2007/2008 Handbook Supplement

 MARYKNOLL INSTITUTE OF AFRICAN STUDIES
OF SAINT MARY'S UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA/USA
AND TANGAZA COLLEGE, NAIROBI

Handbook Supplement for non-East African

and Foreign Students

INDEX

• Calendar of Events

• Introduction

• Section I: Preparation for Travel

• Section II: Finances

• Section III: Addenda

• Section IV: Academic Information

• Section V: Academic Structure

• ADDENDUM I: Checklist

• ADDENDUM II: A Taste of the Language

• Appendix A: Maps of Africa

• Appendix B: Photos of Tangaza

• Appendix C: Airfares

• Appendix D: Student ID and Insurance

2007/2008 ACADEMIC YEAR

MIAS runs Semester programs in January - April and August - November for non East Africans and Foreigners who come for a sabbatical of three months. Cf. Student handbook for full details. 

AUGUST 31 - NOVEMBER 25, 2007 SEMESTER PROGRAM

JANUARY 11 - APRIL 13, 2008 SEMESTER PROGRAM

MAY 27 - JUNE 19, 2008 FIRST IMMERSION PROGRAM 

JUNE 24 - JULY 17, 2008 SECOND IMMERSION PROGRAM 

************************************************************************************

Back to Index

This handbook supplement is designed to help Africa based students from outside East Africa and Foreign Students from overseas prepare for their stay in East Africa and  participation in the 2007/2008 Immersion and Semester programs of the Maryknoll Institute of African Studies of Saint Mary's University of Minnesota/USA and Tangaza College. It is assumed that the student has already carefully read the 2007/2008 student handbook which has full details. Upon arrival in Nairobi, it can also serve as a manual for some aspects of life there, so participants are asked to bring the handbook with them. There will be plenty of time for more in-depth orientation to the land and its people during the time of the program. The information in the following pages can help ensure that all be ready for the extraordinary "safari" upon which they are about to embark (cf. Appendix A: Maps of Africa).

GOALS OF THE PROGRAM
As you begin your preparation for departure, it is worthwhile to state clearly the purpose and nature of the program so there is no misunderstanding once you arrive. The primary goal of the MIAS program is to teach systematically contemporary cultures and religion of Kenya in such a way that students appropriate and articulate an African perspective on these realities. (Cf. 2007/2008 student handbook for a fuller explanation).

Back to Index

PREPARATION FOR TRAVEL

AIRFARES TO NAIROBI
All U.S. students are eligible for missionary-discounted (Raptim subsidy) airline tickets sold through MTS Travel Bureau 222 W. Willow, Wheaton, Illinois 60187, ph. 312-690-7320 (Outside of Illinois 1-800-323-9402). Call for the most current prices. Be sure to check to see what restrictions there are on the fares. Some fares allow stopovers in Europe at no extra cost others do not permit stopovers. Some fares permit stopovers with a surcharge of US$50.00 to US$100.00. Be sure you clarify this matter with the travel agent before purchasing your ticket if you plan to spend time in Europe.

Another missionary discount travel agent is SIAMA Inc. They operate out of The Netherlands. They can be reached by mail at:

Siama World Mission Travel bv. 38
Pieterskerkhof
2311 ST Leiden
The Netherlands
Ph: 31-71-5163545 (Africa/S. America 31-71-5163535)
Toll free FAX from U.S. 1-800-283-5133.
E-mail: Siama@Siama.Antenna.NL

The program director has used SIAMA several times and has found it reliable. If you FAX, be sure to include your address and phone number.

For those who wish to shop around, special roundtrip fares to Nairobi are advertised in the U.S. and Europe in all large-city Sunday newspapers by various travel agencies (cf. Airfares: Appendix C).

ATTENTION
Start early on your plane reservations. As June draws near many of the flights into Nairobi are sold out several months in advance. Also, embassies may want a return ticket number before issuing visas.

