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  Kenya

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: ongoing

Description: As in many countries, the Kenyan school system is facing many challenges including limited resources, overcrowding, and lack of qualified teachers. Volunteers can work at a primary or secondary school in Nakuru. Volunteers will assist by teaching English and other subjects. Volunteers must be prepared for the challenge of working in schools with very limited materials and resources but must also keep in mind that volunteer teaching can be one of the most rewarding experiences possible.

Highlights: Kenya is an incredible country to experience. The country boasts some of the most incredible natural wonders in the world as well as a warm culture with a rich heritage. Participants stay with host families and are welcomed into the community and work with local organizations. Many of the programs are based in and around the city of Nakuru, a perfect base for a stay in Kenya. It is the fourth largest city in Kenya, located two and a half hours by bus northwest of Nairobi. The highlights of this rich farming area include the Menengai Crater, an extinct volcano from which you get stunning views of the famous Lake Nakuru as well as archeological sites of settlements that go back as much as 3000 years. But the greatest attraction here is Lake Nakuru National Park, second most visited park in Kenya and renowned for its astounding shallow soda lake, euphorbia and acacia forests, rocky cliffs and the huge variety of wild animals: lions, warthogs, buffaloes, gazelles, leopards, baboons, rhinos, hippos and dozens of species of birds. The city of Nakuru is home to lively bars, restaurants, and cafes volunteers and interns can explore in their spare time.   

Minimum Education: High School

Intern Types: Education, English as a Second Language, Social Sciences, Social Work and Sociology

Languages: English and Swahili

Cost in US$: Varies by duration. Contact us for details.

Cost Includes: Food, Housing, In-country orientation/Training, In-country staff support and Written materials pre-departure

Pre-departure Support: ELI's staff is very knowledgeable and happy to help volunteers to prepare for their travels. Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Nairobi and provided with transportation to their host family. In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a two to three day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Kenya, a historical overview and introduction to culture, survival Swahili lessons, a morning safari in Lake Nakuru National Park, and visits to sites in Nairobi such as the US embassy which was bombed in 1998 and the elephant orphanage. In-country Staff Support: ELI's Kenya coordinator has years of experience working with visitors to Kenya. She is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency. Accommodations: Volunteers will stay with a local host family where they will be provided with a room and breakfast and dinner each day. By living with a family, volunteers will learn about the day to day rhythms of Kenyan life first hand as well as sample traditional meals not usually available in restaurants.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer Projects: academic reinforcement, adult education, AIDS, arts, athletics, building schools, childcare/children, community development, computer training, curriculum planning, education, English teaching, health education, literacy, popular education, primary education, public education, secondary education, social services, social work, teaching, tutor, volunteering, youth and youth development

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range: 18 and up

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangement: Home-stays

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement: ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded: 2001