NAIROBI EXCHANGE PROGRAM NAIROBI EXCHANGE PROGRAM

The University of Nairobi

The University of Nairobi originated under British rule as the Royal Technical College of East Africa, established in 1951. After independence, the it became part of the University of East Africa.  In 1970, the University of East Africa was dissolved and Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda each established national universities.  The University of Nairobi was inaugurated by President Jomo Kenyatta in 1970.

Currently, the University of Nairobi offers a diverse program of undergraduate and graduate studies such as Veterinary Sciences, Architecture & Engineering, Biological & Physical Sciences, Health Sciences, and Humanities & Social Sciences.

University Campus and Coursework at the University Resources

The University’s main campus is near the city center. The University offers its students various resources and services including a library system, residence halls, a small student health service and a Student’s Union. The University is situated very near the  Nairobi National Museum  which is also a resource for students.

Academic Calendar

The academic year has 2 semesters consisting of approximately 13 weeks of class followed by exams. The actual start date for any semester may be different than the published date so check with the NEP coordinator. Delays and interruptions can occur at the University so students must show a degree of flexibility if changes are made to address unforeseen changes in the calendar.

 

Coursework at the University Swahili

The Institute of African Studies is the academic home of NEP. The Institute teaches and researches in the fields of Anthropology and Gender. Other subject departments available to NEP participants include: International Development, History,  Sociology, Social Work, Religion,Politics, Economics.A typical semester includes a group tutorial in Swahili and three University classes.   Previous participants have enrolled in: 

  • Cultural Anthropolgy
  • African Religion
  • African Economic History
  • Medical Anthropology
  • Pycholinguistics
  • Nutritional Anthropology
  • Sociology of Development
  • South African Literature
  • African Ethnology
  • Kenyan Foreign Policy

Swahili

Students are required to take Swahili while in Kenya.  Instruction is conducted in a small group with a private tutor.

 

Independent Research and Study

 Students are encouraged to do independent research but it should be arranged in advance of arrival in Kenya if possible. The NEP coordinator can help with this process.   Examples of past participants' involvement:

    • Mama Ngina Home for abandoned children
    • Institute of Primate Research (IPR)
    • Federation of Kenyan Women Lawyers
    • Liverpool VCT Care Center  (Voluntary Counseling & Training) 
    • National Museum of Kenya Archaeology
    • Carolina for Kibera (Youth Center and Health Clinic)
    • Child Welfare Society of Kenya

Grades and Transcripts

Faculty in Nairobi will evaluate student work, However, a student’s home institution decides if and how credits and grades will transfer.  Evaluation of independent research & field study should be arranged with the student’s home institution. Academic credits will be awarded by the student's home institution, not by the University of Nairobi.  Please be aware that transcripts from the University are not available until about six months after the completion of the semester.