In January, Associate Teaching Professor Wendy Bolyard led a cohort of nine CU Denver students on an immersive study abroad experience in Rwanda and Uganda as part of PUAD 4600/6600: International Development and Social Entrepreneurship in Rwanda and Uganda. Most participants were Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Public Policy (MPP) students seeking to deepen their understanding of global development systems while building cross-cultural leadership skills.

The 10-day program was delivered in partnership with the Global Livingston Institute (GLI). GLI was founded by SPA PhD alum, lecturer, and SPA advisory board member Jamie Van Leeuwen, and it remains a valued collaborator for the School of Public Affairs. The program allowed students to examine international development through a systems theory lens while learning directly from community leaders, entrepreneurs, public officials, and local partners across East Africa.

A High-Impact Itinerary

From Jan. 2 to 11, 2026, students traveled through Kigali and Musanze in Rwanda, and Kabale and Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda. GLI curated a schedule that blended cultural immersion, professional engagement, and guided reflection. Experiences included:

• Visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the Nyamata Genocide Memorial, which provided historical context and insight into Rwanda's post-conflict development.
• Conversations with community partners and tours of schools, clinics, and public health programs supported by GLI.
• A collaboration day with students from the African Leadership University, creating opportunities for peer-to-peer discussion about governance, entrepreneurship, and leadership and ending with attending the 2026 Rwanda Super Cup football match at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
• A meeting with U.S. Embassy officials that included a memorable conversation with the acting U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda.
• Site visits to organizations such as Partners for Conservation, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund's Ellen DeGeneres Campus, Africa Rising Cycling Center, and local agricultural and traditional medicine practitioners.

Daily debriefs and structured reflections helped students connect their experiences to course themes, systems thinking concepts, and future professional interests.

Meaningful Learning and Lasting Impact

GLI's post-trip surveys show significant student growth in understanding global development issues, cross-cultural communication, and the political and economic relationships between the Global South and Global North. Students noted that the experience would shape their academic or career paths, and many expressed a desire to return to East Africa to continue learning and contributing.

Students formed an average of seven new international professional connections during the trip. Many hope to maintain these relationships for future collaboration.

One student shared, “I already had hopes of working with communities in the global south, but this program has really heightened my desire and ambition to come back to Africa and find areas where I can learn and contribute to communities.” Another participant added, “African nations are creating their own solutions at the community level, and seeing that work firsthand changed how I think about development and equity.”

Students also described the program as one of the most immersive and fulfilling educational experiences of their academic careers.

A Model for Global Learning at SPA

Students praised the program's deep cultural engagement, meaningful conversations with local partners, and the sense of community among participants. GLI's report highlights outstanding student satisfaction, including an average program rating of 9.78 out of 10. For Bolyard, the experience reflects SPA's mission to prepare public service leaders who understand complex global challenges and can work collaboratively across cultures.

“These experiences change how our students see their work, their communities, and themselves as future public service professionals,” Bolyard said. “East Africa offers powerful lessons in resilience, innovation, and community-led leadership.”

Looking Ahead

With strong student reviews and clear evidence of deep learning, SPA and the Global Livingston Institute plan to continue the partnership for future programs. Enhancements under consideration for 2027 include expanded pre-trip background materials and additional time for students to connect informally with local peers.

Students returned to Denver with new global perspectives and a commitment to applying what they learned in their communities, coursework, and professional journeys.