Programs

Location

Nairobi, Narok, Nyeri, Kenya

Program Description

International Heath: A Kenyan Perspective will provide nursing students an opportunity for learning and cultural enrichment in the beautiful and endearing country of Kenya. Students will work with the staff in various health clinics and hospitals in order to gain an understanding of the health care delivery system and specific health conditions that have an impact on the people and children. Students will have the opportunity to learn from nursing faculty of universities and schools of nursing and will work with Kenyan nursing students to provide health care. Opportunities for community service such as providing care in free clinics or participating in health screenings and health promotion activities for school age children will be offered.  

 

We will travel parts of the beautiful country meeting the people, learning about the culture and lifestyles and making friends. We will explore the beauty of the country and the magnificent wildlife which is unique and is a source of great pride for the country.

Location Description

This course will be taught in various locations in Kenya.  The learning opportunities will be diverse.  A variety of settings will be available to students:  

- While in Nairobi we will be staying at Kenyatta University,  a premier university within the country which is home to about 48,000 students.  Through the international programs of James Madison University and Kenyatta University a relationship has been established and provides an opportunity of mutual learning and collaboration.  Faculty, classrooms and clinical venues will be made available from the Schools of Nursing and Medicine and other professional departments within the university.  
Clinical opportunities will be available in hospitals, clinics within Nairobi and the surrounding area. Students will partner with faculty and students from Kenyatta University for these opportunities.

-Students will partner with nursing students from Kenyatta University and other organizations to provide health care to individuals in their home.  Home nursing care is a central component of the healthcare delivery system within Kenya. 

-Students will have opportunities to work in the Tabitha Clinic, a part of the Carolina for Kibera Foundation.  Kibera is an expansive slum within the city of Nairobi.  The Carolina for Kibera Foundation provides services including healthcare to the people who reside in Kibera.  The time spent in Kibera will provide a time for learning about the health needs of the people and insight into of the lifestyle and culture of the people living in such sparse conditions. 

-Nyeri Town - Nyeri is located about 3 hours north of Nairobi. We will spend time at the Sugarbaker Memorial Clinic which is about 4 km south of Nyeri Town.  The Sugarbaker Clinic provides a variety of services to all in the community.  Services include maternal and child health, curative services, VCT (voluntary counseling and testing clinic), and health education talks.  Services will be provided by students in collaboration with the clinic staff.  A community free clinic will be organized and will be primarily staffed with nursing students.

-Tumutumu Hospital - This hospital will provide clinical and classroom opportunities.  Students will have the opportunity to work in patient wards and various clinics to provide care to the people of this community. Students will work with nursing students from Tumutumu Hospital  

-Secondary School -  Riamurkurwe Parish ( near Nyeri Town).  This school educates approximately 400 secondary or high school students from the Tumaini Children’s Home and the community.  Health education and promotion classes will be provided to the students in this school.

-New Frontiers Health Force -  Narok,  Kenya -  (Not confirmed activity,  in planning process).  New Frontiers is a health organization run by a US physician and organization.  Health care is provided to people in the "bush" part Kenya.  Dormitory setting is provided for the students to stay while working in the clinics."

Director

Sharon Strang | strangsl@jmu.edu | Nursing

Kathy Floyd | floydkl@jmu.edu | Nursing

Accommodations

Accommodations will be provided for through hotels, residence halls/dormitories, conference facilities, and host families, with all meals covered by the program fee.

Additional Items to Consider

-Itinerary will be developed in the upcoming months.  All places of lodging will be identified and contact information will be available to all students and their families before departure
-Visa's will be required upon entry to the country
-Specific Immunizations will be required before departure. 
-Cell phones can be purchased for a nominal fee upon arrival in Kenya. It is a "pay as you go“ system.  International calls can be made for reasonable prices. 
-Swahili and English are the predominant languages in the country. While not required as much understanding of Swahili will be beneficial.

This program is intended for senior or graduate nursing students and juniors who have completed basin level nursing courses. RN-BSN students are also welcome.

Application Process

For this program, students are required to submit the following material(s):

• JMU Short-Term Application Form

• A supplemental essay addressing the following question:

  • How will your participation in the Kenya Nursing study abroad program contribute to your personal and professional development?
  • What positive contribution will you make to the program?

• Attend an interview with the program director prior to the application deadline:  Kathy Floyd | floydkl@jmu.edu | Nursing

• Submit a completed Faculty recommendation form.

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.5.

For more detailed instructions and to download the application, please click on the following link to the Applications and Forms section for JMU Short-Term Programs.

Official transcript required for first-semester transfer students and non-JMU students.