Rural Kenya: not for the faint of heart, but you'll leave with new eyes for the world around you. Past Review
By Alexandra C (Development Economics and International Development., Clark University) for
SIT Study Abroad: Kenya - Global Health and Human Rights
It was definitely worthwhile. Not only did it give me a new lens with which to view my development studies, but I'm using the research I did for my ISP on traditional birthing to write a thesis on international health policy and the Safe Motherhood Initiative in Kenya. I had been to Kenya before, but I left after study abroad with a much greater understanding of the country- its problems as well as its beauties.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I think the success of this program and my formative educational experience had everything to do with SIT. The staff were Kenyan nationals with amazing contacts in all sectors and the educational components were all hands on and very much self-directed which I enjoyed. Conducting my own field research was by far the most important educational experience I could have engaged in as an International Development major. Some of the language classes and seminars were a little dry but overall I learned more than I could have ever hoped. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
SIT knows everyone. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family in Nairobi that SIT paired me with was lovely. They involved me in family activities but gave me enough space to do my own thing as well. |
| * Food: |
I mean I knew I wasn't going to France or Italy so my expectations weren't that high. I didn't dislike the food, but to be a vegetarian here would be hard. Lots of ugali (corn flour paste) and I ate a lot of goat meat inland and a lot of fish on the coast. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The rural home stays on the coast and in Tanzania were wonderful. The group got along well and we had fun together but if you're looking for night clubs and parties this isn't the program for you. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I was sick quite a bit throughout my stay due mostly to the changes in climate and food. However, I wouldn't say it ruined my experience. When I got very sick in a rural village SIT was extremely attentive and facilitated my transportation to and from the hospital and accompanied me to my appointments. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I spoke only a few words of Swahili when I arrived and by the end of my trip I was able to introduce myself and my research to the subjects I was working with and get around in public transportation on my own. If you were motivated to learn the language and tried to practice as much as possible you could learn it quickly, but if you don't try on your own the language probably won't stick. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Come with an open mind. If you need a hair dryer or nightclubs to feel happy, reconsider. Read the history and the current news before leaving to understand the dynamics of the country. Do your research about something you love. |
