Program Details

“The KSP forces you out of your comfort zone.  You either find a path that makes sense in Africa or another which the KSP will beautifully support.  I was the former.  I was pushed hard in Kenya.  I was asked hard questions, and I was allowed to find my way.” 

Students must take at least one African Studies course (AFS) prior to going. Among the courses commonly taught at St. Lawrence we recommend looking into one or more of the following:

• SWAH 101/AFS 100- Elementary Kiswahili
• HIST 108/AFS 101- Introduction to African Studies
• ANTH/AFS 225- Peoples and Cultures of Africa
• GOVT/AFS 230- African Politics

*Non-St. Lawrence students applying for the program should be in touch with the program faculty coordinator to confirm that courses they have taken at their home institution satisfy this prerequisite.

Open to sophomore, junior and senior students with appropriate academic preparation, motivation, and interest in a relevant area.

Admission to this program is based on the quality of application. Candidates must present a coherent academic rationale for participation in the Kenya Semester Program and a record of academic performance that demonstrates the ability to meet the challenges of studying in Kenya. Normally, this means a GPA of at least 2.8, but the selection committee considers closely the candidate's rationale for participation and academic record as a whole. Candidates for the Kenya Program must also present evidence of maturity, responsibility and cultural sensitivity.

Students currently on disciplinary, social, or academic probation are not eligible to apply for, or participate in, the Kenya program or any other SLU program. In addition, students with outstanding disciplinary fines, service hours and/or education program requirements are not eligible to participate in the program.

Second-semester seniors must petition to participate.