Study Abroad for Students at Other Institutions

Kalamazoo College's Center for International Programs brings 45 years of experience in the field to the adminsitration of its study abroad programs. 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.

Applications are available now for the 2008-2009 academic year. All applications are due Feburary 1, 2008.

Undergraduate Studies in Nairobi, Kenya

Undergraduate Studies in Dakar, Sénégal

Frequently Asked Questions

Please click here for information about the Integrative Cultural Research Project

Please click here for a non-Kalamazoo student program application

Please click here for reference forms for the study abroad application

Contact cip@kzoo.edu to request more information or an application.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES IN NAIROBI, KENYA

The study abroad program 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.

The academic program begins with the on-site orientation, Kiswahili instruction and the required courses entitled "Geographies of Development." This course introduces development trends in Kenya and provides some of the background needed to begin to understand the society. Students with the personal maturity to adapt to a society dramatically different from the U.S. are best suited for this program.

Entire Program Description: Acrobat PDF

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES IN DAKAR, SÉNÉGAL

The study abroad program is associated with the Faculté des Sciences et Lettress 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.

The academic program begins with the on-site orientation and Wolof instruction at the Baobab Cultural Training Center. The special 3-week course, Sustainable Development in Sénégal, begins in October and engages students with field work, the concepts of sustainable development, and an overview of the economic, cultural, environmental and political changes among the Lebou people. In November students enroll in 2-4 UCAD courses with the assistance of the Resident Director. IFEE courses are counted as university electives. All courses are taught in French. This program is designed for students with the personal maturity to adapt to a society dramatically different from the U.S. and the language skill to do university work in French.

Entire Program Description: Acrobat PDF

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ Acrobat PDF

SELECTION OF A STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM
Why should I study on one of Kalamazoo's programs?
Kalamazoo College's Center for International Programs brings more than 45 years of experience in the field to the administration of its study abroad programs. 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, we can provide a list of courses, which students have taken in the past, but there is no guarantee that these classes will be offered from year to year. 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 advise 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.

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.