African Studies and Swahili Language Program

  Kenya

Nairobi

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer 
Dates: Fall, Spring, Summer, Academic Year

Description: This program is designed for undergraduate and graduate students interested in intensive Swahili language training as well as African history, politics, culture, literature, sociology, art, economics, diplomacy, public relations, environmental studies and humanitarian issues. Coursework is supplemented with field trips, community service and internships at local businesses, international organizations and humanitarian agencies. The program includes sightseeing, cultural excursions and a wildlife safari in Kenya. All courses and field trips are conducted in English. Students can earn up to 16 credit units per semester towards their undergraduate or graduate degree. Transcripts are issued by USIU, an accredited university in the USA.

Highlights: Host Institution: USIU is recognized as a leading, private, secular university in East Africa, with exceptional schools of business and international relations. English is the official language of Kenya, as well as the language on USIU's beautiful, gated, 20-acre campus (12 miles from the city center). USIU is a multinational institution of higher learning: nearly 50 nationalities are represented in the academic community, which consists of 2,300 students and 140 professors. Students and faculty come from Africa, Asia, Europe and America. USIU is dually accredited by WASC in the USA and by the Commission for Higher Education of Kenya.

Courses: The ASSL program offers Swahili language training and a wide variety of English-taught courses in African history, politics, culture, literature, sociology, art, economics, diplomacy, public relations, environmental studies, and humanitarian issues. Courses in business, international relations, liberal arts, psychology and science are also available. Students must take 2 ASSL core courses and 1 Swahili language course; all other courses are optional.

Nairobi: Nairobi is the financial, political, educational and cultural capital of Kenya and the major commercial and financial center in East Africa. From its discovery as the birthplace of humanity to the present day, to its independence from the UK in 1963, Kenya has a long and fascinating history. Most Kenyans associate themselves with one of 70 ethnic tribes, which often have their own unique language. Nairobi is one of Africa's most modern and fastest-growing cities with skyscrapers, outdoor cafes, theaters, museums and western-style hotels. It is also a major diplomatic post in Africa, with a population of 1.5 million.

Living: Students reside in double-occupancy rooms at the USIU Residence Hall. Rooms are furnished with beds, desks, chairs and wardrobes. Each residence hall has recreational facilities, TV rooms and a study hall. USIU Resident Assistants live in each wing to provide assistance and facilitate a positive community experience.

Excursions: Each term, the KEI program includes sightseeing and cultural excursions in Nairobi, to the Bomas of Kenya and to the Kiambethu Tea Estate. In addition, students participate in a 3 or 4-day (camping) wildlife safari in the Samburu, Nakuru and Masai Mara wildlife reserves, accompanied by a professional safari guide.

Cost in US$: $6,550 = trimester, $12,600 =year

Experience Required: no

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Scholarships are Available. - $250-$1,000

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Knowledge Exchange Institute (KEI)'s Mission Statement: The Knowledge Exchange Institute offers unique study and intern abroad programs for college and graduate students. KEI programs are distinguished by a large selection of major-specific, language and regional studies courses; courses taught in English (all locations); professional internships; transcripts and credit from an accredited university; extensive cultural excursions; housing; pre-departure and on-site staff and support; and attentive service and small groups of students.

Year Founded: 1997