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Vetter Dean’s Fellows Global Immersion Elective

The 2024 VDF Program will visit Rwanda! The program is worth 2 credit hours (MBA 870-003).

Program highlights may include:

  • Genocide Memorial with interactive talk, walking tour of Kigali
  • Agahozo Shalom Youth Village (2-night stay with community)
  • Coffee cupping experience in Kigali
  • Meetings with young entrepreneurs in fashion, online services/platforms, gallery owners
  • Drone demo of medical supply deliveries
  • Rwanda Development Board (RDB) interactive talk with senior representatives
  • Stock Exchange visit
  • Volcanoes National Park (2 nights)
  • Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Learning objectives include:

  • Responsible leadership
  • Develop knowledge of culture and business practices in a non-western market – specifically Rwanda
  • Develop and practice global competencies: openness; respectfulness; resilience; flexibility; introspection, reflection, collaboration, adaptability, and empathy
  • Give back to the community in Rwanda through service learning and intercultural engagements
  • Become better business leaders, aware of cultural differences as well as the challenges and opportunities of doing business globally

When: March 2024 during spring break. Arrival in country will be March 4th (a Monday). Program activities will run March 5 – 12, 2024. Departure from Rwanda on the evening of March 12.

Students are required to attend the following classes in-person. Please take note of these dates. If you participate in Exchange or DBI, you must be back in time to attend the below.

  • Dec (TBC) kick-off meeting
  • Feb 1, 6-9pm
  • Feb 8, 6-9pm
  • Feb 22, 6-9pm
  • March 28 (return meeting), 6-9pm

Cost: This experience is heavily funded by the Vetter’s. While most costs are included and covered, you are still responsible for some expenses. Included: twin/shared room, most meals during program, scheduled activities, ground transportation.

Flight: You will receive a flight stipend to book your own airfare. The amount of this stipend is $1,500. Please do not book any flights until you receive specific information about the Rwanda program.

What would NOT be included?
As mentioned above, you will be expected to cover some costs on your own:

  • Any costs related to your flight above the provided stipend
  • Loss of personal property
  • Souvenirs or personal spending
  • Other incidentals (laundry, international phone plan, internet, etc.)
  • Optional activities or extensions
  • visa fees on arrival (generally $50 for US citizens)

How to register: This is an opt-in program. You will receive a commitment form. If you would like to participate, you must complete the form by mid October. COVID vaccination required by our program provider in order to participate. Access the form here (coming soon). You will be registered by the MBA Registrar for MBA 870-005, mod 3, after completing the form.

Questions? Email Kaitlyn Murphy, Associate Director, MBA Global Programs: kmurphy@unc.edu

 

Faculty Lead: Jeffrey Mittelstadt, bio

Staff Lead: Patricia Collins