International Journalism and Mass Communications

  Kenya

• Nairobi: 
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 global communication, mass media, international reporting, photojournalism, and African affairs. Coursework is supplemented with field trips, community service, and internship opportunities at local news and communications organizations. The program includes sightseeing, cultural and safari excursions in Kenya. All courses and field trips are conducted in English. Students can earn up to 16 credit units per term 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. 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 PSHB program offers a wide selection of English-taught courses in communication, mass media, international reporting, photojournalism and African affairs. Courses in international business, marketing, finance, management, economics, commerce law, foreign policy, liberal arts, psychology, Swahili, African studies, science, and environmental studies are also available. Students must take 3 IJMC core courses (in English); 1 other course is optional.

Nairobi: Nairobi is the financial, political, educational, and cultural capital of Kenya, and the major commercial center in East Africa. Nairobi is one of Africa's most modern cities with skyscrapers, outdoor cafes and western-style hotels. 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 - and the regional hub for trade and finance in East Africa. Nairobi today is also a major diplomatic post in Africa, with a population of 1.5 million. For many reasons, it is an exciting place to study communications and journalism.

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.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

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

Experience Required: no

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Scholarships are Available.

Application Process Involves:

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

Post Services Include:

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

Knowledge Exchange Institute (KEI)'s Mission Statement: The Knowledge Exchange Institute was founded on the belief that study abroad should go beyond language and culture studies to include discipline-specific courses and internships. Our goal is to provide affordable, high quality programs that allow students to complete major-specific requirements and gain practical experience while enhancing their understanding of the world through cultural and social immersion.

Year Founded: 1997