NAIROBI EXCHANGE PROGRAM
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A study abroad program at the University of Nairobi
(Coordinated by Bryn Mawr College)
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW INRODUCTION TO KENYA ACADEMIC PROGRAM
HOMESTAY PROGRAM PRACTICAL INFORMATION
APPLICATION PROCEDURE PHOTO GALLERY
CONTACT INFORMATION
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The African Studies Consortium (Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore Colleges and the University of Pennsylvania) coordinates a unique undergraduate study abroad program in Kenya. Bryn Mawr College serves as the lead institution for this reciprocal exchange, which is also designed to bring scholars from the University of Nairobi to the U.S. for a period of study and research at the Consortium member schools.
The NEP offers a unique opportunity for undergraduates to study African history, society, politics, religion, arts and literature. While in Kenya, students will live with homestay families and take courses in Swahili in order to further immerse in the culture. Students embarking on such a venture in Africa must be ready to face both the excitement and the challenges of living and studying in a developing country.
SEMESTER: Spring 2007
ELIGIBILITY: Students in their junior year who have taken at least one African Studies related course are best suited to apply. Others with appropriate interests or experiences will also be considered.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM: Courses are taken at the University of Nairobi. Options for independent study and research may be available. Academic credits will be awarded by the student’s home institution, not the University of Nairobi
LANGUAGE: Kiswahili instruction is offered as part of the program, but English is used in government administration and in school instruction.
HOMESTAY PROGRAM: Students are hosted by Kenyan families in Nairobi.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications due Oct. 25. Late applications may be accepted with permission. Please contact the coordinator before October to indicate your interest in the program.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Candidates must submit a Personal Data Form, an official transcript, 2 letters of recommendation, a resume and a personal statement. A personal interview is recommended.
Nairobi Exchange Program Coordinator:
Jennifer L. Russell
E-mail: jrussell@brynmawr.edu
Bryn Mawr College
101 N. Merion Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Tel: (610) 526-7473 Fax: (610) 526-7471
AN INTRODUCTION :
KENYA and the UNIVERSITY of NAIROBI |
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Kenya is a land of great diversity, both geographically and culturally. An estimated 32 million people of different ethnic and cultural identities live in an area roughly 1½ times the size of California. The majority live in rural areas in the highland plateaus of the southwestern quarter of the country. A small but significant number of Arabs, Asians, and Europeans also call Kenya home.
Kenya is justly renowned for its scenery of epic proportions and remarkable variety. 70% percent of the country is dominated by semi-arid grasslands that support a bewildering variety of wildlife and a number of pastoralist tribes. The Great Rift Valley cuts though the center of the highlands and is 50 miles across in some areas and 2000 ft. deep. Not far away are the two highest peaks on the African continent, Mt. Kenya and Mt. Kilimanjaro.
NAIROBI
Kenya's capital city, Nairobi, is the largest city in East Africa and serves the region’s as a commercial, financial, and communications hub.
In its origin, Nairobi was an entirely artificial creation of European settlers. At the turn of the last century the city was a supply depot, switching yard, and campsite for the thousands of Indian laborers who built the East Africa railway line. The original center retains an Asian influence in its older buildings, but these are interspersed today by many modern, glassy, high-rise office buildings.
Nairobi is a cosmopolitan and vibrant place.. Surrounding the city center are thousands of acres of suburbs where most residents of Nairobi live. The University of Nairobi is located in the city center, near the main shopping and business districts and cultural attractions.
THE ACADEMIC 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 College became one of three colleges 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.
Presently, programs at the University of Nairobi include: Agriculture & Veterinary Sciences, Architecture & Engineering, Biological & Physical Sciences, Education & External Studies, Health Sciences, and Humanities & Social Sciences. The Institute of African Studies is the “academic home” of the NEP. It houses the Anthropology Department and teaches and researches in the fields of Indigenous African History, Ethnography and Social Anthropology.
University Campus and Resources
The University’s Main Campus is near the city center and houses the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The nearby Chiromo Campus is houses the Physical Sciences, Pre-clinical Medicine and Pre-Veterinary departments. The Clinical Medicine departments are at Kenyatta National Hospital. The College of Education and External Studies is at Kikuyu, 13 miles from the city center.
