Winter Interterm

RIDE offers immersive and credit-bearing abroad programs in East Africa during the December and January academic break. Our carefully curated programs provide students from universities with transformative experiences that blend academic coursework, cultural immersion, and community engagement, allowing them to gain a deep understanding of the region's rich history, diverse cultures, and pressing social and environmental challenges.

Key Points

RIDE’s Winter Interterm Program enables students to witness the magic of Kenya through a 2-3 week immersive course. Engage in wildlife conservation, explore sustainable development initiatives, embrace cultural diversity, and embark on thrilling safari adventures, all while contributing to community empowerment for a transformative educational experience.

Credits: 4-6

Dates: Anytime from Nov. to Jan.

Length: Typically 2-3 weeks

Locations: Kenya or Tanzania (explore more possible destinations below)

Topics: Wildlife Conservation, Sustainable Agriculture, Cultural Revival, Community Empowerment, Environmental Resilience.

Cost per person: $2,000-$3,000 which covers all meals, housing, in-country transport, excursions, and local instruction. Learn more at our Cost Structure page.

Reach out below to design a program

An Unforgettable Winter Study Abroad with RIDE

Experience the best of East Africa during your university's winter break with RIDE's immersive and transformative Winter Interterm Program. Choose from an array of stunning destinations across the region, including the enchanting Kasigau, pristine Diani Beach, and vibrant Nairobi in Kenya (the program can also be located in northern Tanzania). Our expert team will craft a tailor-made program that seamlessly blends academic excellence, cultural immersion, and hands-on experiences, ensuring an unforgettable educational adventure for your students.

Program Highlights

  • Participate in vital conservation efforts, working closely with local communities to protect endangered species and their habitats.

  • Witness innovative community-led projects promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental resilience.

  • Embrace Cultural Diversity: Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of East Africa, participating in traditional rituals, art forms, and connecting with welcoming local communities.

  • Experience Safari Adventures: Embark on thrilling safaris, spotting iconic wildlife and marveling at the breathtaking landscapes of the Masai Mara and Tsavo National Parks.

  • Contribute to Community Empowerment: Collaborate with local partners on impactful initiatives, driving positive change and empowering communities for a brighter future.

Let RIDE design an unforgettable journey that fosters global perspectives, sparks academic growth, and empowers your students to become catalysts for positive change in East Africa's vibrant communities. Contact us to customize this program for your students and embark on a life-changing experience with RIDE.

Read more details about the summer program in the next section below.

Program Details

  • Designed with both academic and personal growth in mind, RIDE's winter interterm programs provide prospective students with the chance to expand their global perspective, develop cross-cultural skills, and foster lifelong connections. Whether studying wildlife conservation, sustainable development, or cultural anthropology, students will have the chance to learn from local experts, collaborate with peers, and actively contribute to meaningful projects, leaving a lasting impact on both themselves and the communities they engage with.

  • The Winter and Summer sessions are designed to take place in any location throughout East Africa. Typically, we develop Winter programs in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. East Africa serves as an ideal location for study abroad programs due to its captivating diversity of landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and compelling social and environmental issues. From the majestic savannahs and breathtaking wildlife of national parks to vibrant urban centers and historic sites, East Africa offers a wealth of immersive learning opportunities that inspire students to explore, engage, and gain a deeper understanding of this dynamic region.

  • We do not believe that this semester 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.

  • BEFORE YOU APPLY

    We recommend that each student talks with the study abroad advisor at their home school as soon as possible to learn of any deadlines or requirements they may have for study abroad. Email us at info@rideinternational.org if you have any questions about the application process. We’re here to help!

    STEP 1 — Online Application

    Please first fill out our ONLINE APPLICATION. Be sure to completely fill out the application and submit it by the deadline for the program to which you are applying.

    STEP 2 — Request Transcripts

    Request your transcript be sent to ISDSI (see more at References & Transcripts).

    STEP 3 — Letters of Recommendation & Approval

    Request two letters of recommendation and study abroad approval form and have them sent to RIDE (see References & Transcripts ). We need your letters of recommendation, approval form, and transcript by the deadline for your application to be considered complete. Please email us and let us know who will be sending the letters of recommendation.

    AFTER SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION

    Upon securing all of your application materials (online application, letters of recommendation, approval form, and transcript), Program Staff will then review your candidacy for the RIDE program which you applied. If you are accepted as a finalist, additional information will be required in order to complete your enrollment into the program.

  • The theme of the course totally depends on your interests as a faculty or university administrator, ranging from hard science to social studies. Again, we design our programs for students to spend the majority of their trip working directly in the field, with very limited time in the classroom. Course work will include substantial amounts of reading and report writing, field data collection, problem solving, and some analytic work.

    Sample Courses:

    • Climate Change in the Developing World

    • Sustainable Management of Community Livelihood Resources

    • Tourism Industry and Community Involvement

    • Economic Development and Socio-Economic Change

    • Swahili Language & Culture

  • 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 On the RIDE Field Semester: East Africa, there will be a wide variety of housing accommodations from hostels to cultural homestays to college dorms to bush camping. However, 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.

    Participating in the local food culture is a central aspect of daily life in East Africa, and therefore you should be willing to 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.

  • RIDE Comprehensive Fee:

    • Tuition

    • All in-country meals

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

    • In-country books/readers

    • Program related travel and excursions

    • Daily drinking water (3 Liters)

    The Fee Does NOT Cover:

    • Visas (~$100)

    • Roundtrip airfare (~$1,300)

    • 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.

Winter Interterm in East Africa

We offer transformational experiences for students, travelers, and communities throughout the region. Our student trips are often customized to include multiple program locations within East Africa, which we believe is vital to participants getting a greater sense of regional context and local dynamics. Learn about the diverse ecological areas that RIDE works in by selecting a destination on the map below.

Design Your Program