Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A holistic Kenyan Experience January 12, 2025

By (Computer Science, Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/12/2024 to 12/12/2024 with

St. Lawrence University: Nairobi - Kenya Semester Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an understanding of my host counties culture and norms. While bonding with staff, students, and my host families. It was worthwhile and exciting

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 0
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use your stipend carefully

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Introduction to Swahili
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Talk to staff, and locals

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Connections
  • Swahili
  • Adventure
* What could be improved?
  • WIFI
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how much we would travel and to pick up things to remember from each place.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Biodiversity in East Africa
Course Department:
Instructor: Sinary
Instruction Language:
Comments: Field components and in-depth readings made this class an integral part of my study abroad experience
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Gender Studies

Course Department:
Instructor: Neo
Instruction Language:
Comments: It was a challenging course that was very relevant to present day Kenya, while providing background on current norms and issues
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Swahili
Course Department:
Instructor: Ben
Instruction Language:
Comments: The class meets very often and moves quickly, but the material learned can be directly applied.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Core Course
Course Department:
Instructor: Micheal
Instruction Language:
Comments: Lots of reading and writing, but an amazing course that gives you insight on current event while having you reflect on field components.
Credit Transfer Issues: No