Hello friends, family, and cohorts,
This will be the blog that I will write in during my time in Kenya. It's hard to say how often I'll be able to update when I get there; but I will certainly try as time and availability permit.
The top of the page says a little bit about the program, but I'll provide more details about the program I'm with. The University of Minnesota sponsors Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID) in four countries in the global south: Kenya, Senegal, Ecuador, and India. It is a well-regarded and competitive program that sends students for a semester or an academic year. Students are taught by faculty from local universities with other American students, in addition to participating in internships and research projects. We also stay with host families instead of in a dorm. It is different from other programs in its focus on development (globalization, etc.) and its experiential components.
I chose the academic year program for a number of reasons, including the internship and research component that I will complete during my second semester. During the first semester I will be in Nairobi (urban area) taking classes in development, research methods, the history and politics of Kenya, and intensive Swahili. During the second semester, I will be in a rural location TBD, where I will have an internship with an indigenous non-governmental organization. The placement for this internship will be determined when I arrive in Kenya and have a chance to discuss the exact options with a program director. However, I hope to work with women in a social services context, related to what I have done in Minneapolis at a transitional housing facility.
The top of the page says a little bit about the program, but I'll provide more details about the program I'm with. The University of Minnesota sponsors Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID) in four countries in the global south: Kenya, Senegal, Ecuador, and India. It is a well-regarded and competitive program that sends students for a semester or an academic year. Students are taught by faculty from local universities with other American students, in addition to participating in internships and research projects. We also stay with host families instead of in a dorm. It is different from other programs in its focus on development (globalization, etc.) and its experiential components.
I chose the academic year program for a number of reasons, including the internship and research component that I will complete during my second semester. During the first semester I will be in Nairobi (urban area) taking classes in development, research methods, the history and politics of Kenya, and intensive Swahili. During the second semester, I will be in a rural location TBD, where I will have an internship with an indigenous non-governmental organization. The placement for this internship will be determined when I arrive in Kenya and have a chance to discuss the exact options with a program director. However, I hope to work with women in a social services context, related to what I have done in Minneapolis at a transitional housing facility.
I know a little bit about my host family: 3 kids, ages 15, 10, and 8; and the mother is a business lady while the father is a teacher.
I depart August 31st (whoa, two weeks...) and the program ends in late April, although if I find a traveling partner I hope to extend that for some time.
If you would like to send mail, at least while I am in Nairobi, you can send letters and associated love to this address:
Stephanie S. Payne
c/o MSID Kenya
P.O. Box 66731
00800 Westlands
Nairobi, Kenya
Please comment so I know who is reading, I'm sure I will look forward to your messages.
Peace,
Steph
