Kenya & Ethiopia 2020

Program Description

During this cross-cultural semester students will experience a comparison and contrast of Ancient Africa and Colonized Africa; the struggles with growth, religion, conflict, and urbanization in the modern era.  Ethiopia remains one of two African nations, which have never been colonized, while Kenya has experienced British colonization and struggle for independence.  Students will learn to think critically about the impact of urbanization and growth on each of these countries.  

EMU students will spend the first 9 weeks of the term in Kenya.  Our introduction to people and place begins with an intensive 3-week course in Swahili and culture in Nairobi. For the next 4 weeks, we will work alongside community members on projects in a rural Kenyan Village.  We will tour one of Africa’s largest slums, work with a mission orphanage in Nairobi, and spend time in a game reserve.  This will be capped off by a week of independent travel in small groups. 

In Ethiopia, students will learn from scholars at Meserete Kristos College while staying in the MKC dormitories.  The last two weeks we will explore Northern Ethiopia, including ancient orthodox religious sites. 

Information

Semester Leaders: Audrey Myers, Assistant Professor of Nursing, and Jeff Myers
Estimated Cost:  Tuition, Room and Board + $2,500 Travel Fee
Enrollment: 20 students
Credit: 15 semester hours

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Courses 

CCSSC 201 Cross-Cultural Social Science: Kenya and Ethiopia 3 SH
Students will live with families in a Kenyan village, stay with students in a dorm in Ethiopia and learn skills of adaptation and empathy.

CCLNG 120 Swahili 3 SH
A study of conversational Swahili and Kenyan culture.

CCREL 305 Religions of Kenya & Ethiopia (CIW) 3 SH
Christianity and Muslim faith will be explored in Nairobi, and learnings in Orthodox Christianity in Ethiopia.  Students will get a brief look at the history and growth of the Mennonite Church in Ethiopia.

CCHIS 305 East African History and Culture 3 SH
Students will compare of the history and cultures of Kenya and Ethiopia. They will further explore the influence colonization has had on Kenya, and the development of Ethiopia as a country that has not experienced colonization.

 CCSOC 301 Contemporary Issues 3 SH
Students will analyze and present issues in each country related to growth and development in relation to people, infrastructure, and the environment.

Required Immunizations

• Routine – MMR, DPT series with last booster within 10 years, IPV or OPV, Hep B

AND CDC Recommended immunizations for travelers in Kenya:

• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid – oral or injectable at least 3 weeks before travel
• Meningitis
• Anti-malarial meds. Note: Chloroquine is NOT an effective antimalarial drug in Kenya and should not be taken to prevent malaria in this region.
• Yellow Fever* - limited availability in the U.S. Faculty will provide more instructions prior to travel dates.

Immunizations and prescriptions may be obtained at EMU Health Services by appointment. 
Immunizations may also be obtained from your local health department or primary care provider. *Yellow Fever vaccine must be administered at an approved clinic. Check 2-3 months in advance for appointments and availability of vaccine with your state/regional Health Department.