Question 1

Fall 2026 Program Schedule

Accepted Answer

Departure and Return: Thursday, Aug 27 - Friday, December 4

5-day break: Thursday, September 17 (after class is dismissed) - Monday, September 21

In Rwanda:  Thursday, Oct 29 - Saturday, Nov 27 (4 weeks)

Question 2

Travel & Flights

Accepted Answer

What do I need to travel internationally?
You must have a valid passport from your home country. You can check here to see if the countries you plan on visiting have additional passport requirements (e.g., length of validity from departure date or number of blank pages available). 
We will obtain the visas for your travel to Africa.

How do I get to Lugano?
We book group flights for the students on the program. We generally fly out of Dulles Airport (IAD). 
You will receive 1 free checked bag, carry on, and personal item with your ticket. 
You can book your own flight if you would like - please notify program directors if you prefer to do so. 
Students are responsible for coordinating their travel to the airport.

Question 3

Costs, Payments & Financial Aid

Accepted Answer

What is the deposit?Virginia Tech & Other University Students The non-refundable deposit of $1,200 is required to secure your place in the program and is not refundable if you withdraw within four months of the program's start date. Withdrawals requested more than four months in advance will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.Roanoke College Students The non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure your place in the program and is not refundable if you withdraw within four months of the program's start date. Withdrawals requested more than four months in advance will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.When do I need to complete my payments? Virginia Tech $5,900 (½ program fee) billed May 15, due June 16$5,900 (½ program fee) billed July 1, due August 1Tuition billed in July, due in August In-state: $6,751.00Out-of-state: $15,789.00Tuition will be billed by Roanoke College - you will not pay tuition to your home school (Virginia Tech, etc.) for the Fall semester. Other University Students$5,900 (½ program fee) billed May 15, due June 16$5,900 (½ program fee) billed July 1, due August 1Tuition billed in July, due in August Tuition will be billed by Roanoke College - you will not pay tuition to your home school (Virginia Tech, etc.) for the Fall semester. Roanoke College Students You will pay on-campus room, board, and feesYour tuition payment remains the same as a semester on campusWhat scholarships are available to me? Scholarships are available through the program. The application does not open until the group is in Lugano. Virginia Tech & Other University Students: We will work with you to ensure your scholarships/financial aid transfers to Roanoke College. Roanoke College students: Your scholarships will apply as usual. Can I use my financial aid?Virginia Tech & Other University StudentsPlease see the attached document to see if your financial aid can be applied to your tuition. Roanoke College Students You will continue to receive your normal financial aid package while on the program.What is included in my program fee? HousingLodging in Lugano and Rwanda MealsDinner 4x/week in Lugano 3 meals/day in Rwanda FlightsRound trip to/from Europe  Round trip to/from Rwanda Eurail PassYou will receive a 15-day Eurail pass as part of your Program Fee. This pass allows you to travel throughout Europe using the train system at little to no cost. 
Safari in Rwanda Visa for RwandaWeekly laundry
International Travel InsuranceWe enroll all students in the program in CISI international health insurance for the semester. You will receive an invoice from Virginia Tech to pay the insurance (about $180) and you will receive an email with the information how to use the insurance if needed.

Question 4

Housing & Meals

Accepted Answer

Where will I live in Lugano? 
You will live at the Montarina Hostel in Lugano, Switzerland, which is conveniently located 5 minutes from Lugano’s train station.

How are roommates assigned? 
Rooms and roommates are randomly assigned for the group (2-5 students per room).

What meals are included? 
In Lugano
Students receive dinner 4 nights/week on the Montarina property 
Students receive a lunch card for Franklin University worth 100 CHF
Students are responsible for their breakfast and lunch on the weekdays. You will have access to refrigerators and a small kitchen in the Montarina. 
In Rwanda
You receive 3 meals/day for the duration of your visit

Can I have something mailed to me while I’m in Lugano?
Yes! The mailing address is listed below: 
Your Name
C/O David Brinberg
Montarina Hotel and Hostel
Via Montarina 1
CH-6900, Lugano, Switzerland

Question 5

Packing & Preparation

Accepted Answer

What should I pack? 
We have linked our recommended Fall Packing List here
Comfortable yet functional clothing is key. Europeans are more formal dressers than Americans. 
Keep in mind: bring clothes that you can mix, match, and wear with little fuss. Remember if you didn’t wear something at home, you probably won’t wear it abroad (so just don’t pack it). You will also probably want to buy things as you are there!

Do I need to prepare for anything medically? 
There are no required vaccines or medications needed to visit Rwanda. We recommend speaking with your doctor to determine the best plan for you.
If you take a daily prescription, please speak with your doctor or pharmacist to bring enough medication for the duration of the program. It can be difficult to get exactly what you might need based on different regulations in Europe.

Question 6

Academic Information

Accepted Answer

Can I earn a minor in Leadership and Social Change with Virginia Tech? 
Students in the Linking Lives Study Abroad program have the opportunity to pursue a minor in Leadership and Social Change.
The following courses can be substituted in the minor:
MKTG 4644 Marketing, Society, and Public Interest for LDRS 4514 Skills for Nonprofit Leaders
MKTG 3954 Study abroad for LDRS 3954 Study Abroad
Students would still need to complete: 
6 credits of LDRS core courses (including LDRS 1414 Citizen Leadership which is required)
6 credits of social change electives (from group and society sections; see link below)
1 credit LDRS 4044 Leadership Studies Capstone (also required)
More information can be found here.

Can I take another class while I'm on the program?
You can enroll in an online course through Virginia Tech, separate from the program if you would like. Additional tuition would need to be paid to Virginia Tech for the course. 
It would need to be an online asynchronous course to accommodate your course schedule while in Lugano/Rwanda. 
Students are generally disconnected while in Rwanda, so it would not be possible to complete coursework during November for an online class.

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