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• Kenya: Mt. Kenya, Naromoru, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara, Nairobi, and more
• Spring semester registration, travel dates: May 18–June 8
• Application deadline: November 11, 2009
• U of M and Non U of M Freshmen & above
• REC5301, 4 credits
• Homestay
• Sponsored by Recreation, Park and Leisure Studies

Description

This course is an exploration of wilderness and adventure programs in the US and internationally. To accomplish this, you will turn to Mt. Kenya as your outdoor living classroom. While on the mountain, you will examine topics such as wilderness ethics and endangerment, tourism, global warming, mountain flora and fauna, politics, and cultural history, while learning practical skills, including orienteering, trail guiding, leadership, and expedition camping.

A homestay in a Kikuyu village allows you to become immersed in the community by helping with service learning projects and teaching the school children recreational activities. The trip concludes with a trip to the Masai Mara Reserve for an unforgettable wildlife experience as you seek out the “big five” and countless other species for the ultimate African adventure.

Excursions
In addition to the 8-day backpacking expedition on Mt. Kenya, we will visit several other points of interest to introduce you to the programs and sanctuaries designed to protect the wildlife and promote tourism. Plus, visits to local markets and the opportunity to speak with local farmers will allow us to learn about their work and the way of life in this country.

Sites Included:

• David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
• AFEW Giraffe Center
• Karatina Market
• Service learning projects at Kambi Primary School
• Sweetwater Sanctuary (Jane Goodall’s Kenyan Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Sanctuary)
• Lake Nakuru National Park game drive
• Lake Naivasha (boat cruise among the Cyprus, hippos, and colobus monkeys)
• Masai Mara Reserve game drives
• Nairobi National Museum
• Nairobi Markets

Housing & Meals

You will be immersed in the culture and everyday lives of the people of Kenya while staying with host families in the Kikuyu community. We also stay hotels in Nairobi and in lovely guest-houses during the trip.
All meals and snacks are included. While in Nairobi, you will also be treated to a banquet at the Carnivore Restaurant (rated in the top 100 in the world) and a traditional “nyama choma” (BBQ) restaurant.

On-site Support

This course has been developed in partnership with internationally recognized, Minneapolis based, Wilderness Inquiry. On-site staff and guides are highly trained by Wilderness Inquiry and will teach in cooperation with the University of Minnesota faculty.

Eligibility & Application
No prerequisites. Open to all U of M and non U of M students.

Academic Fit with a University of Minnesota Degree Plan
With good academic planning this program can fit well into the degree plans for many majors. Search for courses that fulfill Liberal Education Requirements or submit a course you want to take for review. Study Abroad in Your Major advising sheets explain why study abroad is important for a major, indicate what the department wants students to consider when selecting a program, and provide academic planning hints. This program may appear as a special recommendation on an advising sheet. If your major is not listed, talk to an adviser—this program may still fit your academic, career, and professional goals.

Estimated Cost

The program fee is $4161 and includes tuition, most meals, housing, camping equipment, ground transfers and transportation within Kenya, excursions and entrance fees, and international health insurance. Airfare to Nairobi, visa, and immunization fees are not included. Students may also be required to pay for a small number of meals en route.

Financial Aid & Scholarships
Most financial aid may be applied to study abroad. In addition, University of Minnesota students are eligible for more than $500,000 in study abroad scholarships. Visit the financial resources web page for additional information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.

More Information

Students will be required to attend several in-person pre-departure orientation meetings during spring semester. For more information about the program, please contact the program leader, Dr. Connie Magnuson, 612-625-5653, or apply to the program.

Last modified on October 16, 2009