Emmanuella Osei
SIT Global Health and Human Rights
Majors: Public Health and Sociology
Certificate: Social Dimensions of Health
Pre-departure
Hey everyone!
It’s your favorite study abroad ambassador back again! My name is Emmanuella Osei, and this is my second time being an ambassador and my fourth time studying abroad. Since being at UMBC, I have participated in shorter programs, including a faculty-led trip to South Africa in Summer 2023, a January-term program in Costa Rica through AIFS, and a trip to Switzerland as part of an international health course I took last semester. This semester, I’m thrilled to take you all along with me as I spend four months in Kenya through the SIT Global Health and Human Rights program! At UMBC, I’m pursuing dual degrees in Public Health and Sociology, with a certificate in Social Dimensions of Health.
Studying abroad for an entire semester is not something I thought I could do…but here we are. After all my previous short-term programs, I always left wanting more. That’s why I decided to do a semester-long program this time, to truly immerse myself in the country. While this experience will definitely be out of my comfort zone, I am looking forward to challenging myself and the growth I will gain by the end of the semester.
In Kenya, I’ll be taking courses like global health, epidemiology, research methods, health and human rights, and Kiswahili (the language spoken in Kenya and much of East/Southern Africa). These classes will take place at SIT’s program center based in Kisumu, Kenya, where we will spend the majority of our time. I’ll also be living with a host family, and I’m excited to meet and get to know them soon. Beyond the classroom, the program includes excursions throughout Kenya and even a trip to Tanzania!
So, why Kenya? As someone originally from Ghana in West Africa, I knew that if I chose a long-term study abroad program, it had to be somewhere in Africa. This is a special opportunity to learn about East Africa and gain public health experience in a new context. When I discovered that SIT offered a Global Health and Human Rights program in Kenya, it felt like the perfect fit. While I’ll miss my family, friends, and UMBC community, I know this journey will be deeply meaningful. I’m especially excited for the excursions, the cultural immersion of my homestay, and the new family I’ll be gaining in Kenya.
Right now, I’m sitting at JFK Airport waiting to board my 14-hour flight to Nairobi. Once I land, I’ll hop on another short flight to Kisumu, where the program is based. From what I know, a few other students in the program are on my flight too, so I’m excited to start meeting everyone soon!
When we get to Kisumu, we’ll stay in apartments for a few days of orientation before moving in with our host families for the rest of the semester. I can’t wait to share all my adventures with you as I settle into life in Kenya. Stay tuned!
Kwaheri (bye)!