Kenya: Islam and Swahili Cultural Identity

Location: Kenya: Mombasa; Tanzania: Dar Es Salaam

Term: Fall, Spring

Dates: September to December/February to May

SIT Study Abroad

http://www.sit.edu

PO Box 676 Kipling Road Brattleboro, Vermont 05302-0676 United States

Call Us

Phone: (888)272-7881

Fax: (802)258-3296

Description

Coastal East Africa is home to the Swahili--a maritime trading community dating as far back as the first century. The Swahili developed an extensive commercial network of seafaring communities along Africa's Indian Ocean, linking Asia and the Middle East with the African continent. Contemporary Kenyan coastal cultures, while influenced by more-recent migrations and interactions, continue to draw heavily upon these roots.

Mombasa, the heart of commercial and cultural connections to other Indian Ocean ports, provides an ideal base from which to explore Kenya's coastal cultures. You will travel by traditional wooden dhows, observe fresh fish catches being transported to open-air markets, and tour Fort Jesus, the 400-year-old stone edifice and gateway to the ancient city. Extended studies in Lamu, an island community rich in Islamic tradition, enhance learning about the 1,000-year-old society, while homestays provide knowledge of varied coastal village life in East Africa.

Highlights

Two-week homestay in Mombasa and a one-week rural homestay. Educational excursions to Dhow "safari" in the islands of the Lamu Archipelago, Zanzibar or Oman (conditions permitting) and two weeks in Lamu.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$:

please inquire for more information

Cost Includes:

Cost Include Description:

Credit Available

no

This Program is open to

American, Worldwide Participant.

Typical Living Arrangements
  • Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves
  • Essay
  • Letters of Reference
  • Physical Exam/Health Records
  • Written Application
Typically The Application Process Time is
3 weeks
Post Services Include
  • Alumni Network
  • Exit Debriefing Abroad
  • Job and Internship Network
SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement

A pioneer in experiential, field-based study abroad, SIT offers semester, summer, and academic year programs for undergraduate students in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, as well as comparative programs in multiple locations.

 

Programs focus on critical global issues in specific geographical and cultural contexts using an interdisciplinary approach. Studying with host country faculty and living with families, students gain a deep appreciation for local cultures and become immersed in diverse topics ranging from the politics of identity to post-conflict transformation, from global health to environmental policy. 

Year Founded

1932

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