Help Anna Get to Africa

Anna Ste. Marie Start Date: Jan 27, 2014 - End Date: May 26, 2014
  • Gulu, Uganda
  • Kigali, Rwanda

My Travel Story

by: Anna Ste. Marie Start Date: Jan 27, 2014 - End Date: May 26, 2014
As long as I can remember, I've had a fascination with Africa. All throughout junior high and high school, I found myself constantly daydreaming about a cathartic and transformative adventure through the most mysteriously appealing continent in the world. The culture, the history, the people, the landscape--I find it all absolutely mesmerizing! Though I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve searched for volunteering or studying opportunities, what I can say is that with every passing year, every search for sensible possibility, every transient fantasy, my desire has only gotten stronger, and my burning curiosity yearns for release.

          But I’m a do-er. When I want something, I make it happen--and I did! I applied for a summer semester study abroad program, and I got accepted! I’ll be spending six weeks of this summer in Gulu, Uganda and Kigali, Rwanda studying Peace and Conflict Resolution. As overwhelmed as I am with excitement and gratitude, the harsher realities of my experience cannot be overlooked. While my parents are being incredibly supportive of my trip, it will be up to me to take on the majority of the financial burden. And, I must say, it’s not a light load to carry! Between room and board, transportation, and tuition, this six week trip is unfortunately going to cost me as much as a full year at St. Mike’s. Though there are a few financial aid options, they are incredibly limited for study abroad, and summer semesters in particular.

          So here comes the dreadful part where I ask you for money. Though I’m fully prepared and willing to take out (yet another) a hefty loan, it would mean the world to me if I could get some help fulfilling this dream. Every bit of help that I get now means that I’ll have less debt down the road.

          If there was any fiber of my being that didn’t believe that this opportunity will be worth every penny, then I wouldn’t even be considering it. However, I am entirely confident in believing that this will be the most educationally and culturally enriching experience of my college career, and any bit of support will not go unappreciated. Thanks for your time!



Quick facts about my trip

Dates: June 11-July 23

Institution: SIT Study Abroad

Program: Uganda and Rwanda: Peace and Conflict Studies in the Lake Victoria Basin

Key Features:
-Homestays in both of the countries for full cultural immersion -Excursions to historical sites
-Classes from Makerere University, Gulu University, and National University of Rwanda lead by faculty and staff from around the world
-Lectures and field work with NGO’s such as World Vision, CARE International Justice and Reconciliation Group, Invisible Children, USAID, Millennium Villages Project, Nakivaale Refugee Settlement
-Broad exposure to multiple locations around the region, both urban and rural

Estimated total cost: $10,000+ 

If you have any questions at all, please feel free to call me or email me at astemarie@mail.smcvt.edu.
  • Gulu, Uganda
  • Kigali, Rwanda

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