Home Stays and Cultural Immersion
Program Package
Program activities |
Descriptions |
Price |
Home Stays in Kigali |
|
$150 / person /week |
Classes and Workshops |
|
$300 / person all sessions |
Volunteering/ Internships |
|
$200 / person |
Cultural Mentorship Sessions |
|
$20 / person / 1 session |
What Participants Say About the Program
I learned many, many things during my time living with my host family. Practically speaking, I learned how to cook east African food over charcoal, how to wash my clothes by hand, and enjoy new opportunities. My host family has taught me the power of generosity, the beauty of real friendship, the blessing that family is. The two lessons I learned that will stay with me forever are that you grow where you are loved and joy is not based on circumstances.
I have been as loved and accepted in my host family as I have in my biological family. They have encouraged me, supported me, and extended so much grace towards me. Because of this I’ve seen tremendous growth in my personal life.
I would recommend this program to anyone who is interested in learning more about themselves and others. This is the perfect program for anyone who desires to be stretched and challenged in the most life giving way possible. If you do this experience, you will leave with a much greater understanding of who you are, what you value, and how to embrace the unique personalities and values of people from a culture different than your own.
___Hannah Bellew
I was fortunate enough to stay at Justin’s for a month. He and his family went beyond my expectations, taking great care to make me feel right at home and always offering to help. Staying with Justin was an amazing opportunity to get to know Rwandan culture on a deeper level and understand what life is like in Kigali. I will remember and treasure most the long conversations around the dinner table while enjoying a home cooked meal. I would recommend this experience to anyone looking to stay in Kigali for an extended period of time. You will gain a newfound appreciation for Kigali and, most importantly, some lasting friendships.
-----Alexandrine
These past 2 months were about learning for me and what kind of man I want to become. I traveled to Rwanda by myself not knowing anyone or anything thing about the country. First day I arrived I was greeted with a loving beautiful host family Who shown me nothing but love these two months. While staying here, Mama Ganza taught me the art of forgiveness and how it will help me within the near future and it will help me help others who struggle with forgiveness. Papa Ganza showed me how a Black man can be successful and provide for his family every day of the week not even if the odds where against him. Finally we have my two beautiful amazing siblings Ganza and Keza who shown me nothing but LOVE and innocence.
I will miss this country, but I am ready to go back to reality so that I’m the near future I can come back and complete all the dreams and promises I’ve made to these people.
Much love,
DJ Cline
Staying with Justin's family was an amazing experience. We went to church, had local food every day and deep talks about Rwandan/East African culture, which helped me feel I actually got to know something about the country. His book was also very helpful, I really liked the phrases in Kinyarwanda. Thank you very much for this!
___Lucie Vinická
Living in a host home was the best thing I could have done to adapt to the living in Rwanda. I was able to experience many new things that I would not have pursued on my own. My particular host family was wonderful at explaining unfamiliar ideas and experiences. I received even more support through my weekly check-ins with Justin. During those sessions, I was able to process and problem solve. This helped me to maintain a healthy, positive mindset.
___Lauren McGuigan
Justin was very helpful throughout this whole process, asking and answering questions, offering advice, etc. about both Rwandan culture and my own and I enjoyed our weekly meetings and felt like I was continually learning. The family and the house he arranged for me were both good and I always felt safe and taken care of. I hope to come back to Rwanda soon!
___Bethany Fromdahl
