GEI Homestays: What to Expect?

Many students ask us what a homestay experience is really like, so we asked a recent intern from Georgetown University, Siddharth Muchhal, to share his thoughts about his homestay in Rwanda. Here’s what he had to say:

Sidd, tell us why you came to Rwanda this summer.
This summer, I had the chance to intern at Akazi Kanoze Access, a youth development NGO in Kigali, Rwanda. At first, I considered finding an apartment with my colleague so we could have our own place. But since I had never been to Africa, much less Rwanda, I had very little idea of what to expect. On the advice of my fellowship at Georgetown, I signed up for a GEI Homestay. Now that I’ve experienced it, I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions I made! 

How was your experience with your host family?
I was connected with my host, Judith, a few weeks before I arrived in Kigali. Right away, she answered all my questions - "Will I have my own bathroom?" (yes!), "Can I cook in the kitchen?" (yes!), "Are there kids?" (only the most amazing ones!). Her responses made me feel more comfortable even before I arrived.

In the first few days, Judith helped me build a network of friends by introducing me to her own. She was fun-loving and always interested in hearing how my day went, which was surprisingly helpful. The best part was how flexible and responsive she was. Whether it was about food, shopping, or even having friends stay over, she was always accommodating.

Actually, I lied - the best part was the kids! Carmen, the 8-year-old girl, and Carro, the 4-year-old boy, were the best host siblings. With all the games and mini-arguments we had, they truly made me feel like part of the family, not just a guest. I already miss them so much! 

How were the house and your room?
Judith’s house is in Kimihurura, a central and safe neighborhood in Kigali. It’s near Waka Fitness, the best gym in Kigali (though a bit pricey), and some great spots to meet up with people, like a sports club, a bar, and an art studio where we watched World Cup matches.

The house itself was spacious and comfortable, with a beautiful backyard (complete with a trampoline) and a great view of the city. We had breakfast there every day. My room was also spacious, with plenty of cabinets and drawers. My colleague and I shared one bathroom between two rooms, and while there was no shower curtain (which led to some funny mirror reflections), it worked fine.

Judith also had a security guard, housemaid, and cook, all of whom made my stay more enjoyable. Communication with the staff, who didn’t speak English, turned into a fun game of hand signals and Kinyarwanda phrases. While I was initially worried about being a vegetarian in Rwanda, Judith helped me introduce new recipes to the cook, and the variety of food improved, making me feel much better.

The only issues I had were minor—unreliable Wi-Fi and occasional electricity outages, which led to some creative solutions like packing by candlelight. But overall, living at Judith’s house was a blessing! 

What did you do in your free time?
After work, I usually went to Waka Fitness, then explored my Rwanda To-Do List—museums, cafes, and clubs. Kigali is a small but fast-growing city with a vibrant expat community. Some highlights included ‘Trivia Night’ at Soleluna, volleyball at Mamba Club, and happy hour at Inema Art Center, where I made friends from around the world.

On weekends, we explored Rwanda’s natural beauty. We visited national parks like Akagera (safari), Nyungwe, and Volcanoes, and swam in Lake Kivu. We even climbed Mount Bisoke, a recently active volcano, and took a trip to Nairobi for a Maasai Mara safari. 

What advice would you give to future interns?
For anyone considering working in Kigali or another new destination - go for it! This is the time to stretch your comfort zone and career opportunities. I learned how to make good friends quickly, and I had to trust my instincts about who to spend time with.

Also, from my excursions, I learned what’s essential to pack: water, snacks, medicine, phone, and entertainment like a book or music. For overnight trips, I added clothes and toiletries but kept things light.

Every study abroad experience is unique, and thanks to GEI and my homestay family, I made the most of my summer in Rwanda. It’s an experience I’ll never forget!