Uganda: Our Founding Program
Uganda is where Chalkboard Nomads began — our original school partnerships, our deepest local relationships, and our most established 16-day co-teaching experience. Applications for the 2027 cohort are open now, and space is intentionally limited to protect the quality of partnership with our local schools.
Why Uganda?
Uganda offers educators a rare opportunity to collaborate with passionate local teachers, engage with students in welcoming school communities, and experience education through a different cultural lens. Participants gain insight into diverse approaches to teaching and learning while developing the adaptability, cultural competence, and global perspective needed to thrive in today's increasingly interconnected classrooms.
Global Perspective
Experience firsthand how education looks different across cultures, broadening how you think about your own classroom.
Authentic Classroom Experience
Co-teach alongside Ugandan educators in real schools, not a curated tourist program.
Cross-Cultural Collaboration
Build genuine partnerships with local teachers, exchanging strategies and perspectives both ways.
Professional Growth
Return with adaptability, cultural competence, and classroom strategies you can't get from a workshop.
The Immersion Program
What You'll Experience
01
02
03
04
Classroom Immersion
Collaborative Learning
Professional Development Leadership
Reflection & Cultural Exploration
Collaborate with local educators and engage with students in partner schools throughout Rukungiri District.
Observe, co-teach, lesson plan, and exchange educational practices with local teachers.
Facilitate workshops and share educational strategies that support local professional learning goals.
Participate in guided reflection and cultural experiences that deepen understanding and personal growth.
Days 1-3: Arrival & Orientation
Arrive and settle into your new community, meet your cohort, and begin orientation into the local school partnership.
Days 10-13: Implementation & Leadership
Design and deliver a professional development workshop for local educators.
Your Uganda Journey
Follow the experience from community immersion through classroom collaboration, a weekend safari, professional leadership, and celebration.
Days 4-7: Classroom Immersion & Global Leadership
Observe and co-teach in partner classrooms, complete a Cultural Intelligence assessment, and begin designing your community impact project.
Day 14: Reflection & Transition
Process your learning through guided reflection, then transition to Lake Bunyonyi.
Days 8-9: Weekend Safari Experience
Spend a full day in Queen Elizabeth National Park with a guided game drive, boat cruise, and chimp tracking excursion.
Days 15-16: Final Weekend: Culture & Celebration
Close your time in Uganda with a Lake Bunyonyi boat cruise, cultural experiences with Batwa and Bakiga communities, and a return to Kampala before departure.
location
Rukungiri District, Uganda
duration
16 Days
focus
Classroom Immersion & PD
participants
Educators & Candidates
support
Local Partners + 24/7 Assist
Program Inclusion & Support
WHAT WE PROVIDE
- In-country coordination
- School placements
- Housing & most meals
- Ground transportation
- Guided reflection
- Professional development facilitation
- 24/7 on-the-ground support
WHAT YOU'RE RESPONSIBLE FOR
- Airfare
- Travel insurance (required)
- Personal expenses
WHAT YOU BRING
- Curiosity
- Adaptability
- Collaboration
- Cultural humility
Program cost: $2,950 (early bird — apply by December 1, 2026) or $3,200 (regular).
Airfare and travel insurance not included.
SAFETY, SUPPORT & WELLBEING
- Vetted school partners and experienced local staff.
- Comprehensive risk management and emergency protocols.
- 24/7 in-country support throughout the program.
- Small cohort sizes for personalized attention.
- Structured reflection and participant wellbeing support.