RECOMMENDED TRAVEL AGENCIES:
It is recommended that students who wish to tour Kenya and Tanzania contact the following traveling agencies:

1. For air travel call JET TRAVEL: Tel: (254-20) 310-360/310-365

2. For safaris in Kenya and Tanzania: call SAFARI SEEKERS and ask for Mr. Zul Hasham, Tel (254-20) 553-353/553-366 (Mombasa Road Office) or 226-206/211-396 (City center office) Nairobi or Arusha: Phone (007 272) 544102.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

PASSPORT: Students are responsible for procuring (or renewing) their passport. This is, of course, an absolutely essential document to be carried  at all times when traveling. Information concerning application for passports can be obtained at local post offices (U.S), or through a local passport agency. Make at least six (6) copies of your passport photo. Bring the extra ones with you.

VISA: Tourist visas for Kenya and Tanzania are necessary. With a U.S passport one can buy a visa at the cost of US$50.00 upon arrival at the airport.  The visa is valid for 90 days and can be extended without cost. A Tanzanian visa can be purchased from their embassy in Nairobi. Also, Tanzania visa forms can be obtained through the travel bureau where you are buying your ticket or by direct contact with their embassies. All passport forms should be sent by registered mail to the embassies or processed through a travel bureau, e.g., MTS in the US offers a visa service at a minimal charge.

Note: upon arrival, citizens from some countries other than the U.S. are given a free visa for a month, or can buy a tourist visa at the Nairobi airport valid for three months for US$50.00 or the equivalent in foreign currency. Check with the Kenya embassy in your country before traveling if you plan to purchase a visa at the airport to make sure your passport will allow that. For example, people with a Nigerian passport need to have a visa in their passport before arrival.

TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT
Upon arrival, the most convenient way to get to your place of residence is to take a TAXI. MIAS has an arrangement with NEW JAMBO TAXIS at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Telephone No: 822-011 or 822-114. As you pass thorough the glass doors after leaving customs, the New Jambo Taxis booth is to the right across the hall. It's sign is clearly visible. Their rates, as of September 2006, are Kshs. 1500.00 to Tangaza College, Kshs. 1000.00 to ACK or Flora Guest Houses, Kshs. 1600.00 to Dimesse Sisters, Hekima College and Kolping Guest House, and Kshs. 1500.00 to Maryknoll Society House. Identify yourself as a MIAS student showing them your acceptance letter.

If you are arriving late at night, be sure you notify the place where you are to stay so that they are prepared to receive you.

If you need someone to meet  your flight, MIAS can arrange with it New Jambo Taxis. They wait outside of customs carrying a sign with your name on it. Be sure you contact the MIAS Director by phone, Fax or E-mail giving flight details if you wish to be met.

TRAVEL IN EAST AFRICA
Day trips will be recommended and organized according to the interests of the students at the end of each session of the programs. The costs of these trips will be split equally among the participants. A one-day trip of a hundred miles in a hired van costs US$30.00 per person. Possibilities include: Nairobi National Game Park, Lake Naivasha, the Rift Valley, Mount Kenya and Lake Magadi.

Some of the most spectacular scenery and game parks in the world are just south of the Kenya's border with Tanzania. At the end of one's participation in the MIAS program, one might wish to make a special five day trip to visit Lake Manyara, Terangiri Game Parks, Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge, and the Serengeti Game Park. Travel arrangements will be the responsibility of those interested.

NOTE
On numerous occasions students have found that they have not allowed sufficient time after the program to do all the things they planned to do before leaving East Africa. They rush back home because of prior commitments. This is unfortunate after coming so far and given the expense of the airfare. It is important that one leaves sufficient time at the end of the program to relax and travel a bit. It is suggested that if there are conflicts between the MIAS calendar and your school's or employment calendar, that you make arrangements with your dean of students or employer before coming to allow for extra time.

DRIVER'S LICENSE
It is recommended that you get an international driver's license. It is recognized in Kenya and allows you to drive rental and private vehicles. In the U.S it is available through most American Automobile Association offices for US$5.00 and a passport photo. It is given immediately.

