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
11 comments:
i'll be watching you, steph. this is gunna be sweet.
i'm reading this too!!
How cool. I'm so excited for you. Can't wait to hear all about your adventures!
I'm watching you in Google Reader.
I hope you can visit me or I can visit you at some point, eh? eh? EH?
Okay Steph, I added you to my Google reader like you said I should! :) It was good to see you the other night- I'm glad you could make it for dinner. See you Friday! (I'm making oreo cookie dessert, did you hear? ;))
I dare you to have a better experience than Valley Fair's fertility ride.
I guess only time will tell if it's even possible.
Meanwhile, I'll keep the scooter healthy for your return
I'll be following every word! We hear you made it to kenya safely, but without your backpack. Hope it catches up to you soon.
Hi Steph, heard you made it safe and sound. Did your luggage show up? All I could think of when I heard that was "oh no, those teva sandals are lost" hahahha. Your uncle Tom and I hope you have a wonderful experience and will follow every word. Can't wait to hear from you.
Hi Steph!
Saw your pics while browsing through Flickr....interesting to read and see pictures of your different experiences....I was born and raised there and some of your comments are eerily familiar and bring back memories of my feelings about the country. It certainly is a place of many contrasts.
Have fun...and all the best with your work
Тогда обязательно посмотрите на вот такой онлайн гемблинг на криптовалютки Довольно любопытное времяпровождение с довольно высоким шансом на выигрыш, по сути пресловутые 50/50 шансы.
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