When applying please note your preference for the Social Programming & Community Development program.
Program dates
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| September 21st, 2014 | Final application deadline |
| October – December, 2014 | Orientation and pre-departure learning sessions (multiple sessions—approximately 35 hours in total) |
| January – April, 2015 | 12 week international placement, including a facilitated workshop approximately mid-way through |
| April – June, 2015 | ISL post-placement reflection sessions and public engagement event |
Program overview
This placement in Nairobi, Kenya is with our community partner Carolina For Kibera (CFK). CFK is an organization established and run in Kibera (a large informal settlement of Nairobi, Kenya). CFK runs numerous programs in and around Kibera which focus on economic development, social support, and health programming in collaboration with a local clinic. Students will work alongside CFK staff on programming focused on the empowerment of girls in the community.
Students interested in this placement should be ready to work in a community that faces extreme poverty. As change in health and social behaviors take time, students should also be prepared to work alongside the organization with the recognition of this process and the long-term goals, rather than expecting to see immediate change.
Depending on the workload of the project, students may also be able to get involved with some of CFK’s other programs.
This placement will require a high degree of initiative and problem-solving – you will be given the vision but will need to work closely with CFK staff to figure out how to work toward that vision, with very few resources. Ideally, you will have some experience in assessment methods coupled with self-initiative and problem-solving skills, and a willingness to learn!
Leading up to your placement (Pre-departure)
Pre-departure learning sessions take place in the term before you leave for your placement; it prepares you for an intensive International Service Learning experience. During pre-departure you will:
- Create a learning & development plan and review this with your ISL Advisor
- Explore learning topics at regular meetings with your placement team
Accommodations
You will be staying in modest host family accommodations.
After you’ve returned (Post-placement)
After you’ve returned, you’ll regroup, reflect and work at unpacking the intensive experience you’ve had. The schedule of post-placement activities includes:
- A debrief with advisors and peers (January 2015)
- Presenting at a Public Engagement event (February 2015)
Program cost
We expect the program fee to be approximately $3,800*. Fees include:
- Room and board
- Pre-departure learning sessions
- Transportation to and from your placement**
- Orientation in Kenya
- Debrief and workshop part way through your placement
- Community partner management fee
- ISL project management fee
Airfare, visas and vaccinations are not included in the program fee. A return ticket to Kenya costs approximately $2,000 – $2,500. You will be required to bring your own laptop.
*Fees may be adjusted prior to offer
**You will also need to arrange your own transportation from the project site back to the airport at the end of the placement
Awards
If accepted into the ISL program, you will be automatically assessed for the $1,500 International Service Learning Award.