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Language & Orientation Week - Kenya

The first week of the volunteer program begins with the orientation week that includes language and cultural training to assist you in becoming comfortable and confident in your new surroundings. This program starts on 1st & 3rd Monday of the month and is for 6 days. The program aims to give you true insight about Kenya, it's culture, basic language, food, places to visit and things to do while you would spend your time in Kenya. The program is held in Nairobi the capital of Kenya. While on this program the volunteers would stay at the Volunteer house arranged by Volunteering Solutions.
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Day 1: Arrival & welcome to Kenya. Brief information session about accommodation and the surrounding areas, plan for the day and remainder of orientation.
 
Day 2: Morning session - Initial orientation and covering of safety issues
About the country, Nairobi city and project areas.
 
--Geography and climate
--Languages used
--History and Politics
--Development
--Religion
--People, culture, customs; dos and don’ts
--Laws

Afternoon Session
 
--Health (HIV prevalence, common ailments, waterborne diseases etc.)
--Transport
--Safety and security;
--Not displaying wealth, not carrying unnecessary valuables/cash
--Care with mobiles
--Muggings, public transport
--Safety guidelines
--Health and well-being
--Language training - Basic
--A tour of popular shopping malls
 
Other issues covered on this day include :-
 
--Money (how to use the local currency, denominations etc.)
--Purchase of sim cards & shopping
 
Day 3: Tour of Nairobi including a visit to Kibera and  the Animal orphanage
 
Day 4: Visit to Bomas of Kenya, Mamba village & Giraffe Centre. Volunteers will be assisted to explore the local areas and the market in the afternoon. 
 
Day 5: Cultural visit to Masai Villages in Ngong. 
 
Day 6: Visit to the project

Note : All entry fees to any place of sightseeing needs to be paid by the volunteer.

Start Date

The Language and Culture week in Nairobi, which starts on 1st and 3rd Monday of every month throughout the year. Volunteers need to arrive one day prior to their program start date.
 

Program Costs

Volunteering Solutions strives hard to keep costs low and offers one of the most affordable volunteer abroad programs. Compare our prices and services to other organizations and you would be surprised to see the difference. 
USD GBP EUR
1 Week
$225
Please Note: -An application fee of $200 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
1 Week
£158
Please Note: -An application fee of £140 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
1 Week
€180
Please Note: -An application fee of €160 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

    What are you Paying For ?

    •  24 hrs Assistance and support from Staff
    •  Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
    •  Airport Pickup 
    •  Orientation 
    •  Food - 2 meals a day
    •  Accommodation 
    •  Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost) 

    What's NOT Included ?

    • Airfare
    • Return Trip to Airport (Can be arranged at an extra cost)
    • Local Transportation
    • Visas
    • Vaccinations

What are the Program locations in Kenya?

Volunteering Solutions offers programs in Nairobi and its suburbs such as Kikuyu, Riruta, Zambezi and Kawangware. The Masai Teaching placements are located in Kimuka, which is located around 1.5 hours from Nairobi and 40 minutes from NGong town.Volunteers are also provided placement in Dol Dol region which is located in Rift Valley Province of Kenya.Dol Dol is in Laikipia District, Rift Valley Province of Kenya. It 45 minutes from Nanyuki town on a rough road. Nanyuki is 3 hours away from Nairobi on public transport.

Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?

Receiving a tourist visa for tourism purpose is the volunteer's responsibility. Volunteering Solutions strongly recommends all volunteers to apply and get a tourist visa before departing for Kenya, although a visa on arrival could also be obtained at Nairobi Airport. If needed, Volunteering Solutions do provide with written document which would help volunteers in getting the Visa.

When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Kenya?

We are able to offer placements from any Monday of each month year round. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply in advance to secure their spots.

How long does it take to process my application?

Once you have applied, we will send you details of your placement usually within 7-10 working days.

When do I need to arrive in Kenya for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Kenya?

All volunteers need to arrive one day before their program start date. Volunteers are picked up from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by the local coordinator or representative. Those volunteers who are arriving overland or are already in Kenya will be picked up at a meeting point decided beforehand.

How do I get to the program location?

Your country coordinator will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc.

I want to know more about accommodation arrangements?

We provide you with accommodation from your start date to the end of the program. Volunteer Accommodations are provided within a modern volunteer home . The volunteer’s home is taken care by local host mother and has all the modern amenities available to ensure a comfortable stay for the volunteers. In certain cases, volunteers are also accommodated in the orphanage project premises itself. Volunteers working in the Masai project live in Masai manyattas in rural masai lands.The accommodations in Masai project are very basic with no running water and electricity. 

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Kenya-based volunteer programs?

The only qualifications are: -
 
-- Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the beginning of the program
-- Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
-- The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
-- Be in good health.

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?

We recommend you speak to your doctor before coming. The following are recommended vaccinations: -
  1. Yellow Fever
  2. Hepatitis A and B
  3. Typhoid
 

Are there more expenses once I arrive in Kenya?

Your program fee covers you for food, accommodation, airport pick up, Orientation, Pre departure information and in country staff support. You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as traveling, telephone, internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. Traveling within Kenya is cheap; however, you should carry around $50 - 75 per week for your basic personal expenses, such as water, local transport, phone etc.

What hours will I volunteer every day?

Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekend off so you can go to travel on weekends. However some organizations will need you to work on some Saturdays as well.

Where can I change my money in Kenya? Are there ATMs in Kenya?

You can change money in any bank or at the airport by showing your passport. Volunteers can exchange money at the currency exchange counters located at the airport. There are ATMs located all around the capital city, Nairobi.The major banks in Kenya are Barclays, Equity Bank, NIC Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank.

Can couples or families join the volunteer program?

Yes, couples and families are welcome to join our programs. We make special provisions for families joining our volunteering programs; we will be able to provide them with program placements and accommodations together.

Do I need to buy health insurance?

Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here

Is it safe to volunteer in Kenya?

Kenya is one of the most popular destinations for tourists and volunteers. We ensure you are placed in safe environment and you will be very well looked after while volunteering in Kenya. The Kenyan people are very warm and friendly towards foreigners.
 
Volunteers are informed of all the safety precautions which they have to take during their stay in Kenya during the Orientation session as well as in the pre departure information guide. You will have the assistance and support of the in country coordinator in Kenya.

What clothing is appropriate? Any cultural restrictions?

Bring along some comfortable, casual and semi-casual clothing: sweat shirts, shorts, jeans, skirts and any other clothing that you would ordinarily wear. Include warm clothing for nights, especially if you volunteer in July and August. Avoid flashy items. 
 
When out in the community, it is good to follow local etiquette. Female volunteers need to wear pants and/or long skirts. Dressing in Nairobi is quite liberal. However, approach it with cultural sensitivity in mind and you will be fine. Please ask when you are not sure what is and is not appropriate. Footwear can be hiking boots, old sports shoes or open-toed sandals.

Do you recommend any cheap airlines flying into Kenya?

Volunteering Solutions recommends the following airline options for arriving into Nairobi, Kenya :-
--Kenya Airways
--Egypt Airways
--Ethiopian Airways
--Emirates Airways
--KLM
--British Airways

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