HEALTH

MEDICATIONS
If you are on medication, you should plan on bringing enough supply along with you to last the length of the program. Also, be sure to bring your prescriptions signed by a physician, in case you need to refill it during your stay. There are well stocked pharmacies in Nairobi.

MALARIA PROPHYLACTIC
Kenya is in a malarial area. It is necessary that you take a prophylactic medicine several weeks prior to leaving the U.S., during the time spent in Kenya, and for several weeks after returning to the U.S. The proper medicine is obtained only by prescription. The drug "larium" (metakelfin) is a very toxic drug and a substantial percentage of people have had mild to serious psychological reactions to it. It should only be taken under doctor's advice as a last resort.

Also, if you are not a resident of East Africa, a doctor's recommendation assuring that you are in sufficient good health to follow the program is required as part of the application process.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Two letters of recommendation relating to your flexibility in adjusting to new situations, ability to handle stress and participate in a foreign culture are required. One of these recommendations is to be from your employer, supervisor or superior.

INOCULATIONS
Tanzania requires a yellow fever inoculation. Kenya does not.  Typhoid and Para-typhoid shots are recommended.

This would be a good time to update your tetanus immunization. If you have not had a tetanus immunization or booster in the past ten years, it is recommended that you do so before the trip. If you are concerned about a particular ailment or allergy, please consult your physician before departure.

All major cities and major universities have clinics that specialize in inoculations and health precautions for world travelers. Look in the phone book for the one nearest to you. It is suggested that you make an appointment during the latter part of April so that you will have time to get all the proper shots. In addition, you will be started on a malarial prophylactic.

INSURANCE
Each student is responsible for medical insurance. This is available, e.g., in the US through an International Student I.D. card which costs students US$10.00 through the Council on International Education Exchange (C.I.E.E.). Details on how to apply are found in the Appendix D. Also, ask your dean of students about this International Student I.D. card as some schools offer an application service to their students.

The purchase of this card automatically provides some modest coverage for the duration of the card's validity. Should you wish more coverage, you should consult an insurance agent, e.g. in the US, The Travelers Insurance Company, One Tower Square, Hartford CN 06183-5040 which has special coverage for international travelers, or obtain an optional travel insurance policy through a travel agent. In cases of necessity, the Institute will underwrite medical bills in Kenya that will be reimbursed by the student's insurance upon returning to the U.S.

The C.I.E.E. also provides baggage/personal effects insurance at an additional cost. Furthermore, it entitles you to discounts on some admission fees and travel costs. However it is of little use in Kenya.

There is property insurance available at a reasonable rate for valuable items such as cameras and computers, e.g., in the US through Aon Risk Services, Inc. of Maryland, 111 Market Place, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 136, ph.: (410) 783-5043 Fax: (410) 547-2914 (cf. Appendix D for details).

Back to Index

Section II

FINANCES

PERSONAL EXPENSES FOR ALL STUDENTS NOT RESIDENT IN NAIROBI

Besides Tuition, there are the following expenses that are paid personally. It is projected that in 2008 these expenses will be approximately US$700.00 per course. 

BOOKS:       Ksh. 6,400 (US$85) per course.

TRANSPORTATION: for field research to and from Tangaza: Approx. Ksh. 3,400 (US$45) per course. 

BOARD AND ROOM (If not resident in Nairobi): US$ 12-20.00 depending on where one stays and the Kshs exchange rate per US$ at the time of the program. If staying in a guesthouse, to be on the safe side the cost of board and room should be calculated at US$20.00 per day.

POCKET MONEY: Approximately US$70.00 per course (Non-residents of Nairobi).          

TRANSPORTATION: To and from Nairobi depends on the point of departure.

