Youth Sports in Kenya: Empowerment through Movement
Explore Kenyan culture and how physical activities can empower youth in urban and rural areas.
Program Details
Location
Nairobi, Iten, Eldoret, and Mombasa,
Kenya
Term
May Session
Housing
Homestay
Hotel
Languages Taught In
English
Program Eligibility
Student Type
UofM Students
Non UofM Students
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
Graduate Students
GPA
2.5
About
Nairobi is the most economically empowered city in East Africa. It has been called the "green city of the sun," home to close to three million people as well as giraffes, zebras, and lions.
Throughout your three weeks abroad, learn how sports, from soccer to yoga to marathons, are all important to a wide range of people in Kenya. Discover how different the bustling city of Nairobi is from the rural town of Iten near the Rift Valley in Western Kenya; the people, climate, and culture change as you leave the city. You will also spend time on the coast of Mombasa visiting local schools, University, and exploring nature.
Regular participation in physical activity and sport is essential for positive health outcomes and is a tool utilized to empower youth around the world. Cultural and environmental circumstances can either facilitate or challenge opportunities and efforts among youth.
Visit different individual and community organizations to learn how physical activity and sport extends beyond just bodily movement and exercise, but provides long-term opportunities for youth. Engage in service projects and discuss activity in the context of Kenyan culture, while remaining cognizant of your own American culture.
Program Model
Housing & Meals
Your housing will be hotels. Specific details will be provided as the program itinerary is finalized. Welcome and farewell meals and some additional meals are included in the program fee. Cook additional meals in the housing or dine at local eateries.
Excursions
Excursions will take place in Nairobi and Iten, near the Rift Valley. Attend orientation at Nakuru National Park, combining a safari with preparation for three weeks in Kenya. You will also visit several sports academies, youth foundations in Nairobi and Iten, as well as view national sporting events. In Mombasa, visits might include the Marine National Park, University, and high schools with a focus of activity and sport, as well as time at the beach.
Flight
All program participants will take the coordinated group flight to and from the program site. The cost of the group flight is included in the program fee that will be posted to your student account. Do not book your own flight; you will receive information from the Learning Abroad Center about your seat on the group flight once your participation has been confirmed.
It might be possible to deviate your return flight. Inquire with your program contact if interested.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop independence by challenging yourself in a new environment
- Function as an effective team member by utilizing your personal strengths in a group setting
- Explore a specific topic through experiential and interdisciplinary approaches
Faculty & Staff
This program is led by Dr. Daheia Barr-Anderson, Associate Professor, Physical Activity and Health Promotion, in the School of Kinesiology, College of Education & Human Development.
Program Structure
Program Level
3000 level coursework
Courseload
One 3-credit course
Coursework
The content of this course will employ a cultural studies and experiential approach to exploring the health benefits in development physical activities for Kenyan youth.
You will be asked to engage with the subject of Kenyan culture and physical activity of Kenyan youth in a variety of ways. This course will be interdisciplinary in nature, and you will critically engage with various aspects of culture, community, gender, and modern Kenya.
You will complete 8 assignments for this course along with a variety of readings.
Possible assignments include a pre-departure quiz, development goals paper, social media/blog postings, daily journaling, and a community engagement project & presentation. You will be expected to participate in all class excursions and discussions.
This course must be taken A–F. S/N grading is prohibited.
This course can be tied to multiple Sustainable Development Goals through program activities including:
- #3 Good Health and Well-being
- #4 Quality Education
- #5 Gender Equality
- #8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
Receive credit for: KIN 3254
Academic Registration
Confirmed students will be registered for their course by the Learning Abroad Center once registration opens for your term abroad. Make sure you have no holds that would prevent registration.
If you haven't already, communicate with your academic adviser(s) as applicable to review the course for your major, minor, or college requirements. University of Minnesota students should use the Academic Planning Form, located on your confirmation checklist.
Dates Details
Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:
| Program Term | Program Dates | Priority Application Deadline* | Final Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| May Session 2024 | May 11–May 31, 2024 | February 1, 2024 | March 1, 2024 |
Program dates are subject to change.
If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.
Important Note: Enrollment on this program is limited to 25 students. Admission is granted on a rolling basis and applications are reviewed in the order they are completed. Some programs may fill to capacity prior to the application deadline, therefore applying early is recommended. Additionally, applying early will allow for more time to plan ahead and prepare for the program.
Information Sessions
Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on our events page.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Thurs., Dec. 14 | 12:30 p.m. | Hybrid (Hubert Humphrey 289 or Zoom) |
| Wed., Dec. 20 | 12:00 p.m. | Online (register for Zoom link) |
Orientation Dates & Locations
Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation, which is mandatory for all students, and an in-person, program-specific session. You will receive more information about the online orientation via email. Failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad.
See below for tentative dates and times for your in-person session. You will be notified of the official date and time via email. Participants will receive applicable orientation materials via email approximately 1 week prior to the in-person session.
| Term Abroad | Date/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| May Session 2024 | TBD | TBD |
Fees
May 2024 cost of participation forthcoming
The cost of participation includes educational costs, group flight airfare, program administration, housing, some meals, international health insurance, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, and local transportation. Program fees can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. Generally, program fees range between $7,000–$8,000. You must also budget for visa, passport and passport photos, meals not included, spending money, and miscellaneous living expenses.
Recent increases in international airfare and accommodation costs have impacted all instructor-led program fees. The LAC strives to follow best practices to provide the lowest cost program while ensuring a quality academic experience.
If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.
Billing & Payments
Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.
Cancellation Policy
Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.
May 2024 Cost of Participation
Prepare
Be aware: Learning Abroad Center programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.
Apply
The COVID-19 vaccine series is required for participation in this program. Complete your COVID-19 vaccine doses immediately.
You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
Complete
After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:
- Application Essay
Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.
If you do not meet the GPA requirement for this program you will be required to submit an additional essay. It will be added to your checklist after you start your application, and you will be notified when it has been added.
Next Steps
After your application checklist is complete, your application is reviewed by our program team. You will be notified of an acceptance decision by email. If accepted, you will be assigned a confirmation checklist, which you will complete to confirm your participation in the program. If you decide not to continue with the application process, log into the online application system and submit a Cancel Request.
After You Apply
Before your program begins, review these resources.
Health & Safety
Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.
Power of Attorney
Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.
Student Identity
Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.
Travel Resources
Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.
Program Contact
For further information or questions about this program, send an email to
Kate Meyer
or call at
612.624.5767