Les Aspin Center Africa Program
2011 - 2012 Winter Session: Kenya
January 2, 2012 - January 14, 2012

Application Deadline OCTOBER 10th

Beginning in 1994, the Les Aspin Center began conducting study abroad opportunities in Europe and Africa during Marquette University’s winter break. Past programs have taken students to Italy, Greece, Ireland, England, Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania.  The LAC will continue its international programming this year with a winter-break opportunity to study in Kenya.

Course Description:
Democracy, Culture, & Public Policy

In this Spring term, Session 2 course, students will examine the manner in which culture, values, and identity shape global and domestic politics. Of particular interest is how they can inform and guide public policy efforts to promote democracy, shape periods of political transition and democratization, and provide the foundation for creating policies that will advance the overall welfare of the society.

A case study of Kenyan politics will allow for a rigorous dialogue about the appropriateness of culture, values, and identity as explanatory variables in shaping political outcomes and policy choices.

This course is designed as an immersion experience that will allow students to integrate theoretical models of politics, culture, and values with first hand observations of these variables in action.

In addition to lectures, readings, and site visits, students will interact with personnel from non-governmental organizations, government institutions, and elected and non-elected officials. Of particular interest, this course will include an examination of the dynamic relationships between governments, NGOs and funding agencies. The course may be taken for audit.

Program Overview:*Please note: all site visits/programing are subject to change.

Students will stay in Nairobi, Kenya where they will have the opportunity to visit government institutions, attend cultural events, interact with key personnel working in Kenyan politics, NGOs, media and educational institutions. While in Kenya, students will explore the country's prized natural beauty on a safari visit to Maasi Mara National Park. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about what Kenyan life is like and particpate in a day of service at an orphanage.

Download Application (PDF) Application can be e-mailed to meghan.lefeber@mu.edu or faxed to (202)544-6265

Costs: $4,250*
*Program cost is subject to change based on airline ticket prices, students accepted into the program will be informed of the final program cost prior to paying the program deposit.

This course is registered as a Spring Semester course (Session 2 schedule). Therefore, there is no additional tuition cost for students who remain under the 18 credit semester limit. The total cost for the trip will cover direct program expenses.  Direct expenses include airfare, hotels, ground transport in Africa, site visit entrance fees, and VISAs (does not include acquiring a passport). Students will be responsible for their own food purchases and personal expenses while traveling.

Important Notes and Dates:

September 2011
Program Information and Applications Available.

October 10, 2011
Application Deadline

January 2, 2012 - January 14, 2012*
Program Travel (program travel dates are flexible and may change slightly based on flight schedules)