This study abroad experience will have an emphasis on experiential learning. Students will learn through engaging in activities while abroad while spending time in Kenya, specifically during the time students spend at local schools in Busia. The course will focus on topics such as health, role of culture in education and economic development of Kenya and the impact of sociocultural, economic, technological, and environmental sustainability. The goal of this study abroad experience is to facilitate student engagement, participation in life skills, work-life exposure and enhances career readiness.
Receive up to 3 credits Interactive Cultural Exchange and Social Cultural-Economic Impact in Rural Kenya (SOCW 4530/5392, MAS 3314, WOMS 3314, AAST 3321 and MARK 4325) and many others.
Program Overview
An Interdisciplinary Interactive Cultural Exchange course emphasizing Cultural Competency, Economic Development, Health Care Delivery, and Systems, Environmental Justice
The course is a 3-credit hour class and is available to undergraduates AND graduate students from all academic disciplines.
This is a Study Abroad 5-weeks program course offered as a hybrid. The first week will be an online delivered in-country model. The next three weeks' instructions will occur face-to-face in Kenya. Finally, the final week module will be a wrap-up online instruction. The course begins on June 5, 2023 and ends July 3, 2023. We will travel together on June 11th to Kenya using a commercial airline TBD. We will return to the country on July 2, 2023.
The first week of class sessions will occur in the U.S. online. Most of the time in Kenya will be devoted to interactions in middle school classrooms in western Kenya, where hands-on experiential learning will take place. There will be cultural visits and day trips, as well as interactions with local County leaders. There will be free time on the weekends to explore and travel. Finally, there will be an opportunity for those willing and able to travel on a 3–5-day Safari while in Kenya.
Students and instructors will depart DFW International airport on the afternoon of June 11, 2023 and arrive on the evening of June 12, 2023. They will stay overnight in Nairobi and travel by either air or road to Busia County, Western Kenya (272 miles). They will remain here for approximately two and a half weeks and return to Nairobi for travels and Safari.
Eligibility requirements include all UTA students in good standing. Once you submit the very short attached application, the undergraduate advising office will confirm whether you are eligible. Graduate students in good standing are eligible with advisor approval.
There is a short one-page application after this FAQ. We are developing a website portal; in the interim, completed application can be dropped off in the SSW Deans Suite to Connie Quintana (conniequintana@uta.edu). However, we recommend completing it as soon as possible, as spots are limited. Once your application is processed, you will be notified via email of your acceptance.
The cost of the program is $3,500 includes airfare, most meals, and spending money.
Please see a detailed budget breakdown below, as well as scholarship eligibility requirements. If you apply early, this cost could be eliminated entirely with available scholarships.
| Estimated Budget Cost: | Include in Program Cost | Student Out-of-Pocket Cost |
| Study Abroad Office Application Fee | $75 | |
| Student Insurance through UTA | $57 | |
| Passport | $110 - $165 | |
| Visa | $51 | |
| Incidentals | $200 | |
| Airfare | $1,800 | |
| Nairobi: Lodging, Transportation and Activities | $785 | |
| Village: Lodging, Meals and Transportation | $285 | |
| Safari Total | $555 | |
| Total | $3,500 | $400 - $500 |
*Study Abroad Packaged Cost $3,500 (inclusive: Airfare + Lodging & Transportation while in Nairobi + Activities in Nairobi + Village Lodging/Meals/Transportation + Safari)
*Cost is based on 20 student participants. Cost may vary depending on the number of students in the program.
Other student costs may include personal spending money while abroad.The program fee of $3,500* will need to be paid through UTA SSW financial office, Connie Quintana, Arlington, School of Social Work (conniequintana@uta.edu). The $500 fee will reserve a spot for you, and the program fees need to be paid in full by the deadline. The program is limited to 20 participants.
Yes, financial aid is available for this program, just as it is available for any semester of your education at UTA. You may utilize your UTA financial aid packages for study abroad! However, check for application deadlines. Consider applying for any of the items below. Please note that information about other scholarships for study abroad is available on our website: http://studyabroad.uta.edu
UTA Scholarships
National Scholarships
Fund for Education Abroad (FEA)
Hopefully you saw the announcements earlier this summer that UT System revised the international travel policy to exclude references to global pandemics as a determining factor in categorizing countries as High Risk. As a result, the number of countries requiring IOC approval is significantly reduced. High Risk areas will now be identified as the following:
Finally, all the dates and costs mentioned are based on best estimates and subject to change. We do not expect any major changes, but minor changes may occur.
