The field of microfinance has received a lot of attention since Muhammed Yunus received a Nobel Prize after founding the Grameen Bank. Thousands of microfinance institutions (MFIs) provide financial services at a community level in Kenya and have changed

Location:

Nairobi, Kenya

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Academic Year, Fall Semester, MayMester Intersession, Rolling Starts, Spring Break, Spring Semester, Summer, Winter Semester, Year Round

Program Overview

Program Description:

Kenya is an incredible country to experience. The country boasts some of the most stunning 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. Experience within the fields of accounting, finance, marketing, and business administration is helpful.

The field of microfinance has received a lot of attention since Muhammed Yunus received a Nobel Prize after founding the Grameen Bank. Thousands of microfinance institutions (MFIs) provide financial services at a community level in Kenya and have changed the lives of many small scale entrepreneurs. Interns work with the staff of MFIs in Nakuru as well as local entrepreneurs to learn about all aspects of microfinance from assessing the credit-worthiness of potential clients to assisting with education programs and working on the day-to-day tasks within the main office. A large priority is placed on the financial literacy of loan recipients.

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.

Setting Description:

Kenya inspires. Today, as for decades, nature lovers, wanderers, artists and writers are drawn to Kenya's dazzling wildlife, varied landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The snow capped peak of Mount Kenya overlooks the Rift Valley where thousands of zebras, wildebeest, and other animals make their yearly migration. The Rift Valley is home to a fantastic array of animals including elephants, lions, cheetahs, baboons, flamingos, and many more. The Rift Valley is also known as the cradle of humanity. Humanoid remains dating back 6 million years have been excavated on the shores of Lake Turkana. Pastoralist and agricultural tribes still live throughout Kenya, carrying on cultural traditions that date back thousands of years. And the Kenyan coast was home to Persian and Arab traders and continues to be a trading center of East Africa. These cultural and natural elements combine to create a fascinating country, ideal for a volunteer or internship experience. Even though the Kenyan e

Cost:

Cost in US$: starting at USD 1000. Please contact ELI ABROAD for details!