Kenya is a country in East Africa; it is bisected by the Equator and is home to a savanna ecosystem, lakelands, the
dramatic Rift Valley, mountain highlands, and a coastline on the Indian Ocean. It is famed for its scenic landscapes
and vast wildlife preserves, but its human history is just as remarkable as its natural heritage. Kenya has been an
independent nation-state for just over half a century, but its diverse human history dates back many years, from the
earliest hominids who lived millions of years ago, to the Nilotic and Bantu migrations and the settlement of Arab
traders on the coast in the first century AD. One of the country’s two official languages, Kiswahili, has both Bantu and
Arabic origins that demonstrate this history, while the second, English, is evocative of its colonial past. The country is
home to one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa and relies heavily on tourism. It is Africa’s original safari
destination and shares the world-famous great Wildebeest migration with its neighbor, Tanzania.

This program will introduce students to Kenya, more so Nairobi and the Mara region. Nairobi is a vibrant hub in East
Africa, where students will be introduced to history, culture, and social change. Through an intersectional lens, we’ll
delve into Kenya’s post-colonial context, focusing on women’s experiences. Students will uncover layers of
discrimination, marginalization, and oppression faced by women. Students will also have the opportunity to meet
women who are dominating industries previously thought to be run by men. Dive into the heart of Nairobi’s
grassroots organizations, especially those dedicated to the empowerment of women. Gather around community
forums, where raw, unfiltered stories echo through bustling markets and quiet corners. Taste local cuisine, visit
heritage sites, and dance to rhythms that resonate across generations.

The WFU/Kenya: Beyond Boundaries: Female Empowerment CBGL Program is based in Limuru, Kenya.  

Students on this program will enroll in CGS 154 (2 credits) for the spring semester. The course will meet weekly focusing on understanding community based global service engagement in a global context. The course introduces students to theoretically-based issues and skills needed for understanding and interacting with people from cultures different from their own. 

More housing information coming soon.   

NOTE: All students participating in the WFU/Kenya program are required to live in program-provided housing. Housing accommodations you may have on campus do not automatically transfer to abroad and certain housing accommodations (single rooms and private bathrooms, for example) may not be available.

All students on this program will engage in community visit, service opportunities, and a few cultural “can’t miss” Kenya experiences.

Most successful applicants have a GPA of 2.5. Students must also be in good academic standing with the university to participate in the program. 
 

More cost information coming soon.

More scholarship information coming soon.

Passport Information
Students need to check their passport’s expiration date and ensure that it will be valid for at least 6 months after the program’s end date.

Students going on a spring short-term program need to make sure their passport is valid through at least late November of the same year.

US passport holders who need to renew their passport should visit the U.S. Department of State’s passport website for information on this process.

Non-US passport holders who need to renew their passport should refer to their home country’s passport office.

Visa Information
If you are a US citizen, you most likely will not require a visa for your spring short-term abroad program. If you do, details will be shared with you by GPS. Non-US passport holders should check with their host country’s embassy or consulate to find out if a visa is required for their program or not.

Kylie Holloway (she/her)
Center Coordinator, Global Programs and Studies
Reynolda 116
Phone: (336) 758 4201
E-mail: hollowk@wfu.edu

Jessica Francis (she/her)
Executive Director, Global Abroad
Reynolda Hall 116
Phone: (336) 758 3890
E-mail: francija@wfu.edu