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| SWAHILI STUDIES AND COASTAL CULTURE |
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Coastal Kenya 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. |
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| STUDYING AT THE COAST |
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| Kenyans specifically Coastarians widely use the phrase "Karibu" to welcome visitors into their homes and their lives with an enthusiasm and joy rarely found in other parts of the world. In this program students are welcomed into Kenyan homes in the coastal port city of Mombasa. Institutions also have a very close rapport with the Lamu community |
| While there, students learn about Swahili life, language, and culture through Swahili tutors who welcome them into their homes. Students may have the opportunity to go fishing on a traditional dhow, attend a Coastal or Swahili wedding ceremony, be painted with henna in the local fashion, or learn how to cook delicious Swahili dishes with their tutors. Some students have enjoyed their home stays so much that they have remained with their families during the period. Others have chosen to extend their stay in Kenya after the program and live, once again, with their new found family. |
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| Highlights of the program include: |
- The dhow trip, an excursion aboard traditional African dhow through the islands of the Lamu archipelago.
- Visiting villages of historical significance
- Deep sea fishing or snorkeling off the island of Kiwayuu, with its coral caves and white sand deserted beach.
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By the end of the program, many students cannot believe some of the things they did and felt at the start of the semester, and they enjoy looking back to see how far they have come. |
| So again we say "Karibu." We look forward to having more students experience the Kenyan Coast with us. |
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