About
This blog was created in January of 2012, in order to allow friends and family members to follow the steps of trip preparation and daily activities during William Penn University’s first study abroad program – an alternative spring break to Rwanda and Tanzania. Since then, it has grown to include topics such as travel, international volunteering, intercultural education, and wordly news.
William Penn University is a small, private, liberal arts university that has been serving students for over 130 years. With a traditional campus based in Oskaloosa, Iowa and branches available in locations such as Ankeny and West Des Moines, William Penn University strives towards helping students of all ages and backgrounds achieve their personal development goals.
Mission statement: William Penn University provides the opportunity for an educational experience with a focus on leadership, technology, and the Quaker principles of simplicity, peace-making, integrity, community and equality.
William Penn University developed a partnership with the Institute of Agriculture, Technology, and Agriculture of Kibungo (INATEK), Rwanda in 2008. As part of its first study abroad program, held in March 2012 to Rwanda and Tanzania, the university spent 3 days at INATEK where students had the opportunity to learn more about the genocide, met INATEK college students, and explore Kibungo’s elementary and secondary school system. To conclude the trip, the participants traveled to Tanzania to participate on African safari drives before returning to the United States.
William Penn University will continue to develop this alternative spring break trip that is held in conjunction with an eight (8) week course that meets for one hour per week – going over trip preparation details, information on Rwanda and Tanzania, how to discuss the genocide, and other similar topics. Additionally, the school is working on developing longer programs lasting for a summer, semester, or year-long time frame.
William Penn University currently offers the opportunity for students to participate on study abroad programs through a third-party organization or another college, while still receiving a William Penn University degree.
For more information, please feel free to visit the following links:
- William Penn University: www.wmpenn.edu
- City of Oskaloosa, Iowa: http://www.oskaloosaiowa.org/
- CIA World Factbook – Rwanda: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rw.html
- United Human Rights Council on the Rwandan genocide: http://www.unitedhumanrights.org/genocide/genocide_in_rwanda.htm
- National website of the United Republic of Tanzania: http://www.tanzania.go.tz/
The main author of this blog is Karolyn Wojtowicz, Graduate Assistant for International Programs at William Penn University. She is working on her Masters in Business Leadership degree from WPU while also creating study abroad program options, assisting with international students and general international affairs at the school. She received her undergraduate degree from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana, during which time she was able to spend a semester abroad in South Africa. When she was 16 years old, she participated in a sister city exchange program to Hofu, Japan. If you would like to get a hold of her, please email at: wojtowiczk@wmpenn.edu
Thank you for sharing your adventures with others! It sounds like you’ve arleady experienced a lot–and you’ve only begun! Absorb everything you can as the days will fly by! Please take care of my sister, President Fields!
What an amazing program and opportunity for your students!
Hi Karolyn! I don’t think I’ve told you lately how much I’ve been enjoying your blog. I think what you’re doing is an awesome service for your students. So I’ve nominated you for One Lovely Blog Award. Check out http://wp.me/p2qzmi-m4 for all the info. And maybe we should talk sometime about doing a conference proposal. I think you’re on to something!
Elise, I would like to thank you for your nomination and your interest in this blog! It is truly inspiring to know that not only are people reading and enjoying the blog but also that they support what it stands for. I look forward to possibly working with you between our two blogs or in any other way that we could serve as resources for each other. 🙂