GENERAL KENYA TRIP QUESTIONS

How do I sign up for the Kenya Experience Trip?

Sign up by filling out the online application form on the Kenya Experience page

Sign-up here

How much does the Kenya Experience trip cost for the 12-14 Days?

The trip cost ranges from $3750 - $4500 depending on your package choice. The cost includes round airfare from New York Metropolitan airports to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi.

What do students do during the trip?

The main activity for students is cultural interactions with Kenyan students as well participating in community service. Students will go on a one-of-a-kind experience that will show them issues pertaining to developing nations as well as participate in service learning activities by working alongside villagers and students in Kenyan schools. Students will also participate in educational diplomacy programs and play friendly sports such as soccer, volley ball, track and basketball when feasible. The trip is about developing student independence and leadership skills to enable students to gain some perspective of how people live beyond their own communities.

Are there chaperons on this trip?

Yes, there are male and female teachers who lead the trip. Along with these trip leaders, vetted parents and other volunteer chaperons accompany the students on the trip.

Who are the trip Co-coordinators?

David Angwenyi,  Ph.D.

• Dr. Angwenyi, a teacher at Hopewell Valley Central High School and the founder of GCK is the lead coordinator of the yearly trips to Kenya, where he was born. Dr. Angwenyi inspiring  story and generous nature has influenced many people's lives especially the students he has taught and all who participate in the Kenya Experience program.
• Main Responsibility: Overall Trip Leader, Program flow,  Logistics and Final Decisions.

Ms. Lea Hopkins:

• Ms. Hopkins is a teacher at Hopewell Valley Central High School and the director of Let me Read program. 
• Responsibility: Student Welfare and registrations.
  

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Do participants need certain shots in order to be eligible?

All travelers should make sure they are up to date on the following routine vaccines:

• ​Measels-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis vaccine
• Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
• Polio vaccine
• Yearly flu shot
  

The following vaccines are not mandatory, but should be considered and discussed with a pediatrician or doctor.

• Hepatitis A vaccine
• Hepatitis B vaccine
• Meningitis vaccine
• Rabies vaccine
  
• Yellow Fever vaccine
• Malaria (pills)
  

What happens if the student gets sick during the trip?

The trip nurse would evaluate the student immediately. All Students will be provided medical attention at the certified medical centers in Kenya and parents would be notified if hospital admission is required. Arrangements can be made, if needed, to fly the student back to the United States as per the insurance plan that has been purchased before the trip.

HOUSING

Where will participants stay during trip?

Students will be staying at 3-4 star hotels. Some places trip participants have stayed in in the past are:

• Boma Inn Hotel in Nairobi
• Sopa Lodge in Naivasha and Nakuru
• Hotel Nyakoe in Kisii
• Masai Mara Lodge
  

• Lavington Hill House in Nairobi
• Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi
• Voyager Hotel In Mombasa

Will students need to dorm with other students?

Students are housed in pairs. Adults are housed in single rooms. A rooming list shall be distributed to the students at least 30 days prior to the trip departure. Students are allowed to choose room mates prior to the trip or allocated rooms.

CLOTHING/WHAT TO PACK

What will students need to bring to Kenya?
Packing List Guidelines

Students will receive a list prior to the trip. The list will give an idea of what students should bring. The list is modified every year, by previous participants who have gone and realized that it is a good idea to bring certain things. Students should be prepared to bring clothes that they can wear for the duration of the trip and then give to a local village. These clothes will change the lives of the villagers further

Suggested packing list

Will student need to follow a certain dress code?

Students will be attending conferences and dinners in Kenya. These dinners are formal, so female participants should wear a collared shirt and slacks, a nice skirt and blouse, or a dress. Male participants should wear a collared shirt and slacks as well. Although there is not a dress code for the other destinations, students should look appropriate and remember they are representing their community.

What happens if a participant falls sick during the trip?

• If it a minor illness the nurse on the trip will make a determination on the best course of treatment.
• A major illness may require a participant to be sent to the hospital or if it is necessary flown back to the United States depending on the type of travel insurance they purchased prior to the trip. Kenya has well equipped hospitals especially in urban centers.
  
• Our priority is to make sure that all participants receive the best medical care.