Messiah College Kenya Cross-cultural, J-term 2013
Course Description
This course focuses on the Kenyan culture but more specifically on three cultural regions in Kenya, the city
(NAIROBI), the rural town (KARATINA), and life in the bush (SAMBURU village).We will meet with
representatives from each of those areas and talk about and observe Kenyan life in those contexts.
Likewise we will spend at least two nights in each of those areas. For the rural town and village life, we will
be traveling via an overland vehicle on safari, camping beside the SAMBURU village for 4-5 days and
staying in homes in the town of KARATINA at the base of MT. KENYA on the way back to NAIROBI. The
goal is not merely to show how Kenyans live, but also to show how different a Kenyan’s life might be given
the area in which he or she lives, and how each area is connected to the others. We will visit Kenyan
churches, both in Nairobi and Karatina, the US Embassy, mission outreaches, a game park (SAMBURU
NP), and other important sites. Toward the end of the trip, we will fly to the Kenyan coast on the Indian
Ocean (MALINDI), and while we won’t be in a village, we will see a bit of the diversity in the coastal region.
There, we will be staying at a Christian conservation research station and have possible excursions to one
of Africa’s largest coastal forests, and to a premier marine reserve where snorkeling is allowed. Pre-trip
planning and preparation will be essential to the success of the trip. Class time will occur in the Fall
semester covering Kenyan history, culture and geography. While in-country, students will keep a journal
and prepare projects for a course portfolio.
Who should consider taking this course?
The course is designed for students who wish to learn more about a country very different than their own,
and learn from and with Christians there about their life, community development, church, and civil
society. Students should also want to learn more about themselves, their faith, and their own country
through the experience. It is particularly appropriate for those considering service in low-income
countries as part of their careers, and for those who would like preparation for paid or volunteer
leadership positions in church, civil society organizations, business, or government in North America,
or with international organizations, but it is not limited to those students. Students must be adventurous
and flexible and able to tolerate potentially extreme cultural challenges. This will not be a “tourist” trip
but a cultural immersion experience guaranteed to place a student out of his or her “comfort zone”. We
will be camping and living in tents for more days than we will be either in homes, hotels, or guest
houses. Students must maintain respect for the Kenyan peoples we meet, fellow students on the trip,
and leaders, especially since portions of the trip will require specific attire to respect the culture.
Safety
Safety is always a priority for Messiah cross-culturals, and this trip is no different. The leader will have a
satellite phone with him when outside of cellular range, and a cell phone with him when in the city and
when within cell-tower range. A first aid kit is available at all times the group is together. All destinations
have either medical facilities or evacuation landing strips accessible. The outfitter for the safari portion
of the trip uses Kenyan guides and drivers familiar with the country and people, and has access to
backup vehicles and equipment to provide support in the event of any emergency. In-country contacts
are reliable and have been used for two other cross-culturals into the country by the leader. Sites
visited will be far from the known areas where danger exists (near the Somali boarder, “touristy-type”
sites and public transportation in Nairobi, and the coastal town of Mombasa). Students will always be in
groups and precautions and safety information will be reiterated throughout the trip.
Planned Dates:
Leave East coast: Thursday, January 3, 2013
Arrive back to the East coast: Thursday, January 26, 2013 Note: Leaders will return with group
from Nairobi to Amsterdam but will depart in Amsterdam to start the leader’s sabbatical.
Students will travel from Amsterdam to the US on their own and find transportation from the
airport to home/campus on their own.
Projected Costs:
$4900, including round-trip transportation between the East Coast and Nairobi, visas and airport taxes,
meals, housing, transportation, and admissions in Kenya. Travel to and from the East Coast airport,
personal spending and shots will be the only additional expenses.
Additional information:
--If accepted, a $200 deposit will claim and hold your place.
--The trip cost along with your deposit will be itemized on your Spring Semester bill.
--A reduction of Messiah room & board charges is made by the College.
--Financial aid may be available. Students should check with the Financial Aid office.
*A passport is required and must be valid for 6 months after our scheduled departure to Kenya.
*Specific shots will be required prior to the trip and malarial prophylaxes will be needed while on the trip.
Possible additional vaccinations in-country will be paid for by the course.
*All students must complete an application form available online from the Epicenter website.
*Basic Kiswahili will be taught but most areas understand English.
*For more information see Dr. Bechtold in Boyer 377 (x7023).
*COMPLETED APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO DR. BECHTOLD BY APRIL 15th (via email or
campus mail- Box 3052). NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE WILL BE MADE BY APRIL 30th.
*ACCEPTED APPLICANTS MUST PAY THEIR DEPOSITS AT THE BUSINESS OFFICE (ACCOUNT
#2291) AND SUBMIT THEIR RECEIPTS WITHIN 10 DAYS OF ACCEPTANCE TO CLAIM THEIR
PLACES. (NOTE: A refund of $50 will be made through September 15 for canceled reservations.
After September 15, the entire deposit is non-refundable.)
NOTE: Because payments on your behalf are typically made months in advance to travel agencies,
airline companies, and assorted accommodations, many payments are nonrefundable.
Therefore, if you withdraw from participation in the trip for any reason or are removed from
participation by the College, you will forfeit whatever monies cannot be recovered, plus a $100
handling fee. The exact amount of recovered monies can generally not be established until the
trip has been completed.
Samburu Village (Lachete) S
A
Archer’s Post
Samburu National Park
F
A
Karatina(Base of Mt. Kenya)
R
Nairobi
Malindi (Indian coast)
I