Kenya, a Humbling and Inspiring Safari. HES 3080 Past Review
By kara m (Nutrition Pre-med, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) for
Study Abroad Programs in Kenya
This trip was absolutely worth while to me. The experience not only helped me gain an understanding of other cultures, it helped me learn about my own. I have never thought of myself as an ignorant person, but after studying abroad, I realize how much I take for granted about every aspect of the way I live. Seeing the excitement in my new Kenyan friends about new governmental goals such as "kenya 2030 opened my eyes to all that my country has and what we had to fight for to get here. It was a challenge for me to be a part of an unknown culture, but it strengthened my desire to travel more and more abroad in order to share my knowledge and a helping hand. It even changed my future plans as a career. Out of the realization of the strength and determination it takes of the men and women in the armed forces to make our nation as safe and comfortable as it is, I would like to be a doctor to serve our military. My dream is to be a Navy flight surgeon.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The experience was very good. Not only did our students from Oklahoma State connect with the Kenyan students learning about their culture, But I felt as if it was an experience to learn about my own culture as well as we compared and contrasted our experiences, families, points of interest/priorities, and so forth. The workload was moderate but very hands on. There was plenty of interaction between the students and the professor. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I felt that the professors at Kenyatta University were very respectful, knowledgeable of subjects, and excited to teach. A weakness may have been only that it would have been nice to be able get to know more of the Kenyatta students durring our stay. The students we did meet were exceptional and memorable, but we didn't have that much time to interact with many other students. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We were treated exceptionally as guests in our host home. They provided us with a good experience and a good taste of what Kenyan life is like. At the dorms we were treated much better than even expected and were tended to for whatever needs we had. Also, the hotels we stayed at were nice and in safe locations. There wasn't a time on the trip were I felt in danger for any reason. |
| * Food: |
The food was good. Very traditional, lots of chicken, beans, and rice. A word of caution I have is to take precautions very seriously. It is important to not get too comfortable and let your guard down. Don't eat uncooked vegetables, don't eat dairy, unless you are absolutely certain it is safe. I had an experience toward the end of the trip where we went to a museum and I ordered a milk shake at a very westernized-looking restaurant there. I got extremely sick and dehydrated and had to get a shot and medications. I was treated very good, medications were very accessible. It is, however, a good lesson to take precautions seriously. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We had several opportunities, many pertaining to the student's majors as well as a few tourist attractions. We experienced things such as cultural dancers, safaris, energy plants, and much more. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I had an experience with the health care when I got seriously sick durring the trip. Health care was available 24/7 and I was well taken care of. Also, before the trip, we were well informed of medications that were necessary pre-trip. |
| 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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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? | As a freshman, I was excited to find a study abroad opportunity that fit me. I was hoping to go to Kenya on a mission trip the year before but that opportunity fell through. However, my study abroad experience was more than anything I could have expected. It wasn't quite the mission trip atmosphere, but I learned so much more about the people of Kenya, the culture, and so much more that only this opportunity provided. For any freshman, or any who have desires for the mission field, I highly expect a study abroad opportunity like this one. I feel so much more prepared for work abroad, what I feel most passionate about. |
