Christopher Tounsel, African Studies Program Director, recently spoke with Trevon Mitchell about his study abroad experience last summer as part of the inaugural cohort of students on the JSIS/UW-Bothell Leadership and Nation Building in Rwanda – Sports Development, Global Health, Ecotourism and Human Rights program. Mitchell also received ASP support for his study abroad, including the Nelson Mandela and Graca Machel Fellowship Fund and the Ottenberg-Winans Fellowship.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Personal Growth & Reflection
1. What motivated you to participate in a Study Abroad program?
I was motivated by a desire to learn beyond the classroom, engage directly with global communities, and deepen my understanding of Africa through lived experience rather than textbooks.
2. How has studying abroad changed your perspective on the world?
Studying abroad expanded my perspective by showing me how interconnected global histories, education systems, and communities are, while also challenging assumptions I previously held about development and leadership.
3. What was the most surprising thing you learned about yourself during your time in Rwanda?
I learned that I am adaptable and comfortable navigating unfamiliar environments, and that I thrive when learning through relationship-building and immersion.
4. How did this experience shape your academic or career goals?
This experience strengthened my commitment to education, history, and global learning. Being in Rwanda affirmed my desire to pursue work that connects African and diasporic communities through education and leadership. It also made my goals feel more concrete especially my interest in bringing students to Rwanda through education with a group I work with. The program helped me see how education can be a bridge between cultures and a tool for empowerment, and it pushed me to think more intentionally about how I want to use my work to create access and opportunity for young people.
5. What advice would you give to students who are considering studying abroad?
Go in with humility, curiosity, and openness. Be ready to listen more than you speak and allow the experience to challenge and grow you.
Cultural Engagement
6. What cultural differences stood out to you the most between Rwanda and the US? How did you navigate them?
The strong sense of collective responsibility and community stood out to me most. I navigated this by observing closely, asking respectful questions, and adapting my behavior to be more community oriented.
7. Can you share a moment when you felt especially connected to the people you met during your trip?
I felt especially connected during conversations with local students and educators, where shared discussions about education, leadership, and identity created genuine mutual understanding.
8. What was your favorite cultural tradition, food, or custom you experienced in Rwanda?
One of my favorite experiences was sharing meals and conversations, It was also learning the Rwandan dance. That was challenging but because of the people around me i was able to feel encouraged.
Academic & Professional Impact
10. What courses or academic experiences abroad had the greatest impact on you?
Courses and site visits focused on Rwandan history, post-genocide reconciliation, and education had the greatest impact, as they connected theory with lived reality. For example the genocide memorial museum, That was very impactful learning Rwandan history in their narrative.
11. How did the academic environment differ from what you were used to?
The academic environment was very different from what I was used to because it emphasized experiential learning, open dialogue, and reflection rather than just lecture-based instruction.
Instead of only learning from textbooks or professors, we learned directly from the places we visited and the people we engaged with. This approach pushed me to think more critically, ask deeper questions, and reflect on how knowledge connects to real-life experiences, which made the learning feel more meaningful and impactful.
Memorable Moments
13. What is one unforgettable memory from your time abroad?
One of the most unforgettable memories was when I got to spend time with the locals and play basketball. This allowed me to connect through basketball. Also I was able to have personal conversations with the locals
14. Was there a moment that challenged you, and how did you grow from it?
One moment that challenged me was getting acclimated with my UW classmates at the
beginning of the program. Being in a new country while also navigating new group dynamics felt uncomfortable at first. However, as we spent more time together learning, traveling, and reflecting as a group I began to open up and build genuine connections. By the end of the program, we were able to have a great time together, and I grew more confident in my ability to adapt, communicate, and build community in unfamiliar spaces.
15. What place, person, or event had the biggest impact on your experience?
The biggest impact that I had was going to a place called Solid Africa. This place changed mypossibilities in the future. This place has shown me that no matter the circumstance you can make a difference. Solid Africa is a nonprofit that has a farm and kitchens that feed local schools and hospitals.
Program-Specific Reflections
16. Why did you choose to participate in the Rwanda program?
I chose to participate in the Rwanda program because it aligned deeply with who I am and what I care about. As someone who is passionate about history, education, and community work, being able to learn in an African context felt especially meaningful. Rwanda offered the opportunity to not only study history in a classroom, but to engage directly with communities and understand how the past shapes present-day education, leadership, and resilience. I saw the program as a chance to grow both academically and personally while reconnecting with the African continent in a way that felt intentional and grounding.
17. How did the Program support your learning and integration into the host culture?
The program supported my learning through guided reflection, local partnerships, and structured opportunities to engage respectfully with the community.
18. Would you recommend this Program to others? Why or why not?
Yes, I would recommend this program to others because it provides a truly meaningful and
immersive experience. The program goes beyond academics by encouraging you to engage deeply with the culture, history, global health, and people of Rwanda. It challenged me to reflect on my own perspectives while also supporting my academic growth. Overall, it’s an experience that pushes you to learn with intention, build cross cultural understanding, and grow personally in ways that stay with you long after the program ends.