This program is part of the Global Experiential Education Program (GEEP) and is informed by ORICE values. GEEP aims to strengthen the bridge between classroom learning (theory) and application (practice) to address pressing global issues, in this community-based praxis initiative. Students who participate in GEEP can participate in experiential education projects designed and led by global community partners.
Details at a Glance
First Round Application Deadline: January 16, 2026 (11:59PM)
- Program Type: Co-curricular (Not-for-credit)
- Program Type: Community-Engaged Research Project in collaboration with Kamili Organisation
- Program Location: 2026S In-person, Kenya
- Duration: 2 months beginning in May 2026 + Pre-departure Program & Post-placement Activities
Program Overview
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all UBC students. Upper-year undergraduate and graduate students with coursework or experience in community-engaged research, global health, mixed methods, nursing, health systems research, evaluation, or related fields are preferred. Up to 4 placement spots are available.
Program Description
Kamili Organisation is a long-standing community mental health organization providing affordable, high-quality mental health care through 30+ clinics across Kenya. Kamili’s model emphasizes accurate diagnosis, treatment, and psychosocial support for individuals and families, while reducing stigma through community education and outreach.
For 11 years, Kamili has run a national scholarship program supporting qualified general nurses who are pursuing mental health specialization through the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). Nurses selected for the program receive a scholarship that includes a 1-week intensive training on the Kamili community-based model, which focuses on delivering mental health services within primary-level health facilities—ensuring accessibility, affordability, and sustainability across the country. Graduates return to their home facilities and join a growing professional network now comprising 156 nurses across 44 of Kenya’s 47 counties. This network receives ongoing guidance, site visits from Kamili leadership, and participates in annual learning and network-building events.
Background and Prior Collaboration
Kamili and ORICE began a multi-year collaboration in Winter 2024 to explore how the organization could formally evaluate the impacts of this national training program. The partnership aims to understand how nurses apply their specialized training in practice, the barriers and facilitators they encounter, and how Kamili’s approach influences patient care, community mental health awareness, and health systems more broadly.
In August 2025, UBC students traveled to Kenya to deepen their understanding of the program and organizational context and have continued on to work with a larger student team in w2025 to begin developing an evaluation framework and pilot project.
Current Project
Kamili is currently midway through developing an evaluation to understand how nurses integrate mental health specialization into their work once they return to their home facilities. The evaluation will support program improvement and inform policy engagement at county and national levels.
By May 2026, Kamili anticipates completing a pilot guided interview with a subset of trained nurses and producing a preliminary analysis report. The Summer 2026 team will build on this foundation during an 7-week immersive placement in Kenya, working alongside Kamili staff during the same daily schedule (M–F, 9–5).
Students placed in Summer 2026 may contribute to:
- Reviewing and synthesizing findings from the guided interview pilot
- Finalizing a survey instrument for dissemination across the full nurse network
- Supporting survey implementation planning, analysis and documentation, across the full network of Kamili nurses.
- Developing policy briefs based on study findings.
- Drafting program learning materials or resources informed by interview and survey insights
- Strengthening organizational processes for evaluation, research planning, and data use
This placement supports Kamili’s long-term goal of generating strong evidence on the impacts of community-based mental health capacity-building and strengthening health systems across diverse Kenyan contexts.
Student Profile
This placement is best suited for students who are:
- In their 3rd or 4th undergraduate year or enrolled in a graduate program
- Interested in qualitative methods, survey design, evaluation, health systems research, or policy analysis
- Curious about community mental health, task-shifting, capacity building, and rights-based approaches to care
- Motivated by applied research that informs program design, policy, and advocacy
- Comfortable working collaboratively in a cross-cultural, community-based setting
Students from all faculties are welcome to apply.
More Information
| Dates | Activity |
|---|---|
| January 16, 2026 | First round applications due. |
| January 19-23, 2026 | Individual interviews (Round 1). |
| January 22, 2026 | Group interview. |
| January 30, 2026 | Second round applications due if needed based on first round outcomes. |
| February 2-6, 2026 | Individual interviews (Round 2). |
| February 5, 2026 | Group interview. |
| February-April, 2026 | ORICE pre-departure sessions. |
| May 15-17, 2026 | In-country orientation in Kenya. |
| May 18, 2026 | First day of placement with Kamili. |
| July 3, 2026 | Last day of placement with Kamili. |
The pre-departure learning program is designed to prepare you for an international community-based placement. This includes:
- Pre-departure sessions led by ORICE staff and community development professionals
- Development of a learning and development plan
- Participant-led discussions and presentations
- Facilitated team meetings exploring core learning themes
- Post-placement activities
Following the field placement, students will participate in:
- A Summer 2026 re-entry debrief
- A public-engagement presentation related to the evaluation in Fall 2026
Participants will live with host families arranged through ORICE for the duration of the placement. Students will have their own room and will integrate into family life, sharing meals and participating in home and community activities. Daily commuting to Kamili will use public transportation.
Estimated Program Fee: $4,000 – $4,800*
Fees are subject to adjustment before offers are released and depend on cost-of-living factors.
Program fee includes:
- Pre-departure learning sessions at UBC
- Room and board in Kenya
- Transportation from airport to placement site
- In-country orientation
- Mid-placement debrief/workshop
- Reflection materials
- Community partner management fee
- Program management fee
Not included: airfare, visas, vaccinations, tuition, local in-country transportation, transportation to the airport for departure, personal items, and daily expenses.
This program is eligible for the $2000 Regional and International Program Award. Review eligibility information here.
Students can also fundraise for the personal learning experience. ORICE staff can advise on this process.
Students may only hold one award at a time. Visit our Funding page for further information.
Applications are open.
For more information about the program or the course, please contact ORICE at ubc.orice@ubc.ca
Curious about ORICE’s International Immersive Programs?
Read first-hand student stories and testimonies from participants in our Global Experiential Education Program (GEEP).
Learn more.