Frequently Asked Questions
Please find here answers to some of the commonly asked questions about the study abroad. If your questions still remain unanswered, do not hesitate to write us an email at swaimon@uw.edu.
What kind of mentorship can we expect to get when we come for study abroad?
You’ll receive dedicated mentorship from esteemed scholars like Dr. Yang Jae Lee and Dr. Robert Rosenheck, who will guide you through the research process with their expertise and insights. Beyond the program itself, our academic mentorship extends into the publication process, ensuring you receive continued support as you refine and share your work. Additionally, our team leaders provide hands-on guidance throughout your fellowship experience, helping you navigate both academic and practical aspects of your research journey. This is more than just mentorship—it’s a lasting academic partnership!
How does a typical day look like during the study abroad program?
From Monday to Friday, your mornings start with a breakfast at 8:00 AM, followed by a team meeting where you’ll strategize and plan the day’s research. By 9:00 AM, you’ll set off for the field to conduct interviews and gather data. At midday, you’ll return to the house for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, though some teams prefer to push through their work and enjoy a later lunch around 4:00 PM. The afternoon session resumes at 2:00 PM, where you’ll work towards meeting your daily research goals before wrapping up for the day.
Evenings are a time to unwind—whether that’s taking a walk through the community, going for a run, playing games, watching the sunset, or simply relaxing at the house. Dinner is served at 7:00 PM, and from there, the night is yours to rest, reflect, or prepare for the next day.
Can I apply even if I am not a student at UW?
Yes! Students enrolled at other accredited universities may apply, though UW students will be given priority if space in the program is tight. Since UW is on the quarter system we highly recommend students from other universities on similar academic schedules apply. If you are on a semester-based system please check with your schools study abroad office regarding feasibility of this programs timeline and credit transfers. Please reach out directly if you have application related questions or need help navigating your university's study abroad process..
How can I communicate with my family and friends when I’m in Uganda?
We will guide you in purchasing an eSIM card or Ugandan SIM card (depending on your phone). We provide a guide for how to download you eSIM and download data in our Guide to Visiting Uganda.
Where will I be staying while on the program?
Students’ primary housing will be in shared dormitory-style accommodations in the Buyende District for approximately 8 weeks of the program. These dorms are located in a rural village setting and are intended to provide students with an immersive experience living in the community where they will be studying and conducting research. Students should expect basic, rustic accommodations, including shared rooms, solar power, and no running water (bucket showers and sanitary pit latrine toilets). Mosquito nets will be provided, and the dormitories are furnished with basic items such as beds, bedding, tables, and chairs. Dormitories are equipped with solar power and a generator. There will be enough electricity to charge your phones, computers, other devices, and for lighting. Internet is available for working on projects but may be slower than students are used to. There is also a shared courtyard space that allows for group gatherings, informal meetings, and community-building among students and staff. This housing is appropriate for students who are flexible, adaptable, and comfortable with simple living conditions in a rural setting.
For approximately 2 weeks of the program, students will stay in hostel-style accommodations in Kampala and Jinja. In Kampala, students will stay at Red Chilli Hideaway, which offers dorm beds and private rooms at a purpose-built site in Butabika and includes 24-hour reception/security and Wi-Fi. In Jinja, students will stay at Explorers River Camp / Nile River Explorers, a riverside accommodation site overlooking the Nile near Jinja. These urban and peri-urban accommodations will provide a higher level of comfort and access while students participate in site visits, seminars, and other structured program activities.
What if I can't find flights within the window listed in the Arrival and Departure Section?
We understand that travel plans can sometimes be challenging to arrange. We are happy to assist you in finding appropriate accommodation in Entebbe prior to the program start date if need be. If you are unable to find a flight that arrives within the specified window, or if you need to arrive late, we can facilitate transportation from the airport to the program location at a later time for an additional fee. Please note that pre-orientation sessions are crucial for acclimating to the program and location, so we highly encourage you to make every effort to arrive on time. If you foresee any difficulties with your travel schedule, please inform ETH staff as soon as possible so that we can work together to make appropriate arrangements.
Is Uganda safe?
In terms of safety, we want to emphasize that the ETH has an excellent safety record. We take precautions to ensure the well-being of our students, and there is a dedicated guard who helps maintain security.
Moreover, the village where the program is located, is known for its safety. The community is small and tightly knit, people are friendly and hospitable. However, infrastructure can be challenging - roads may be in poor condition and electricity cuts occur frequently. That is why we have enough solar panels to power all necessary appliances.
You can read more about health and safety in our Guide to Visiting Uganda or at UW Global Travel Health and Safety.