Day One: Karibu!

It’s been a long journey, but we have made it to Kenya! After nearly 30 hours of global travel (and years of preparation), Kenyatta University has welcomed its first batch of Hollins study abroad participants through its iconic gates. We made our way to the campus through Nairobi’s bustling streets where lush tropical flowers drench highway fences, timber yards advertise mahogany wares, shopkeepers market items as diverse as welded security gates and flip flops, and new construction abounds. We have all been immediately captivated by Nairobi and Kenyatta University’s beauty, energy, and hospitality.

It all started with an interest to create a study abroad program in Africa, which will be the first of its kind at Hollins University.  Our ideas came together when a Fulbright scholar, Dr. Isabell Kingori, from Kenyatta University, made it to Hollins in Fall 2021. After numerous conversations, we decided to partner with Kenyatta University (KU) for an experiential learning opportunity for our students and faculty. Then, in summer 2022, Drs. Abubakarr Jalloh, Jennifer Turner, and Ramona Kirsch headed over to Nairobi for a site visit. We had a great time with KU faculty and administrators, as well as local NGOs around Nairobi and the people of Kenya. But after Jennifer's departure from Hollins, Dr. Lindsey Breitwieser joined the team. Hollins and KU signed a Memorandum of Understanding for an inaugural class to arrive in January 2024.

Ta daa!!! We’ve made it, and we are here now. We can’t wait to continue our adventure. Stay tuned for more…