda

Program Title: SIT Rwanda

Location: Kigali, Rwanda

Host Website: SIT Rwanda: Post-Genocide Restoration and Peacebuilding

Eligibility
Students in good standing at Pitzer College. SIT requires students to have a 2.5 or higher GPA. Preference given to juniors and first semester seniors but sophomores are eligible if space is available.

Preparation
At least one African area studies course in literature or media, history, or political studies is strongly recommended. Several such options are offered at Pomona College. Suggested additional general preparation options include: Comparative Politics; Intercultural Communications; Language Culture and Society; Introduction to International/ Intercultural Studies; Introduction to Sociocultural Anthropology

Prerequisites
According to the SIT 2016 semester catalog “None. However, emotional maturity is necessary, as studying genocide and its aftermath may be difficult and upsetting. Knowledge of French is not required, but students with a background in the language will have opportunities to use it on the program.”

Application
Students must first apply through Pitzer’s Office of Study Abroad and International Programs. If accepted by Pitzer, students will then be asked to complete the SIT application.

Program Dates
Fall Semester: Late August to early December
Spring Semester: Late January to mid May

Required Courses
Participants are expected to take National and Ethnic Identity, Post-Genocide Restoration and Peacebuilding, Kinyarwanda, Research Methods and Ethics and an Independent Study Project (ISP).

Intensive Language
Beginning Kinyarwanda is taught as a regular college course and is mandatory.

Independent Study
All students do an independent study project that may comprise a field-based research project. Sample topics: Refugees and displaced people in the Great Lakes Region, Democracy and freedom of speech in post-genocide environments and Transnational conflicts and their impacts on the economic and social developments of a country.

Credit Possible
Students will receive the equivalent of 4.0 Pitzer course credits for the successful completion of the five program courses.

Housing Options
Students are housed in homestays, hostels, guest houses or small hotels.