*******************************************************************************

TUITION

FOREIGN STUDENTS FROM OVERSEAS

TUITION: FOREIGN STUDENTS FROM OVERSEAS IN IMMERSION PROGRAMS

Payable to Michael C. Kirwen A/C MIAS in US$

          One Course: Four Credits (Three Weeks)

                    Tuition: US$1000.00 or equivalent in Kshs.. at time of payment

          Two Courses: Eight Credits (Six Weeks)

                    Tuition: US$2000.00 or equivalent in Kshs. at time of payment

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST PER COURSE FOR 2008: US$1600.00 (excluding transport to Nairobi)

Since the situation of each foreign student is unique, it is necessary to calculate the cost of the Living Expenses, then add on Tuition, Books, Program transportation, and Pocket Money to find the total cost per course for a particular student. For example, in 2006, the total expenses for a student from the US who lived at Flora Hostel, for two courses was US$3200.00 (not including the cost of transportation to and from the US).

*******************************************************************************

CITIZENS AND RESIDENTS OF AFRICA

TUITION: CITIZENS AND RESIDENTS OF AFRICA IN IMMERSION PROGRAMS

 Payable to Maryknoll Institute of African Studies in Kenya Shillings. 

Other currencies pay to Michael C. Kirwen A/C MIAS

          One Course: Four Credits (Three Weeks)

                    Tuition:  Kshs. 33,500 or equivalent in US$ at time of payment

          Two Courses: Eight Credits (Six Weeks)

                    Tuition: Kshs. 67,000 or equivalent in US$ at time of payment

 TOTAL ESTIMATED COST PER COURSE FOR 2008: US$1200.00. (excluding transport to Nairobi)

Since the situation of each foreign student is unique, it is necessary to calculate the cost of the Living Expenses, then add on Tuition, Books, Program transportation, and Pocket Money to find the total cost per course for a particular student. For example, in 2006, the total expenses for a student resident in Africa, who lived at Flora Hostel, for two courses was US$2300.00 (not including the cost of transportation to and from Nairobi).

ATTN! The Kenya shilling (and prices) has fluctuated widely the past two and a half years. In October  2006 it stood at Kshs 72/US$. As the program draws near, you will be notified of the Kenya shilling exchange rate with the U.S. dollar so you can revise your budget, if needed.

MONEY EXCHANGE
Kenya currency is based on the decimal system. The unit of currency is the shilling, divided into 100 cents.

The law of Kenya, as of October 1994, allows a person to bring up to US$5000.00 of foreign currency into the country whether cash or travelers cheques without declaring it. As you need shillings, exchange your foreign currency at the local Forex Bureaus. Visitors are advised to check currency rates regularly. As  of October 2006 one U.S. dollar was worth seventy-two Kenya shillings. Visitors are strongly advised to avoid street dealers and to transact all currency dealings through official dealers. It is a serious offence to deface or knowingly damage Kenya currency.

PAYMENT
Pay all fares and gratuities in Kenyan shillings. It is suggested for security reasons that you bring some cash with you but the bulk of your funds in the form of traveler's cheques. Note, personal cheques are virtually impossible to cash. However, cash advances through credit cards is available in the larger hotels, businesses, travel agencies and restaurants. Major credit cards, especially Visa, MasterCard and American Express can be used for the purchase of goods and services.

PLEASE NOTE
Never pack traveler's checks, cash or credit cards in your luggage or leave them in your room. Petty thievery is a universal phenomenon. Many of the students in past years carried their passport and cash in a small money pouch that hangs from the neck and is concealed inside a shirt or blouse. It is recommended that you purchase one for the trip.
In the U.S. they are available in luggage stores.

SPENDING MONEY
Everyone will have different needs when it comes to how much money should be brought along for the trip. The following information will help you plan but it cannot provide airtight regulation.

During your stay in Kenya, unless other arrangements are made, all your meals will be provided at your residence. There is usually a flat fee covering both board and room payable whether you are present or not for meals.

If you dine out or are away from the residence on a private excursion, the expense will be yours. A meal in a good Nairobi restaurant costs US$10.00-20.00. Meals in small local restaurants cost US$5.00-10.00.

