Location
Multiple Locations +2
  • Kenya
    • Kisumu
    • Nairobi
  • Tanzania
    • Arusha
Term
Fall, Spring, Summer
Subject Areas
African Studies Cultural Studies Economics Education Health Sciences Social Sciences
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Direct Enrollment
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Host Family
Language
English

Pricing

Starting Price
18664
What's Included
Some Activities Airport Transfers Classes Travel Insurance
Jan 03, 2025
Oct 05, 2019
5 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Cutting-edge public health initiatives are being implemented in Kisumu, a Kenyan port city on Lake Victoria (third largest freshwater lake in the world). Western Kenya has poor indicators of health; for example, high infant mortality rates, high incidence of HIV among the youth, and it is a malaria-endemic region. The program base location accords SIT students unparalleled access to distinguished medical professionals, scholars, scientists, and community health workers who are working in the frontline to address these indicators. Learn to draft a research protocol, from a concept note to a protocol submitted for local IRB review, and how to plan, organize, collect, review and analyze data from field activities taking place in the communities and health facilities. Scope the extent of epidemiologic transition from communicable toward non-communicable diseases and translate your findings into policy recommendations.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

Program Highlights

  • Network with healthcare professionals, academics, activists, and global health and human rights groups.
  • Visit Nairobi, the cosmopolitan capital of Kenya.
  • Build your résumé and skills with an internship or Independent Study Project.
  • Travel to Arusha, Tanzania for a comparative study of healthcare successes and challenges.
  • Go on a safari in the famous Maasai Mara National Park.

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 1 review
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
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  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4
  • Support 5
  • Fun 3
  • Housing 4
  • Safety 4
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 reviews
Default avatar
Ernest
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A life-changing experience

I gained a new way of looking at the world through this program; the cultural immersion experience helped me understand what daily life is like in a low-income country, while stereotypical perceptions of Africa as being only known for poverty and violence. The independent study was definitely a highlight for me because I had clear academic goals and a topic that I wanted to explore; SIT provided all the resources, connections and support to make the research possible. The homestay experiences where we lived with local families were a really great cultural immersion and the families were very accommodating and friendly. However, do have realistic expectations, don't expect luxury accommodation and be prepared to use squat toilets at some point. SIT has fantastic Swahili language tutors who teach well, and with this working knowledge of the language you can feel more confident interacting with locals. Importantly, the SIT programme staff were always friendly, approachable, and trustworthy and we felt cared for at all times.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Field-based study abroad programmes like this are not designed to be very academically intense since the focus is on experential learning. There were not many readings or assignments on the programme. However, for those who really want to learn, there are opportunities for self-directed learning and a student can make their own experience more or less rigorous by doing more background research during their Independent Study component and/or working closely with their faculty advisor, a knowledgeable faculty member from the local university. Also, as an international student, I did not expect to spend 50% of my time with American students (instead of Kenyan or other international students), so there was less diversity than I would have liked.
102 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers