Educational Field Trip: Kenya

The Educational Field Trips provide some of the greatest learning experiences of studying abroad! In your courses and travels, you have gained insights about others’ cultures - their history, religion, art, and social systems. You have developed curiosity, empathy, and cultural humility. These insights and skills are refined when you fully immerse yourself in a place like Kenya.

Here are a few preparations:

1. PARTICIPANT FORM - on JAN 15

All students must submit their Participant Form by January 15.

2. MEAL selection FORM - on JAN 15

All students must submit their Meal Selection Form by January 15.

3. MEDICATIONS and VACCINES

There are no special mandatory immunizations that are required for these trips. However, please note the following:

• All students should be up-to-date with routine childhood vaccinations: MMR, Varicella (chicken pox), Polio, TDAP, and influenza.

• While there are no mandatory immunizations that are required to enter Kenya, out of an abundance of caution we advise all students to secure an antimalarial medication such as Malarone. Please avoid old school medications such as Mefloquine which causes night terrors, panic attacks, and insomnia. You can secure Malarone by visiting your family doctor or local travel clinic.

• While there are no reported cases of yellow fever in areas where we will be staying in southwestern Kenya (Limuru and Narok), it is often recommended for travelers visiting East Africa. Out of an abundance of caution we advise all students talk to their doctors and consider securing the yellow fever vaccine.

To get these immunizations, set up an appointment at home during Christmas, or with the Vevey clinic or the Lausanne clinic.

Notes:

• Schedule your appointment as early as possible - the slots fill up very quickly.

• You CANNOT schedule an appointment which conflicts with classes or with The Gathering.

• Bring your immunization card with you.

• When asked by the clinic where you will be traveling in Kenya, please explain that you will be in Western Kenya (the first part of the trip will be in Limuru, at 2500 meters of elevation, and the second part will be in Narok). You will not be in contact with animals, except maybe around cows.

• This is not covered by the program’s insurance, so you will have pay for these. Check with your private insurance - they might reimburse you.

4. Transformation QUESTIONNAIRE - ON JAN 22

All students should complete their Transformation Questionnaire on January 22.

5. ROOMMATe Preference FORM - ON JAN 22

If you would like to select a roommate during the EFT, please fill out the Roommate Preference Form during the January 22 meeting.

6. ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES FORM - ON JAN 22

All students should complete their Engagement Opportunities Form on January 22 (link will be activated soon).

7. ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) - ON JAN 22

ONE student representative from each château room will apply for authorization for their group to visit Kenya.

A.  Apply online - follow this step-by-step guide (this will cost $32.50 / person).

B. When your authorization is emailed to you, upload it to this folder.

8. CURRENCY - By Jan 31

Kenya uses Kenyan Shilling (KES) for its currency. As of the beginning of 2024, the exchange rate is 1 CHF = 160 KES.

If you would like to purchase KES in advance of departure, this must be done on the website store by or before January 31.

9. PACKING

*Temperatures: expect average highs of 86 ̊ F and lows of 61 ̊ F. Consult your weather app for the most up-to-date forecast.