How to Study Abroad in Kenya

Safari, Surf, and Study Abroad In Kenya

So you want to go to a non-traditional country for a semester or year abroad. Maybe you’d like to combine your studies with a volunteer opportunity. Study abroad in Kenya and you can do all of that — plus go to the beach, go on safari, climb mountains, and immerse yourself in remarkable cultures and lifestyles.

Elephant in Amboseli National Park, Kenya. Photo courtesy Paul Mannix on Flickr

Kenya lies on the East African equator, with the Indian Ocean running up its southeastern border and surrounded by Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Kenya is a warm and humid country that changes in land to wildlife-rich savannah grassland. The country is full of colorful tribal cultures and elaborate traditions waiting to be explored.

Eco-Adventure Galore. Wildlife safaris, diving in the Indian Ocean, and climbing Mount Kenya are just some of the amazing adventures that draw people to Kenya for study abroad. Nairobi National Park has a large African savannah ecosystem and the inhabitants that go along with that — such as black rhinos, leopards, lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest. The Masai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park are also popular safari destinations. The imposing Mount Kenya is the spot for mountain climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and hiking. Kenya isn’t just a heaven for land dwellers: its extensive beaches and coral reefs lure snorkelers, divers, and anyone into ocean sports.

Fabulous Festivals. Kenya’s festivals and celebrations are not to be missed! In July or August, millions of wildebeests from the Serengeti plains dash into Kenya for greener pastures. The Wildebeest Migration is celebrated during that time and has become known as one of Kenya’s most famous events. The Mombasa Carnival is also something of a spectacle. Parades and dancing are on display to recognize Kenya’s fabulous culture. Another festival held every August in Northern Kenya is the Malaral Camel Derby. This festival includes cycling races, donkey rides, native dances and yes, camel racing!

Lots Of Helping Hands. Kenyan people are made up more than 40 tribes throughout the region, all of which have added to the amazing group-oriented culture that Kenya offers. Kenyans have a firm belief in pulling together and helping one another. Community is one of the most important things for the country. Study abroad in Kenya gives you the opportunity to learn and be immersed in this wonderful culture.

Studying Abroad In Kenya. The most popular study abroad programs in Kenya are focused on sustainability, humanities, urbanization, health and human rights. The Center for Ecological Living and Learning (CELL) has a study abroad program for those who want to make a difference in the world. It is filled with field-learning experience, course work, and service learning opportunities. SIT Study Abroad has a program that brings participants around Kenya to study urbanization, health, and human rights issues. Students travel to Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Lamu, and other locations in Kenya.

There are several other study abroad programs in Kenya, giving students a global experience that few other destinations could provide. Stand out in the crowd and find the Kenya program that is calling out to you.

About the Author

Rachael VanDerWerff Rachael VanDerWerff graduated from South Dakota State University (SDSU) with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. While attending SDSU she had the opportunity to spend a semester studying abroad in Jönköping, Sweden. There she fell in love with the concept of international education and personally experienced how meaningful it is. Once she returned to the Midwest she began working in the International Affairs Office at SDSU where she meet with many eager students and helped them find the Study Abroad program that fit their needs. She eventually left South Dakota and ventured out west, with her husband, to Colorado. She is now the Operations Coordinator for GoAbroad in the Fort Collins office and is thrilled to be able to continue to help individuals find their perfect international experience!