Random Life Update #1

Yesterday, I discovered that my Malaria medication, Malarone, would have cost $1300 without my insurance. I have become incredibly grateful for that co-pay.

I am back at Portage Lake after completing my summer in Kalamazoo residing in Hoben Hall and working with my professor Sarah Lindley.

It was a good summer in which I learned how to cut things and fired a cone 9 reduction kiln for the first time all by myself. It was a very accomplished day. I babysat that 2200 degree cube for 10 hours!

Today I saw Brandon off on his voyage to Costa Rica. His departure jolted me back to the reality and I became nervous for the first time in a long time for my travels. I also worked tirelessly to get my packing and buying organized for the next 10 days.

Battles

1) In 24 hours, I have talked to three U of M prescription coverage representatives, three Walgreen's Pharmacists, one prescription specialist from my doctor's office, received one email from Walgreen's, left one message at my doctor's office, was transferred three times, visited Walgreen's once and was written one incorrect prescription for a medication I don't even take. After a long battle, I am victorious. I pick up a six-month supply (as compared to a 90-day supply) of all my prescriptions on Monday, plus a $200 co-pay.

2) Comerica Bank told me they would give me 52 Kenyan shillings for $50 US.

Huh?

Let's do the math.
According to Google (as of 8/14/09), 1 Kenyan shilling = 0.013132 U.S. dollars.
Therefore, 52 Kenyan shillings = $.68
Total Loss: $49.32

3) The CIP has published a program specific guidebook for every K site except Kenya and Senegal. Africa is a little behind on the times. Again.

Chapter 1: Kelsey in Kenya

Since I have answered some questions about my future study abroad experience at least one hundred times (ex. You: "So what will you be doing in Kenya?" Me: "GAHHHHH"), I have created this blog to answer those questions and update friends and relatives on my current adventures.

Through Kalamazoo College's Center for International Programs, I will be participating in a six month study abroad at the University of Nairobi.

(Courtesy of cnn.com)

On August 31, 2009 at 7:10pm, I leave for Nairobi, Kenya from Detroit Metro Airport. After an eight hour flight I arrive in Amsterdam and after a seven hour flight I finally arrive in Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi. There, I will meet my host family for the first time!

Itinerary:

September 1, 2009: Arrive in Nairobi at 7:05pm East Africa Time
September 3, 2009: Orientation begins
September 7, 2009: Kiswahili & Geographies of Development classes begin, plus three other TDB courses
December 18, 2009: Semester program ends and holiday break begins
Holiday Break 2009: My family visits
January 11, 2010: Academic program resumes (Integrated Cultural Research Project*)
February 13, 2010: Program ends, Traveling throughout Africa or Kenya begins
February 20, 2009: Depart from Nairobi
February 21, 2009: Arrive in Detroit

Preparations:

Shots/Medications - I went to the U of M Health System Travel Clinic in the Taubman Center. Thankfully, I was caught up on many immunizations that are required for Kenya. Although I did receive Adult Polio, Yellow Fever, and Typhoid Fever vaccines (ouch!). I also received a prescription for Malarone (Atovaquone) for Malaria prevention and Rifaximin for travelers' diarrea. (Yes, I will get travelers' diarrea). All of my immunizations are covered by insurance (yay!). I was warned by the Kalamazoo College Health Center that they would be up to $500.

In my less than informational and disappointing departure packet from the CIP, I received these items:

International Student Identification Card (Basically a card with my passport photo laminated to it)

My returned passport with Visa!

A lot of other uninteresting and unhelpful documents

*ICRP:

The Integrative Cultural Research Project (ICRP) can be either a research project or an unpaid (it is illegal for me to obtain a paid job on my visa) internship in the Nairobi area that explores global issues and the local circumstances, approaches, and solutions while enhancing students’ local language skills. The program staff assists with the project design, internship placement, or both. The research or internship will result in a major paper (10-15 pages). The paper must be turned in to the Resident Director before the end of the academic program or no credit will be awarded. (Paragraph stolen from CIP Kenya PDF)

Disclaimer: I certainly welcome any creative and unique questions. Please ask me!