The cost of living in Nairobi is expensive. Clothing, film, restaurant meals, books, stationery, toiletries, etc. are as high in price or higher than they are e.g., in the United States. As suggested, it is good to have purchased most of your basic needs before traveling to Africa.

Items that you are likely to buy during your trip would be the following: wood carvings, locally manufactured cloth, batiks, jewelry, paintings, musical instruments and handicrafts -- all available in the markets. Always haggle over the price. You can often cut the original price in half.

DEPARTURE TAX
The departure tax from the Kenya airport is US$20.00 or the equivalent in foreign currency or Kenya Shillings. Usually this tax is included in the price of your airline ticket and is indicated on the ticket.

FILM
You will tend to take more pictures of the spectacular sights of Africa than you would ordinarily be tempted to do in your backyard. So, if you are a camera buff, bring a generous supply. Processing of prints and slides in Nairobi is possible and quite reasonable. However, you may prefer to process your film in your home country.

CLOTHING
Name brands are expensive and local brands are sometimes of poor quality. You should plan on bringing all the clothes you intend to wear (cf. check list in Addendum I).

TRAVEL AND PRIVATE EXCURSIONS
You will want to wander around on your own and so you should budget some money for travel. There is public bus service all over Kenya, with trains to Kisumu and Mombasa, and the fares are reasonable.

ADDITIONAL EXPENSES
In addition to these ordinary expenses, it is prudent to budget some amount for unforeseen emergencies, e.g. broken eye glasses, medical emergencies, lost clothing or equipment, etc.

REMEMBER
The Institute is responsible only for the tuition received for the courses which must be paid in advance to Michael C. Kirwen A/C MIAS. The tuition is non-refundable except in the cases of medical hardship or family emergencies where application can be made for a refund. The program is not responsible for: a) passport and visa fees; b) airport or border taxes; c) travel, visits, or excursions; d) insurance, whether travel, life, accident, or health, e) board and room, f) airfares, g) for any medical expenses incurred by any member of the program, and h) for any additional costs incurred by participants who cannot complete the program, for whatever reason.

Back to Index

Section III

ADDENDA

INTERNATIONAL PHONE CALLS
Direct dial phone service between Kenya and the United States is quite good but expensive. A ten minute call to the U.S. costs about U.S.$9.00. Also, collect calls from Kenya are not possible. Furthermore, the AT&T, Sprint or MIC calling card cannot be used to dial a U.S. operator direct.

MAIL SERVICE FROM NAIROBI
Please note that mail service between Kenya and the United States or Europe is rather slow. Air Mail takes from six to ten days (occasionally even longer); be sure to alert your relatives and friends of this delay.

DIET
The food in Kenya is very good and nourishing. The type of food is comparable to what you are already used to -- pork, beef, lamb, chicken and fish. Also there are plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in season. Bread is excellent. Vegetarians foods are served in most restaurants.

ADJUSTMENT TO A FOREIGN CULTURE
One aspect of living in Africa that people do not often think of in advance is the necessary adjustment to a foreign culture. This does not usually become apparent until the novelty of the first few days overseas has worn off. At that point, some of the frustrations of not knowing an African language and having to deal with the inconveniences or deprivations of another culture than your own begin to loom large. Some people will feel a bit lonely or enervated. Tempers might grow short. All of these are normal and transitory experiences of people adjusting to life in a different culture. To be aware of the cause of such feelings and to know that you are not alone in having them can go a long way toward dissipating them in yourself and being more understanding of others. Through some group discussion we hope to facilitate everyone's adjustment. By the end of the program, the experience of having lived in another culture usually turns out to be one of the richest treasures people take away from the program.

Back to Index

Section IV

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

DATES OF 2008 IMMERSION PROGRAMS
The first session of the 2008 program begins in Nairobi on May 27^th, 2008 at 9:00 am with an orientation for all students to the first session and continues to June 19^th,2008 the second session runs from June 24^th, 2008 to July 17^th, 2008.

