Location

Narok, Nairobi, Kenya

Program Description

This study abroad program in Kenya will create powerful cross-cultural immersive experiences that focus on educational justice and global education. Based primarily on the campus of Nasaruni Academy, which educates about 250 girls at the primary and secondary level, you will have opportunities to engage with the students at school while participating in and learning about their Maasai culture.

Given the location of the school campus just outside of Narok, southwest of Nairobi, there will also be opportunities to build academic and cultural connections with local teachers and community members, to experience an overnight safari at a camp in the Maasai Mara game reserve, and to explore the vibrant and cosmopolitan capital, Nairobi. From these diverse firsthand experiences, as a student rather than as a tourist, you will learn about the richness of Kenyan cultures, the devastating effects of environmental challenges, colonialism, and poverty, and the strength and creativity of the indigenous peoples.

This program will be of interest to those in education, health sciences, social justice, social entrepreneurship, NGOs, art/art education, occupational therapy, engineering, conservation, environmental issues, drama, etc. As an interdisciplinary program, there will be multiple opportunities to explore how your research, pedagogical, and professional interests intersect with those of the people you meet.

Much of the "academic" content will focus on cultural competencies and learning Kenyan culture, history, and geography. We will frontload this into several sessions, which will occur online prior to going abroad. You will learn the skills you need to engage well with the girls and the teachers, the community, and the differences you will encounter.

Once there in Kenya, your learning will be nearly fully immersive.

We will have guest lectures occasionally, and you will each read a book and lead a book talk in pairs. But mostly you will learn through immersion and relationship-building with the local people. Fieldwork is one way to think of this experience. It will likely be one of the most transformative and incredible experiences you've had!

Location Description

Kenya is a land of contrasts, ranging from the cosmopolitan city of Nairobi to the rural villages. While Nairobi is green and lush, the land further south becomes semi-arid and drier. Driving from Nairobi to Narok, you will witness the changing landscapes and diverse livelihoods. The many groups of indigenous people in Kenya give it a unique expression and experience of diversity, which expands our own thinking. Kenya is actively pursuing a unified Kenyan culture while respecting the diversity of its peoples and heritage. All of these movements and challenges are complex and promote deep thought and inquiry. We will have the opportunity to hear our hosts’ perspectives and others to gain deeper insight and greater global awareness.

Geographically, Kenya has unique qualities we will explore such as the Great Rift Valley which is visible from outer space. The weather in Kenya is very pleasant, and cools down well in the evenings and mornings. The May/June visit is likely to have some coolness and rain (which keeps down the dust).

Director

Michelle Cude | cudemd@jmu.edu | MSME

Accommodations

Accommodations will be largely at Madison Camp-Kenya where you will stay in a large tent with possibly 4 - 6 other students. You will have a mattress on a twin bedframe, some personal space for your belongings, and share a basic shower/bathroom facility nearby. For Americans, they may resemble rustic camping experiences. The outdoor connection to the environment is all a part of the experience. You will live in community, eat in community, and also have some time for solitude and reflection, as well as work and play with the students and school staff. Internet access is highly unreliable and expensive; and phones are limited to one brief call per day. Limited access with the Western world is part of the intentional design of the experience.

Most meals are included in the program fee. They will vary from new dishes similar to local cuisine and hearty meals you are more used to. The Maasai enjoy meat, but other diets can be accommodated with advance notice. You will have a few excursions for shopping and museums. You will have opportunities to buy extra snacks and food you are likely familiar with at larger shops nearby. Almost anything you need is available in Narok. We will have plenty of clean, bottled water available. Masala chai is not to be missed!

Additional Items to Consider

You are encouraged to leave your cell phone behind, unless used as a camera. In order for you and others to engage fully in the cross-cultural experience, we limit the time for phone use to one hour in the evening. Internet is also highly variable and limited.

You will need to purchase an online visa which costs around $50. We will walk through that process together as a group. Plan to bring your best self, ready for adventure and whatever that might bring our way. Flexibility is key, especially as we all live together in community for two weeks.

Immunizations are required. We follow the current CDC guidelines. We will talk more about this in pre-departure meetings. Students must visit the Department of State link for travelers to Kenya.

Course work required pre-program. 

Plan to bring your best self, ready for adventure and whatever that might bring our way. Flexibility is key, especially as we all live together in community for two weeks.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0

Open to Juniors, Seniors, and Graduate Students of all majors as well as non-JMU students.

Adventurous spirit, flexibility, good-natured, social justice-oriented, open to build relationships with people of varied ages and backgrounds, ready to marvel at the amazing gifts of Kenya.