Kenya: Islam and Swahili Cultural Identity

  Kenya

• Mombasa: 
Mombasa

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: September to December/February to May

Description: Coastal East Africa is home to the Swahili--a maritime trading community dating as far back as the first century. The Swahili developed an extensive commercial network of seafaring communities along Africa's Indian Ocean, linking Asia and the Middle East with the African continent. Contemporary Kenyan coastal cultures, while influenced by more-recent migrations and interactions, continue to draw heavily upon these roots.

Mombasa, the heart of commercial and cultural connections to other Indian Ocean ports, provides an ideal base from which to explore Kenya's coastal cultures. You will travel by traditional wooden dhows, observe fresh fish catches being transported to open-air markets, and tour Fort Jesus, the 400-year-old stone edifice and gateway to the ancient city. Extended studies in Lamu, an island community rich in Islamic tradition, enhance learning about the 1,000-year-old society, while homestays provide knowledge of varied coastal village life in East Africa.

Highlights: Two-week homestay in Mombasa and a one-week rural homestay. Educational excursions to Dhow "safari" in the islands of the Lamu Archipelago, Zanzibar or Oman (conditions permitting) and two weeks in Lamu.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: please inquire for more information

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement: SIT Study Abroad is the accredited higher education institution of World Learning, a private, nonprofit international organization promoting international and intercultural understanding, social justice, and economic development through education, training, and field projects around the globe. SIT prepares students to be interculturally effective leaders, professionals, and citizens through SIT Study Abroad, undergraduate, field-based academic programs operating in more than 50 countries worldwide, and thorough short-term professional training and graduate degrees in language teaching, conflict transformation, international education, social justice in intercultural relations, management, and sustainable development.

Year Founded: 1932