Global Livingston Institute

The mission of the Global Livingston Institute (GLI) is to educate students and community leaders on innovative approaches to international development and empower awareness, collaboration, conversations and personal growth. The GLI brings students, educators, and community leaders to East Africa on immersion experiences that engage deeply with locals and focus on education and job creation. The GLI operates two campuses in Uganda and is engaged with a number of social impact initiatives in Uganda and Rwanda. 

Students begin the program with a two week immersion to introduce them to the country, the culture, international community development work, GLI and its ongoing projects, and a variety of partners doing community development work in Uganda. It will include time in Kampala and in Southeastern rural Uganda and will include cultural activities as well as numerous opportunities to connect with organizations and Ugandans to learn more about the country and ongoing efforts in community development. Students will then have a two week community development placement for the remaining time of the program.

Community development placements for Summer 2024 will be at Kisoro Volunteers Association. Areas of focus include:

• Women's Health
• Early Education
• Climate Action
• Local Community Development Projects in Conservation

Program Dates: 

• Saturday, July 6: Depart US 
• Sunday, July 7: Arrive Kampala (Entebbe Int'l Airport [EBB])
• July 8-10: Immersion begins in Kampala
• July 11-12: Kampala to Lake Mburo
• July 13: Lake Mburo to Lake Bunyonyi and the Entusi Center
• July 15-19: Lake Bunyonyi
• July 20-21: Travel to Kisoro
• July 22-29: Community service placement period
• Jul 30: Travel to Kigali, Rwanda
• Aug 2: Departure from Kigali

Credits: This program is not credit-bearing.
Eligibility: Preference will be given to Rollins students graduating December 2024 or later. Priority will be given to students who have not already received funding from Rollins to participate in a Field Study or Summer Approved program.
Program Requirements: Attendance at pre-travel meetings, participation in all on-site activities, 3 journal entries, and a final report on the community service placement. Students must also commit to help promote GLI programs and prepare future program students. 
Compensation: Rollins covers the following costs for participants: on-site transportation, health and emergency insurance, accommodation, most meals on-site, and travel/activities associated with the immersion experience. 
Additional Costs: Rollins will provide a stipend to assist with the following additional costs: Airfare (estimated at $2,000), East African tourist visa ($110), a few meals and personal expenses (estimated at $100-$150), immunizations (estimated at $450). Students will be fully responsible for the costs of obtaining a passport and for any souvenirs/personal entertainment.
Visa: US citizens are required to obtain a visa. The Yellow Fever vaccination is also required and Covid-19 proof of vaccination may be required. 
Application Deadline: February 23, 2024. Apply via My Rollins (search "RIPA Application Portal"). Application materials include a Statement of Purpose expressing interest in one or more of the focus areas, one academic reference, other forms, and an interview. 

Things to Consider: 
Same-sex relations are criminalized in Uganda and social acceptance remains very low. LGBTQIA+ students should carefully and thoroughly check the US Department of State LGBTI Travelers page and ILGA Sexual Orientation Laws in the World for more information as well as the IP Your Identity Abroad page. 
 
Students with mobility disabilities may find accessibility and accommodations different from the United States. Check the US Department of State Travelers with Disabilities and specific to the country, Mobility International USA, and the IP Your Identity Abroad page for resources.