Four students hold the Fletcher flag in front of a tiled wall in Tunisia.

Students participate in experiential program in Rwanda and Tunisia

Last month, groups of Fletcher students participated in student-led treks to Rwanda and Tunisia. These trips provided participants with a unique opportunity to learn about new cultures while connecting classroom concepts to the real world and networking with international affairs practitioners in the field. 

Five students reflected on their time abroad, how it relates to their fields of study, and what they’ll remember most.

Students pose with the Fletcher flag in Akagera National Park.
Photo courtesy of Fletcher student trek participants

A Model for Developing Countries

I absolutely loved this trek. I learned a lot academically, culturally, and personally. I learned a lot about Rwanda, but I also found parallels with Korean history in the reconstruction of the nation from scratch after national destruction. I think the Rwandan political and judicial system, cultural identity, and its cohesive society could become a role model for other postcolonial developing countries.

The most memorable moment was meeting with President Paul Kagame. He generously shared over two hours of his time to answer our questions. It was invaluable to learn from his leadership and experience. Also, it was a great pleasure to meet Rachel Okunubi, F11, a Fletcher alum who is the acting deputy chief of mission at the United States embassy in Kigali.

–Yerin Yoon, F26

One woman presents another with a gift while a group of students watches, smiling.
Photo courtesy of Fletcher student trek participants

Reflecting on Conflict Resolution 

In my classes at Fletcher, Rwanda is often used as an example of conflict resolution, mediation, and international law. Being the trek leader was a lot of work, but I enjoyed seeing my peers explore a new place and learn a thing or two about my country. The most memorable moments were meeting the president of Rwanda and our trip to Bigogwe.

–Benita Uruhisho, F27

Fletcher students pose for a photo in front of an outdoor site in Tunisia.
Photo courtesy of Fletcher student trek participants

An Exchange Across Cultures

This trek was truly life-changing. I never thought I could fall in love with a country so quickly. The opportunity to engage in such an embedded cross-cultural exchange was incredibly valuable. From ancient mosaics, Islamic architecture, and modern street art—the richness of Tunisian culture was on full display and left me in awe.

I study international economics and security. Witnessing firsthand the political situation, the overall state of the economy, and the relationship between the two was informative from an academic perspective and has given me a strong comparative foundation for my region of focus, Latin America.

–Miguel Torres, F27

Two students enjoy a meal at an indoor restaurant.
Photo courtesy of Fletcher student trek participants

Joining Iftars in Tunis

This was a student-led, student-organized trip to give us the opportunity to apply what we’ve been learning at Fletcher in the real world. We visited the town of Sidi Bou Said and the ancient Roman city of Dougga. We learned about the rich history of Tunisia through the eyes of those who live there. It was an incredible experience and one of the core memories of my time at Fletcher.

Because we visited Tunisia during the holy month of Ramadan, we were able to experience the rich culture and practices that emerge during this time. Every evening, we gathered together to share an Iftar wherever we were. This ranged from a beautiful, high-end Iftar in the Medina of Tunis to shared kebab or chapati from the local street vendors. During some of these Iftars, we were even joined by Tunisian locals, who were friends of some of the trek leaders, or by Fletcher alums. We'd laugh together, chat about the day, and unwind while eating decadent Tunisian meats, soups, and couscous.

– Kellie Peitersen Sullivan, F26

A Fletcher student takes a selfie outside on a rooftop overlooking the city.
Photo courtesy of Fletcher student trek participants

Bringing Tunisia’s Social Landscape to Life

This trek transformed abstract ideas into lived experience, allowing us to see how concepts from the classroom take shape through direct conversations and engagement with locals. Seeing my classmates connect with friends I made in the street art community last summer reminded me how meaningful it is to experience a place through the perspectives of people your own age. Those genuine, unscripted conversations brought Tunisia’s social and cultural landscape to life in a way no formal briefing ever could.

Watching the Tunisia Trek come full circle—from pitching the idea during orientation week to introducing my new classmates to colleagues and friends on the ground in Tunis—was incredibly meaningful. It was inspiring to see an itinerary built through months of outreach and collaboration spark curiosity, dialogue, and deeper mutual understanding in real time.

– Morgan Miller, F27

Read more about experiential learning at Fletcher.