Frequently Asked Questions
"Everything You Need to Know—Quick Answers to Common Questions"
General
-
We're excited to collaborate with institutions to design custom programs that align with their academic goals. Whether it's for a short-term interterm or a full semester, we can tailor a program to suit your needs. Reach out to us to initiate a conversation about potential collaboration and how we can create a transformative experience for your students.
-
We welcome faculty and staff to engage with our programs in various capacities. If you are interested in joining as an observer or co-facilitator, please reach out to our team to discuss potential collaboration opportunities and how you can contribute to our educational initiatives.
-
As of yet, we do not offer scholarships or financial aid directly through RIDE (we are working to change that!). However, we encourage students to explore potential funding opportunities through their home institutions, study abroad offices, or external scholarship providers to support their participation in our programs.
-
While our programs primarily target participants from the US and Europe, we're open to welcoming participants from other regions who are interested in our mission and educational approach. If you are from outside these regions and wish to participate, please contact us to explore possible arrangements.
-
Currently, our courses are limited to students enrolled in college or university degree programs. However, if you are interested in participating and are not currently enrolled in an academic program, please contact us to explore potential options that align with our mission.
-
Not at this time. Currently all courses are limited to students enrolled in a college or university degree granting program.
-
Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to place people with internships. If you are interested in volunteering with an organization that does work outside of RIDE’s current mission (i.e. health, primary education), then please reach out to our team and we will be happy to work with you.
Academics
-
Our programs can be designed to range anywhere from 4 to 18 college credits. The assignment of specific credit is determined by your college or university.
-
We offer courses both at the graduate and undergraduate level. All of Field Courses are upper division (300 or 400 level), due to their integration of both social and natural science components. Specific credit levels, as well as meeting requirements for general education, a major or electives are determined by your home college or university. Please talk this over with your study abroad office.
-
The specific transcript that students receive will be up to the policies of your home institution. Most of the time, your own university or college will handle accrediting the program as it will be as an internal course. Students receive credit at the completion of a program should they pass.
-
Our field courses are co-taught by experienced faculty members and our regional experts. The courses are carefully curated to integrate theoretical concepts with practical fieldwork. We emphasize critical thinking, research methodologies, and real-world application to ensure students gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
-
Absolutely. Our programs are designed to accommodate students from diverse academic backgrounds. Whether they are studying social sciences, environmental studies, language, or any other field, our experiential learning approach fosters interdisciplinary engagement and cross-cultural insights.
-
Assessments vary based on the nature of the courses. They can include research projects, field reports, group presentations, exams, and more. Our faculty work closely with your university's faculty to establish assessment criteria and grading methodologies that align with your institution's standards.
-
This is a must. We encourage active collaboration between RIDE's expert team and your university's faculty. We believe in co-designing courses that align with your institution's academic goals and standards. Your faculty's input is vital to crafting a program that meets your students' needs and enhances their learning experience.
-
Yes, to a certain extent. While our programs have a core curriculum to ensure a holistic experience, we do offer flexibility within the curriculum to cater to individual interests. This can include choosing research topics or projects that align with specific academic goals, ensuring a more personalized and enriching journey.
Life Abroad
-
East Africa is a vast region, which, at first glance, may seem homogenous and similar to the rest of the continent. However, upon living and studying in the country, students will learn that East Africa is very unique with a long history and variety of cultures.
-
No! While many of our courses are physically as well as academically demanding, they are designed so that anyone in reasonable shape can complete them. Certainly if you are in excellent shape it will be easier, but anyone who exercises regularly should do fine. To prepare for the program we recommend that students exercise for one hour at least three times a week. We have found that students who do this are better able to focus on the academic requirements of the program.
-
This entirely depends on the type of program. Professors and program leaders will always have their own private, en-suite accommodation. Students will stay in shared accommodation which is separated by sex. While in villages, we usually stay with host families there as well. Some of our course locations (such as national parks, cloud forests, game reserves) will involve camping. Generally accommodations are simple but adequate, and obviously vary a great deal between an urban host family and rural bushcamping. Refer to each course page for more specific information on housing for that course.
-
The courses at RIDE are intensive expeditions. Free time is more limited, but you will have time after class, etc., and most weekends.
-
Our programs emphasize cultural engagement. Students will have the opportunity to live with host families, participate in local rituals, interact with community members, and explore markets and historical sites. These experiences foster a deep understanding of local traditions, values, and ways of life.
