Study Abroad for Students at Other Institutions

This year, Kalamazoo College's Center for International Programs celebrates 50 years of study abroad and unique experience in the field of international education. Our goal is to offer qualified students access to international programs which provide academically challenging coursework in an educational system whose values and methods reflect those of the local culture, and to provide structure opportunities for integrative cultural experiences using the local language both in and out of the classroom. For 50 years the Center for International Programs at Kalamazoo College has administered educational opportunities world-wide. The Center for International Programs at Kalamazoo College encourages students at other institutions to participate in the academic programs in Nairobi, Kenya and Dakar, Sénégal. The programs in Kenya and Sénégal have been in operation since 1965 and 1971, respectively. For more information on the Kenya and Sénégal programs, please follow the links to their program descriptions.

Undergraduate Studies in Nairobi, Kenya
The study abroad program in Kenya is affiliated with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Nairobi. University faculty and lecturers provide courses in history, literature, political science, religion, and sociology as selected by the Resident Director.
Click here for pdf of program description

Undergraduate Studies in Dakar, Sénégal
The study abroad program is associated with the Faculté des Sciences et Lettres Humaines at l´Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD). Program participants may also enroll at the Institut Francais pour les Étudiants Étrangers (IFEE) which offers courses in French Grammar, French Composition, and Francophone Literature.
Click here for pdf of program description

Applications are now available for the 2009-2010 academic year. All applications are due Feburary 1, 2009.

Please click here for instructions, application and reference forms.

If you have any questions or comments or want to request more information, contact us at cip@kzoo.edu or call us at (269)337-7133

Frequently Asked Questions:

SELECTION OF A STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

Why should I study on one of Kalamazoo's programs?
This year, Kalamazoo College's Center for International Programs celebrates 50 years of study abroad and our unique experience in the field of international education. Our goal is to offer qualified students access to international programs which provide academically challenging coursework in an educational system whose values and methods reflect those of the local culture, and to provide structured opportunities for integrative cultural experiences using the local language both in and out of the classroom.

ACADEMIC MATTERS

Is there a course listing or catalogue for my program?
Program descriptions outline required courses and projects at each site. In addition, the program guidebooks include brief course descriptions. The guidebooks are posted on the CIP website. If you are concerned about credit you will need to earn while studying abroad, please consult Ms. Narda McClendon, Assistant Director, who will be happy to assist you.

My advisor wants me to indicate which courses I will take so that my school can pre- approve my classes. What should I do?
Ask your advisor to contact Narda McClendon in our office, and arrangements will be made.

How many credits can I earn?
If you participate for a full academic year you are eligible to earn 30 credits or nine (9) K units of credit. The one semester programs offer 15 credits or five (5) K units of credit. Each K unit is equivalent to 3.33 credits or 5-quarter hours. You may have to combine classes in order to earn one K unit, which requires 40-45 contact hours of instruction.

How will my credits transfer?
At the conclusion of each program, the Resident Director sends the grades and academic reports for all participants to the Center for International Programs. The grades are recorded in our system then sent to Kalamazoo College's Registrar. That office issues an official Kalamazoo College transcript to the appropriate office at your home institution. Instructions for converting the K units to semester or quarter hours accompany the transcript.

What is the ICRP?
Please follow this link to learn more about the Integrative Cultural Research Project.

LANGUAGE
What is the language of instruction?
The language of instruction in Sénégal is French and in Kenya it is English. In both cases it is the national language of the host country.

How much foreign language do I need?
Students applying for the program in Sénégal need two years of college-level instruction in French, or the equivalent, prior to departure (not prior to application). Two years of instruction generally equals four semesters or six quarters. If you have questions about your language level, please contact Ms. Narda McClendon in the Center for International Programs.

Will I receive additional language instruction on site?
Yes. In Sénégal, you will receive instruction in Wolof, which is taught in French, and in Kenya, Kiswahili is taught in English. No previous course work in Wolof or Kiswahili is required.

FINANCIAL MATTERS
What about financial aid?
We recommend that you consult the financial aid and study abroad offices (and advisors) at your home institution to determine which funds or scholarships transfer to the study abroad program fee at Kalamazoo College. Your home institution should also have information on national or local scholarship programs for which you may qualify.

How is billing handled?
Billing is handled through Kalamazoo College's Business Office. Check with your home institution to determine its billing policies. Our acceptance material includes a form that allows participants to indicate whether invoices for the program fees should be sent to the home institution, parents or students themselves. Kalamazoo College's Study Abroad Handbook, also a part of the acceptance packet, outlines the billing schedule for your program.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

When is the application deadline?
The application deadline for all programs is February 1. Applications received after this date are considered on a space-available basis, provided time constraints do not prevent students from completing all visa and medical requirements prior to departure.

If you have any questions or comments or want to request more information, contact us at cip@kzoo.edu or call us at (269)337-7133