KENYA FIELD TRIPS
KEI organizes cultural field trips in Nairobi, Mombassa and Western Kenya. KEI also plans wildlife safaris to Nairobi National Park and Maassai Mara (or another nature reserve). Transportation, lodging and admission for planed activities are included in the program fee. Below are the most commonly organized excursions and activities. KEI reserves the right to change planned excursions for destinations of equal value and interest. Excursions may change based on availability, local festivals and interest. Academic year and multiple term students participate on planned excursions during their first term of study.
Nairobi
Several day trips will be planned throughout Nairobi. During orientation you will be taken around the city, shown how to use public transport as well as a few local hotspots. A field trip Nairobi National Park, which is within city limits, will include an introduction to Kenya’s amazing wildlife. The park boasts great wildlife viewing juxtaposed against the city skyline of Nairobi. Lastly, a field trip to the Bomas of Kenya will educate you about the many tribal customs, living and traditional dances of Kenya.
Mombasa
Mombasa is the major port center of Kenya, and has been ruled by the Portuguese, Arabs and British. As such, it enjoys a thriving intercultural atmosphere. A visit to Fort de Jesus as well as Old Town will give students a history lesson of this diverse and exciting city. Although it is not part of a planned activity, many students take time to visit the beach – which is one of the best in Africa.
Maasai Mara
This large nature reserve is adjacent to the Serengeti national reserve in Tanzania, and is home to the Maasai people. They are the original inhabitants of the area as well as much of Kenya and have resisted most efforts to modernize. Traditional Maasai life is centered around their cattle, which are the main source of wealth and food. The nature reserve also has some of the most abundant wildlife in Africa. Up close encounters with elephant herds, lions, hippos, giraffes and other African wildlife will be a highlight of this excursion. Maasai Mara may be replaced with another wildlife park based on game migration.
Western Kenya
An excursion to Western Kenya is a must for students who are interested in getting a feel for typical Kenyan rural life. Destinations change each semester. Previously, field trips were organized to Lake Victoria, the home of President Obama’s Grandmother and local villages where students learn how to milk a cow and take care of other daily chores.
TESTIMONIALS
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To all those considering a semester abroad, I highly recommend it. There is so much to learn and experience both inside and outside the classroom. My experience thus far in the wonderful country of Kenya has taught me so much about a different education system, a new culture, and myself. It is a worthwhile experience, and there is no better time to go on this kind of adventure.
I experienced so much and learned so much that no website or class could have taught me. How people view things like race, gender, the US, and the world expands my understanding of the world. Meeting such friendly people, slowing myself down, and experiencing the beauty of nature has shown me the faults in our lifestyle. The KEI program has changed me for the better, and I will never forget it. If you are considering study abroad go for it. I guarantee you will not regret it. If you are not considering study abroad what’s wrong with you? Don’t let fear, money, or other people discourage you from experiencing something that will allow you to grow and stick with you for the rest of your life. All of those things can be worked out with proper planning and effort on your part. Take my word for it, you will not regret it.
My internship at Nairobi National Park, Animal Orphanage is amazing. I get to work with all types of wildlife. Many of the animals were brought here by park rangers. It is our responsibility to nurse them to health and release them back in the wild. Thank you for this amazing opportunity. I put a lot of pictures on my Facebook. Feel free to take a look.
Nairobi is really cool. My classes are very interesting and different. I am learning so much about Kenya and African history.
Africa was great. After being back for almost a month its still weird to think about and understand. Ultimately the whole thing was surreal and while it’s difficult being back and re-adjusting, I wouldn’t trade my Study Abroad for the world. While I was there I did school 4 days a week, traveled with my program most weekends, and on my off weekends, I was watching movies in the dorms and doing volunteer work in orphanages, the church, or just hanging-out. I saw lions, beautiful beaches, some seriously cool people (the Maasai) and made some really awesome new friends.
Nairobi is amazing! Everyone has been great. Thank you for setting up this program the way it’s been set up. It’s all been so easy to settle in between our program cost covering our health insurance and fees, to including within it a lot of travelling that’s already paid for. It’s been great, and I already dread having to leave. It seems like every day is so exciting that I can’t help but try to write it all down. I have a blog about my experiences. Do read about my adventures!
I enjoyed my time in Kenya more than I can express. I loved the people that I met, and I learned some valuable life lessons that I really don’t think I could have gained in another way. Thank you so so much for everything you did for me this summer, and just for being a support system back in the US. It was such a comfort to know you were there if we ever needed something.
I feel that our program compared to other American students staying in Kenya was the best because everything was so well planned and there was so much to do. We experienced much more of the country than the other students. The excursions and Patrick (KEI Onsite Coordinator) were great. There was not anything that I did not enjoy about the program.
Patrick (KEI Onsite Director) was easy to find or contact if I needed something or had any questions. He was very knowledgeable, kind and accessible. He was a positive part of my KEI experience. Patrick is wonderful!
The girls in Kenya participate more in class discussions than in the USA. It was really nice and refreshing – an interesting cultural difference. There were many more group projects, class presentations and discussions than at my school from home. It is a much more interactive and involved learning process. I liked it.
I was really glad to be on campus. It made it easier to meet people and I felt like I was in the center of everything.
I really love this place. I’ve seen things I’ve never seen before – like lion cubs nursing at Massai Mara, elephants, giraffes – and it’s a really fun place. It feels very free. The classes are excellent, too. I’m taking a class on marriage and even a class on death, dying, and bereavement, which reminds me to live my life to the fullest. I’ve made many friends and even have a cute girlfriend from Zimbabwe now.
Thank you very much for helping me get to Kenya, for I am receiving an education that spans three continents as well as allowed me to meet people from all over the world. Just the other day my Zimbabwe girlfriend, a Sudanese boy from Australia, and myself went to a Hindu temple here and participated in the festival. The cultural differences and similarities I am learning-well, I am extremely fortunate to have been given such an opportunity.
