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!