Global Health and Human Rights
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About this Program
Cutting-edge public health initiatives are being implemented in Kisumu, a Kenyan port city on Lake Victoria and home to the largest U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention facility outside North America. The CDC’s relationship with the Kenya Medical Research Institute, which spans four decades, offers students unparalleled access to distinguished medical professionals, scholars, and scientists. Attend classes on a campus with high-speed internet and surrounded by gardens. Learn research protocol and how to gather and analyze data from experts developing improved delivery of treatments and vaccines for infectious diseases and translating findings into policy recommendations.|You’ll also study Kiswahili, the lingua franca of East Africa, and gain a range of perspectives from two homestay families, one in urban Kisumu and one in the rural hills and lakes region of Siaya County. As part of the program, you will also travel to Kenya’s capital city of Nairobi, a center for relief, health, and human rights organizations, and to Rwanda, where you will survey its significantly lower rates of HIV and malaria.
Program Highlights
- Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
- Courses with Study Abroad Students
- Internship Opportunities
- No Language Pre-Requisites
- Research Opportunities
- Study Center Program
- Homestay
- Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
- Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
- Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May
Level of Immersion
Features
Housing Abroad
Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.
Housing Residence Life
Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.
Housing Application
Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates
Disciplines
Courseload
Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.
Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.
- Credit Range: 16
- Credit System: U.S. Semester Credits
- Typical Course load: 5
- Credit Per Course: 3-4
Credit Conversion
- Transcript Issued By: School for International Training
- Credit Conversion Rate: 1 U.S. Semester Credit = 1.5 SU Quarter Credits
- Quarter Range: 24
Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:
- Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
- For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
- Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
- Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Transfer Credits
Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.
Placeholder Course
The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.
Program Fees
Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.
- Fall Semester: $6,000
- Spring Semester: $6,000
Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate
Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.
Budget Worksheets
Participation Costs
Payment
For SU-Sponsored programs, pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.
Seattle University handles payments to SIT on your behalf for the program cost. Additional expenses not included in Seattle University’s Program Fee, like special course fees, housing upgrades, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by SIT. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.
Insurance
Scholarships
There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.
Student Journey
| Approximate Timeline | Phase | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept-Jan | Exploration | Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals. |
| Feb 1 | Apply | Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st. |
| Late Feb/Early Mar | Nominations | Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs. |
| Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring) | Preparation | Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc. |
Application Steps
- Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
- Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.
If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!
Climate
- Spring (March to May): The "long rains" season, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Rainfall can be heavy but often occurs in the late afternoon.
- Summer (June to August): Dry and cooler, with temperatures between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Ideal for safaris and outdoor activities.
- Autumn (September to November): "Short rains" season, with mild temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 79°F).
- Winter (December to February): Hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). This is the best time for wildlife viewing.
Travel Resources
- Air: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) and Moi International Airport (Mombasa) are the primary gateways to Kenya. Visit Kenya Tourism Board for more travel information.
- Train: The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) connects Nairobi to Mombasa, providing a comfortable and scenic travel option.
- Public Transport: Matatus (shared minivans), buses, and taxis are widely used for transport within cities and between regions.
Cultural Resources
- Historical Sites: Popular attractions include Maasai Mara National Reserve, Mount Kenya, and Lamu Island. Nairobi National Park is also a top destination for visitors.
- Language: The official languages are Swahili and English, both widely spoken. There are also over 40 indigenous languages spoken in different regions.
- Festivals: Key events include the Lamu Cultural Festival, the Lake Turkana Festival, and Kenya Music Festival.
Food & Diet
- Cuisine: Traditional Kenyan dishes include ugali (maize porridge), nyama choma (grilled meat), sukuma wiki (collard greens), and chapati. Fresh tropical fruits like mangoes, pineapples, and bananas are also popular.
- Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and vegan options are available, though less common in rural areas. Urban restaurants typically cater to diverse dietary needs.
Embassy/Consulate
- U.S. Embassy in Nairobi: United Nations Avenue, Nairobi (Phone: +254 20 363 6000)
Identity-Specific Considerations
- Accessibility: Accessibility in Kenya is improving, particularly in urban areas and tourist attractions. However, rural areas may still lack adequate facilities for individuals with disabilities.
- LGBTQ+: Same-sex relations are illegal in Kenya, and public attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals tend to be conservative. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise discretion.
- Religion: Kenya is predominantly Christian, with a significant Muslim minority and indigenous spiritual practices still observed in some communities, fostering a diverse religious landscape.
- Race & Ethnicity: Kenya is ethnically diverse, with over 40 ethnic groups, though some communities face social and economic inequalities, and ethnic tensions occasionally arise.
- Gender: Gender equality is improving in Kenya, with growing female representation in education and politics, but traditional gender roles and gender-based violence remain significant challenges.
Visa Requirements
What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.
Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by SIT.
U.S. passport holders are required to apply for a 90-day Single Entry e-visa prior to departure (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates). SIT will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in SIT’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.