Students new to Africa are requested to arrive three days before the beginning of a session so that they are adjusted to the climate and altitude, and are over their jet lag before classes begin.

FIELD RESEARCH
The process of field research is facilitated by Kenyan university graduates who have been hired to lead the students into various dimensions of African society. The meetings and trips with the field assistants are organized in such a way that the students experience new realities of the Kenyan society in the Nairobi area at least three times a week. For example, trips are made to the local markets, University of Nairobi, housing estates, various Christian churches and ministries, diviners and traditional healers, etc. During these trips, besides participant observation, students discuss with informants and others the ideas and issues being presented in the classroom.

DAILY SCHEDULE
Class days are Wednesday through Friday. The lectures are at Tangaza College from 8:30 am-12:05 pm. This is followed by a prayer service from 12:15 pm to 12:30 pm. At 12:30 pm lunch is served in the cafeteria. Afternoons have workshops scheduled on field research skills and technique, field research projects and pastoral reflection. The rest of the week is for field research with one's personal field assistant, reading and writing (each week three days of field research sessions are planned in advance with the lecturers) and for library research, private study, writing of a fifteen page research/integration paper. Transportation to and from the school is the responsibility of the students. The program, however, provides transportation from downtown Nairobi (The Stanley Hotel) to Tangaza College and back on class days.

COURSE CATALOGUE
The following is the list of courses that have been prepared by various lecturers for the 2007 Immersion programs. Sufficient student pre-registration determines whether a particular course is taught. This is why one is asked to select three courses by way of priority. A separate booklet (COURSE CATALOGUE) is available with the course outlines and descriptions.

COURSE OFFERINGS: 2008 IMMERSION PROGRAMS

FIRST Session

May 27 to June 19, 2008

______ African Cultures: An Overview*

______ African Traditional Religion Interprets the Bible

______ African Feminist/Womanist Theology: A Source for African Christian Theology

______ Contemporary Political and Economic Realities in Kenya

______ Sociology of Development/Underdevelopment in African Religion

______ Introduction to East African Art

______ Towards the Inculturation of Religious Community Life in Africa

______ African Christian Theology: Historical and Systematic Development

______ Spirituality, Personhood and Psychotherapy in an African Context

______ Gospel and Culture: The African Experience

SECOND SESSION

June 24 to July 17, 2008

______ African Cultures: An Overview*

______ African Traditional Religion: Major Beliefs, Practices and Contemporary Forms

______ African Marriage and Family: Challenge and Change

______ Introduction to East African Literature: Focus on Religious Conflicts

______ Justice and Peace in East Africa

______ Church in Contemporary Africa: its political, social and economic situation

______ Introduction to Islam in Eastern Africa

______ Ideology and Practice of Health Ministry in Contemporary Africa: Traditional and Western

______ Sage Philosophy: The Root of African Philosophy and Religion

______ Moral Teaching and Practices of African Traditional Religion

* The course, African Cultures: An Overview, is repeated in each session as it is a required course for those in the Master programs, and a popular course for students new to Africa.

Section V

ACADEMIC STRUCTURES

IMMERSION PROGRAMS
The courses are taught in three week periods with thirteen hours of instruction per week. Four postgraduate credits are granted for the successful completion of each course.

There are two sessions in the MIAS Immersion programs. Each session offers ten courses, some of which are foundational and some advanced.

If a student successfully completes two courses during the 2008 Immersion sessions, he/she receives eight semester-credits which are registered and awarded by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota/USA.

ATTN: THE 2008 DEADLINE FOR FORMAL APPLICATION:

For all foreign and Non-East African students

- April 15, 2008 for the May 27 - June 19, 2008 First Immersion program

 

- May 15, 2008 for the June 24 - July 17, 2008 Second Immersion program

Back to Index

ADDENDUM I: Checklist

ADDENDUM II: A Taste of the Language