"Life in Kenya." Past Review
By Barb T (Clinical Laboratory Sciences, A.T. Still University of Health Sciences) for
University of Minnesota - MSID: International Development in Kenya
I learned to be a better person in society and not to take anything for granted as well as to appreciate life more, and live it to the fullest. My academic interest were not changed but the program made me realize that what I have always intended to be or wanted to do is exactly what I want.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The grading system was very fair and teaching methods were a bit different since we got to see firsthand what we were learning about in the outside world through trips, and excursions frequently. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Accessibility/support services was very efficient and staff were on call 24hrs 7days a week. Offered support when needed and were always happy to help at all times. They were very knowledgeable about the host country and American higher education as they have been running this program for 20+ years now. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was arranged ahead of time but you did have the option of deciding what kind of host family you want, ex religious beliefs, diet,and the likes. I was treated very well and classes were about 20 mins away from my house, nightlife was about 30 mins away, very safe gated community and I felt right at home. Only things I brought with me were my clothes and shoes...they provided the rest. |
| * Food: |
I liked that there are more options for vegeterians. Quality of food was really good. Mostly Organic food and markets are all over as well. Favorite places to dine at were Nairobi Java House, Dormans, Open House Indian Restaurant, Habesha, Seasons Restaurant, Swahili dishes.. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We went camping at the Ngong Hills, One week at the Lake Nakuru National Park on arrival to the country,All over downtown Nairobi. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
For our program, it was compulsory for us to get international health insurance before hand. The staff suggested some good hospitals and we also did have the choice of getting malaria and yellow fever vaccine before going to the country, however, i did not get any vaccines and I was fine. |
| 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 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
You could practice with the locals and regardless of how bad you are at learning the new language, locals help out a lot through daily activities like shopping, going to coffee shops, restaurants etc. Most people did speak English as it is their official language and I did use the host country's language about 50% of the time. |
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 did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would encourage anyone considering study abroad to do this program and go into it with an open mind. You will be surprised at how life changing this experience will be. |
