• Application Deadline

    15.07.2023

  • Price

    CHF 1’100

What’s awaiting you

During this years’ study trip to Kenya we plan to explore the details of life in Nairobi and gain some insight into the beauty of the country’s landscape in the surroundings of Naivasha. It is our goal to give you a glimpse of the vitality and diversity the country of Kenya has to offer, as well as to provide you with some insight into the potential and creativity that can be found all over the country. Kenya, as a former British colony, has English and Swahili (a Bantu language widely spread in Eastern Africa) as official languages. However, Kenyans belong to different ethnic groups, around 42 in total, each having its own language. The multi-ethnic city of Nairobi creates a melting pot in which new ways of living together and language develop.

The trip will focus on two different locations: Firstly, Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. Nairobi is a vibrant city full of arts, music, delicious food and striving people. We will explore it as a microcosm of a complex and multi-ethnic society but also as a destination that has created something new. We will get in touch with local people, visit a youth empowerment project and get the opportunity to participate in a workshop with students at the University of Nairobi and get an overview of the current political and economic situation.

The second location we plan to focus on is called Naivasha, a smaller city which is popular for its agriculture, especially rose plantation, as well as for its national park called ‘Hells Gate’, which can be visited by bike. The hiking paradise Mount Longonot and Lake Naivasha, the home of hippos and various birds, add up to the experience. Memorable impressions of the scenic countryside and nature are guaranteed during this part of the trip. It is recommended that you come with some energy and base fitness level to fully enjoy the active days in Naivasha. We will try our very best to create eleven days full of impressions you will never forget.

Highlights

  • discover the cultural and scenic diversity of Kenya
  • get in touch with local people from different parts of society and age groups
  • learn more about specific topics of politics, economics and civil society as well as ecology
  • give space for questions and discussions
  • initiate a process of reflection about our views of and assumptions about Kenya and possibly Africa

Meet the Organizer

Jasna Becker

Jasna has completed her Masters Degree in Cultural Studies last year and is now working at the international office of the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt as a project coordinator. In 2013, after finishing secondary school, she lived in Kenya for a year and worked in different social projects as an intern. Since then she has been back to Kenya – mostly Nairobi – almost every year to visit friends and work on projects together. Every visit brought new insights into the cultural and social life of Kenya which impresses with its variety. She looks forward to exploring old and new places during the study trip and share her past experiences with the group.

jasna.becker@ifil.ch

Caroline Wienen

Jasna and Caroline met during their time at the University of Koblenz, where they both completed their Bachelors’ Degree of Cultural Studies together. Caro has since added a Masters’ Degree in Culture Management and now works as a junior project manager in the sponsorship and fundraising department at the Film- and Medienfestival GmbH in Stuttgart. Besides her studies she has gained intercultural knowledge by organizing her first study trip to Kenya in 2017. Adding a new culture into the center of the students’ perception by meeting local citizens and to get a closer look at the diversity of Kenya has made a great impression on Caroline. She therefore very much looks forward to getting to know Kenya better with a wonderful group of curious people.

caroline.wienen@ifil.ch

Steve Obaga

Steve lives in Nairobi and knows Caro and Jasna for several years by now. He is a dedicated software developer who is constantly updating his skills to stay at the forefront of the latest technological advancements. When he’s not working, Steve loves to watch animes, finding them to be a fascinating art form that offers a unique blend of storytelling, characterization, and visual aesthetics. He also likes to stay active, regularly engaging in activities like hiking, running, and playing sports to keep both his body and mind healthy. Steve enjoys meeting new people and having conversations with them, as he finds they often present different perspectives on things he thought he had fully understood, which can be insightful and inspiring. He values the exchange of ideas that comes with these conversations, as he believes it’s an excellent way to learn from others and expand his knowledge.

steve.obag@ifil.ch

Detailed Programme

  • 27.08.2023

    • Arrival of all participants in Nairobi
    • Welcome dinner with the group and get to know each other

  • 28.08.2023

    • Language Course and Introduction into Kenyan Culture
    • City tour of Nairobi

  • 29.08.2023

    • Spend the day at Mathare (district of Nairobi)
    • Visit Mathare Social Justice Center (NGO)
    • Visit Mathare Empire (arts organisation)
    • Visit Generation Shapers (environmental NGO)

  • 30.08.2023

    • Visit of the UN of Nairobi which includes a guided tour and special briefing
    • Visit the Nairobi National Museum
    • Travel to Naivasha (maybe with a short stop at a view point or in Limuru)

  • 31.08.2023

    • Bicycle tour at Hells Gate Nationalparc
    • Boat Trip

  • 01.09.2023

    • Visit a rose plantation or meet with an environmental organisation
    • Reflection & Leisure Time
    • Optional: Go to a bar with the other participants and the organizers

  • 02.09.2023

    • Hiking tour of Mount Longonot
    • Travel back to Nairobi
    • Optional: Dive into Nairobis nightlife

  • 03.09.2023

    • Graffiti Workshop
    • Reflection & Leisure Time
    • Get together with people we met on the trip

  • 04.09.2023

    • Workshop with students from the University
    • Make “Street Interviews” on the market

  • 05.09.2023

    • Visiting a media company
    • Picknick at Karura Forest
    • Last day we spend together so we will take the evening to share and reflect memories of our trip

  • 06.09.2023

    • Our last breakfast together — it’s time to say goodbye
    • Flights back home or continuation of trip by yourself

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