1. Initial Proposal (Completed by August 15, 2023): Submit a concise proposal outlining the Northwestern Swahili Language Program in Kenya, detailing the program's goals, curriculum, location (Kasigau Nature Centre), and intended outcomes.

2. Department Review (September - October 2023): Collaborate with the Swahili department and relevant faculty to refine the proposal. Address any concerns, incorporate suggestions, and ensure the program aligns with Northwestern's academic standards.

3. Budget and Financial Planning (October - November 2023): Work alongside Northwestern's Study Abroad Office to finalize the program's budget, including expenses such as transportation, accommodations, excursions, and academic resources.

4. Program Design (November - December 2023): Develop the detailed course syllabus, daily itinerary, and cultural engagement activities. Ensure the program fosters language acquisition, cultural immersion, and community interaction.

5. Application Materials (January - February 2024): Collaborate with Northwestern's Study Abroad Office to create and finalize the application materials, including program description, eligibility criteria, and application instructions.

6. Program Proposal Submission (February 15, 2024): Submit the comprehensive program proposal to the Study Abroad Office for review, incorporating all developed materials, syllabi, budget, and logistical details.

7. Application Review and Selection (March 2024): The Study Abroad Office reviews applications and collaborates with the Swahili department to select participants based on academic qualifications and program fit.

8. Pre-departure Orientation (April 2024): Host mandatory pre-departure meetings to prepare participants for their experience, including cultural sensitivity, health and safety, and logistical details.

9. Program Implementation (June 2024): Lead the Northwestern Swahili Language Program in Kenya as planned, delivering engaging language instruction, cultural activities, and community initiatives over the 4-week duration.

10. Post-Program Assessment and Credit Approval (July - August 2024): Collaborate with the Swahili department to assess the program's success and student learning outcomes. Obtain credit approval for participants based on their academic performance and achievement during the program.

11. Feedback and Reflection (September - October 2024): Gather feedback from both participants and faculty leaders to refine and enhance the program's future iterations, integrating lessons learned for continuous improvement.

LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION
The Northwestern Swahili Language course offers immersive language instruction at beginner and intermediate levels, designed to foster effective communication and cultural understanding. Held at the Kasigau Nature Centre in Kenya, this 4-week program combines structured classroom learning with real-world practice, enabling students to interact with local communities and apply their language skills. With a focus on language acquisition, cultural engagement, and experiential learning, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of Swahili language and culture.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Here at RIDE, we are strong advocates for the utilization of local knowledge in order to greatly enhance our field instruction and research methods for our students. For that reason, the field studies and academics of this program will be taught by RIDE and Northwestern faculty in conjunction with local experts and instructors, providing an authentic learning experience for our students. While our faculty might be a citizen of a country that we work in and have an extensive understanding of the inner-workings of that country, the advantages of receiving expertise from a local authority on the matters of a specific community are immeasurably vital to successful learning.

The Northwestern Swahili Language course takes place at the Kasigau Nature Centre, also known as Kiteghe Field Centre, situated in the heart of Kenya. This immersive environment provides a unique backdrop for language learning and cultural engagement. Students reside in shared housing while professors and program leaders enjoy private ensuite accommodation. The center's classrooms offer a dedicated space for language instruction, fostering a conducive learning atmosphere. The program also includes excursions to Nairobi, Tsavo, Diani Beach, Mombasa, and other cultural sites, enhancing students' understanding of Kenya's diverse landscapes and cultures.

The safety and security of participants in the Northwestern Swahili Language program is our utmost priority. RIDE has a comprehensive safety protocol in place, ensuring a secure environment throughout the program. Our experienced staff and local partners are well-versed in addressing any potential challenges. For detailed information about our safety measures, please visit RIDE’s Safety & Security page for our student trips.

ACCOMMODATION

Through our comprehensive program fee system, RIDE provides all housing and meals for our students throughout the entirety of their program. This includes breakfast, lunch & dinner, which can be catered to work with whatever dietary restrictions. Participants will primarily stay at RIDE's Kasigau Nature Centre. Accommodation includes shared housing for students and private ensuite rooms for professors and program leaders. The comfortable and secure housing provides a conducive environment for learning and cultural immersion.

Additionally, the program does include some different excursions where we will be camping or at hotels. While the housing types might be different, each accommodation has been well-vetted by program staff to ensure a safe, secure and comfortable living environment for our students.

LOCAL CUISINE

Participating in the local food culture is a central aspect of daily life in East Africa, and therefore we encourage our students try the local cuisine. Some special or limited diets may not be fully understood by locals, but our staff does everything in their power to provide students with meals catered to whatever dietary restrictions. All students are welcomed on this program regardless of what dietary restrictions they might have. We will advise you on realistic expectations about avoiding or incorporating certain foods within the program context. However, in some locations, we cannot guarantee zero exposure to certain foods or a given allergen.

WHAT GOES INTO THE FEES?

The fee per person is $3,000 total per person for the 4-week stay.

RIDE charges a comprehensive fee, and all of your expenses are covered while on one of our programs. Many study abroad programs hide costs by not charging for food, transportation or other costs that the students have to pay for themselves. We bundle everything into the comprehensive fee so that financial aid will apply to everything. We also put all of the costs towards creating a truly once in a lifetime experience. We have very small language classes (usually 4-5 students per instructor) and teach in teams so that students can get the learning support and individualized instruction they need. For example, a class of 25-30 students will typically have an instructor team of 5 instructors (one lead and 4 field instructors).

In the field we then break into small groups with 3 field instructors. We are also traveling into remote, and sometimes expensive to reach places. This pushes the costs up, but allows our students to go beyond what a tourist might see, and rather than a cheap program where you spend most of your time on a college campus, we are out in remote tribal villages, sea kayaking the islands, and skin diving coral reefs while learning from local communities.

RIDE Comprehensive Fee:

• All in-country meals

• Housing (hostels, dorms, camping, etc.)

• In-country books/readers

• Program related travel and excursions

• Daily drinking water (3 Liters)

Fee Does NOT Cover:

• Visas (~$100)

• Roundtrip airfare (~$1,200)

• Discretionary expenses (~$300)

• Personal medical insurance

Students should check with their study abroad office to see if they are able to cover any of the items listed above.

We do not believe that this program should be restricted to students of any one discipline or background. On the contrary, we are proud supporters of diversity and we welcome students of any background, academic interest or to apply for our semester. The only requirements that we have is that you are (1) committed to field work of the program and (2) open to embracing foreign experiences. 2.5 GPA required. Of course, students must have exhibit a desire to learn Swahili!