Visiting Murchison Falls National Park in Northern Uganda
Author: Zach Wilmoth | Major: History
Before I began school at the University of Arkansas, I knew without a doubt that I wanted to study abroad. However, with COVID-19 cancellations and unexpected changes in the timeline of my degree completion, my only chance would be the summer of 2022. With that in mind, I had to make the big decision of where I wanted to spend my summer. Even with all of the choices, my options were limited due to the geographical area I wanted to study in. As a history major, I have centered my focus on Africa in the post-colonial era, so I knew I had to study in some sub-Saharan African nation. With that in mind, I mulled over the choices I had, and I finally landed on the SIT Rwanda & Uganda Peace & Conflict Studies program. I was drawn to the program due to its modern focus as well as the opportunity to live in a homestay during my time in each respective nation. Furthermore, as I hope to one day be a professor of African history, the opportunity to be able to conduct research on the continent so early in my academic journey seemed amazing.
Academically, my instructors were amazing and well knowledgeable as they had lived through the conflict we were studying about. I commended them on the determination to not give us an opinion to believe as they wanted us to form our own opinions on the issues at hand. The program was built around the idea of experiential learning, and, thus, we did not have a traditional classroom setting. Instead, we would most commonly visit a site and have discussions with people like genocide survivors and child soldiers just to name a few. Of course, this was nothing like classes at the University of Arkansas which are built around the traditional idea of in-class lectures and at-home readings. While we did have these at points during the study abroad, they were few and far between.
Culturally, I was enamored by both Rwanda & Uganda. The natural beauty of both countries was astounding. Just walking to my homestay from class it was not abnormal for me to cross paths with a baboon as they almost seemed to be the Ugandan version of squirrels on the University of Arkansas campus. However, the real natural wonders came during our gorilla trekking experience and safari. During both we were mere feet away from such majestic animals like lions, leopards, and gorillas. It was especially meaningful with the knowledge that everyday species numbers are declining, and there is a legitimate possibility that some of these animals will no longer be around in the latter years of my life.
The biggest shock to me came with the food. Not because it was different. Rather, because it was quite like that of what would be called soul food in the southern United States. Most meals consisted of southern staples like collard greens, yams, and rice along with a meat similar to BBQ or pot roast at times. While there were slight differences in some of the flavors, the food still reminded me of my grandmother’s cooking. Even thousands of miles away, it was like I still had a piece of home on the plate in front of me.
Without a doubt, I would recommend this program to any student interested in the areas of Africa or Peace & Conflict studies. The experiences I gained will stay with me for a lifetime. Though I will say, in order to enjoy this program, you must be able to adapt. Running water, internet, and electricity is not a mainstay in parts of each country and their absence takes getting used to. Looking back, I do wish I had better prepared myself for some of these struggles as it did cause for a rough transition the first couple of days in country. However, after the first week, I adapted, and I made the most of the situation. While I thoroughly enjoyed my time abroad, I wasn’t sad to leave as I did miss home. What I missed most was a big juicy cheeseburger which I did indulge myself shortly after landing back in the United States. All in all, my time abroad was an unforgettable experience, and I’d recommend that everyone take the opportunity to go abroad to further their education.