The University offers its students a range of resources and services These include a library system, residence halls, a small student health service and a Student’s Union.
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. Because delays and interruptions in the academic calendar can occur, students must show a degree of flexibility if changes are made to address unforeseen changes in the calendar.
Coursework at the University
A typical semester includes a group tutorial in Kiswahili and 3 University classes.
Typical courses offered include:
Previous participants have also enrolled in:
Kiswahili
Students are required to take Kiswahili while in Kenya. Instruction is conducted as a small group tutorial with a faculty member.
Independent Research and Study
Students are encouraged to do independent research but it must be arranged and supervised by a professor/advisor at the student’s home institution.
Examples of past NEP participant activities include:
- Mama Ngina Home for abandoned children
- Institute of Primate Research (IPR)
- Kenya Human Rights Commission
- Liverpool VCT Care Center (Voluntary Counseling & Training)
- National Museum of Kenya Archaeology
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. Transcripts (issued by the University or the Institute of African Studies) may not be available until significantly later than the end of the NEP semester. Evaluation of independent research & field study should be arranged with the student’s home institution.
HOMESTAY PROGRAM
Through a cooperative arrangement with Kalamazoo College, participants will stay with Kenyan families while in Nairobi. Past participants have said that this is one of the most rewarding parts of the study abroad program. Students are usually housed with middle to upper class families. Locations, family structure and experiences may vary significantly.
EXCURSIONS
NEP has supported student excursions beyond Nairobi over the past several years. Additional opportunities are anticipated for 2007.
Entrance to Massai Village |
At the summit of Mt Kenya |
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Health and Safety
Applicants must be in good mental and physical condition and should be aware of the challenges and risks of living in a developing country. This is not meant to imply that the program is unsafe; rather it is meant to convey an accurate sense of what a participant may encounter.
Vaccinations are recommended and/ or required for travel in East Africa and students must follow the recommendations of their doctors and the CDC. Students must be thoroughly informed about the risks of malaria and AIDS in sub Saharan Africa and must observe strict protective health care standards.
Insurance
Health insurance valid in the U.S. and overseas is required as well as coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation. The International Student ID, is also required and may provide some medical & accident coverage through the issuing agent, CIEE.
Passport/Visa
United States citizens require a visa to study in Kenya . Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond the end of the NEP term. Non-U.S. citizens should consult their Embassy for visa requirements.
Costs
The cost of travel to /from Kenya is not included in the program fee. Additional expenses may include: passport/ visa fees, health insurance, vaccinations, preventative medicine, local transportation, textbooks, vacation travel and personal expenses. The estimated total of these expenses, excluding travel, is about $1,500-$2000. The NEP does not offer financial aid or scholarships. The NEP will work with the student’s study abroad advisor to arrange for billing.
Contingencies
The opening of the University in any given semester could be delayed and some of announced courses may not be available. In addition, the NEP may need to make special arrangements if regular classes at the University are delayed or interrupted. Should conditions at any time deteriorate to a point where the Consortium considers them to be unsafe, the program will be suspended until they improve.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications due Oct. 25. Late applications may be accepted with permission. Please contact the coordinator before October to indicate your interest in the program.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Candidates must submit a Personal Data Form, an official transcript, 2 letters of recommendation, a resume and a personal statement. A personal interview is recommended.
ELIGIBLITY
Students in their junior year who have taken courses in African Studies or are best suited to apply. However, other students with appropriate interests or experiences related to Africa will also be considered. Applicants must be in good disciplinary and academic standing.
Applicants must demonstrate exceptional motivation, tolerance for the unexpected, emotional maturity, and a willingness to endure a modest degree of physical discomfort. Candidates may qualify for admission based on academic criteria and yet not be selected for participation because they represent a risk of not being able to adjust to a demanding living environment. Such decisions are made at the discretion of the NEP.
Disclaimers: Any student who accepts an offer of admission to the program does so voluntarily and recognizes that there are risks associated with his or her participation. Personal conduct and willingness to cooperate with NEP staff and fellow participants is essential during the pre-departure period as well in Kenya. The NEP may dismiss a student if there is a disregard for these expectations or if the student does not maintain good academic or disciplinary standing.
PHOTO GALLERY - coming soon
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