-
We provide comprehensive pre-departure health information and require students to have medical insurance that covers international travel. Our staff assists students in accessing local medical facilities if needed. We also provide guidance on health precautions, vaccinations, and hygiene practices to ensure students stay healthy throughout their journey.
-
Students can access Wi-Fi at certain program locations and are encouraged to bring unlocked smartphones for local SIM cards. While in villages or more remote areas, internet connectivity may be limited. However, we encourage students to embrace this opportunity to disconnect from their devices and fully engage in their cultural and educational experiences.
-
Of course. While our programs are intensive and academically rigorous, we also believe in providing students with opportunities to explore the region during their free time. Whether it's visiting nearby attractions, experiencing local cuisine, or participating in community events, students can make the most of their time abroad beyond the classroom. There are certain limits to this however so that students do not stray too far or towards less safe areas.
Health & Safety
-
RIDE places the highest priority on the health and safety of our participants. We collaborate closely with local partners to ensure that accommodations, transportation, and activities meet rigorous safety standards. Our experienced team is well-trained to address medical concerns promptly, and we have protocols in place for emergency situations. We also provide comprehensive pre-departure information to help students prepare for a safe and enjoyable experience.
-
YES. Most likely you will have to pay up front for medical expenses in-country and then ask to be reimbursed from your health insurance company.
-
Depending on what previous vaccines you have received, you most likely need to visit. Considering the active-nature of our programs and foreign locations, we require that all of our students visit a doctor to get necessary travel informations, vaccines as well as physical approval.
-
We have established relationships with reputable medical facilities in the regions we operate. Our participants have access to medical care whenever needed. Before departure, students receive detailed health guidelines and recommendations, including vaccinations and health precautions. We encourage students to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuations.
-
Not at this time. If you only need to check in once in awhile, we recommend that you set up a way to Skype or video conference with your regular therapist before you leave. If you need to be in touch with your counselor on a regular (weekly) basis, this program may not be a good choice for you, since we are often off the grid for three weeks at a time. We do have access to emergency mental health care, but if you have significant issues such as anxiety, depression or related issues, please talk with your counselor and/or a mental health professional about how you might be impacted by the inherent stress of living cross-culturally in a developing country, and if this program is a good choice for you or not. There are lots of great programs that might work for you — so we want to help ensure you are on the right one for you.
-
Our team is highly experienced in managing programs in diverse locations. We conduct thorough risk assessments and choose program sites and activities with safety in mind. RIDE’s local staff are well-acquainted with the regions and communities, offering students valuable insights and guidance. We also provide safety briefings and guidelines to ensure students are aware of cultural norms and local customs, promoting a respectful and secure experience.
Design a Program
-
Initiating a collaboration with RIDE is simple. Reach out to us through our website or contact our team directly. We will work closely with your university to understand your goals, preferences, and academic requirements. Our experienced team will then tailor a program proposal based on your specifications, ensuring a seamless process from conception to execution.
-
Absolutely. Our team includes experts in various fields, and we are well-equipped to assist in academic planning. We can co-design courses, research projects, and experiential learning components to align with your university's curriculum. Our aim is to ensure that academic goals are met while offering transformative field experiences.
-
The timeline varies based on the complexity of the program and the degree of customization required. On average, the planning process, including proposal development, academic design, and logistical arrangements, can take 6-12 months. We recommend reaching out well in advance to ensure ample time for collaboration and preparations.
-
RIDE charges a comprehensive fee, and all participants’ expenses are covered while on one of our programs. Some study abroad programs hide costs by not charging for food, transportation or other costs that the students have to pay for themselves. We bundle everything into the comprehensive fee so that financial aid will apply to everything. We also put all of the costs towards creating a truly once in a lifetime experience. In the field we then break into small groups of 3-4 students with 2 field instructors. We are also traveling into remote, and sometimes expensive to reach places. This pushes the costs up, but allows our students to go beyond what a normal tourist might see. Rather than a uninspired program where you spend most of your time on a college campus, we are out in remote tribal villages, sea kayaking the islands, and skin diving coral reefs while learning from local communities.
-
RIDE provides comprehensive support at every stage of program development. Our team offers expert guidance on curriculum design, logistics, safety measures, and cultural immersion. We handle all logistical arrangements, including accommodations, transportation, and local partnerships. Our aim is to create a seamless and enriching experience for both faculty and students.
