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Advanced Studies Institute on Water Quality and Harmful Algal blooms in lake victoria, Kenya
Program Guidelines
Document needs for U.S. participants
This program will take place in Kisumu, Kenya, on the shores of Lake Victoria.
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1) Passport: You will need a valid and up-to-date passport that will not expire within six months of entering Kenya. Your passport is your responsibility.
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2) Visa: Participants will need to obtain a visa for Kenya (and any other country they are planning to travel (see "other travel")). The program will cover the costs of your visa and help guide you in getting your visa.
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3) International Certificate of Vaccination or "Yellow Card". This will be provided by your international medical provider and demonstrates the vaccines you have had (e.g. Yellow Fever). See more in "Vaccines and Medical" section below.
4) Proof of COVID-19 vaccination. This will either be an individual card provided to you by the vaccination site where you recieved your shot, or the information could be on your "Yellow Card".
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5) Prior to traveling to Kenya, go to https://globalhaven.org/travel-guide/ and fill out your appropriate vaccine information and carry the resulting document with you.
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To obtain your Visa:
Your visa will be reimbursed by the program. Please note that prior to beginning your visa, you will need electronic copies of your
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passport cover
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passport bio page
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yellow card immunizations (specifically showing Yellow Fever)
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passport photo
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hotel reservation (provided by the team)
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Step 1: Go to: http://evisa.go.ke/about-evisa.html
Step 2: Create an Account
Step 3: Fill out forms with your information
NOTES:
Section 8. Travel Information
Part a. Reason for Applicant Travel: Select "Tourism"
Part d. Host details: Select "Hotel"
Part e. Full name and physical address of the Host: Parkview Safari Hotel & Apartments, Parkview Safari hotel, Harambee Rd, Kisumu, Kenya
Part f. Host telephone number: +254742336202
Part g. Host email: parkviewhotelkisumu@gmail.com
Part h. Applicant arrives by: Air
Part I. Select Point of Entry: JKAI Nairobi
2a) If you do not plan on traveling beyond this program, obtain a single-entry visa (the program covers the cost of a Kenya, single-entry visa only)
2b) If you plan to travel to other African countries, and return to Kenya, you will need to obtain a multi-entry visa (the program covers the equivalent cost of a Kenya, single-entry visa (~$52) and visas for any other countries you plan on traveling to.
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All Vaccines and medical prophlaxis (including malaria) and associated costs are the participant's responsibility.
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The below are guidelines, please get expert advice from health professionals regarding international travel health.
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1) Vaccines required to enter Kenya
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Yellow Fever (You will not be able to enter Kenya (or East Africa) without Yellow Fever inoculation).
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2) COVID - You will likely need to show proof of vaccination PRIOR to boarding your plane in North America, possibly in European countries, and possibly again upon arrival in Kenya.
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3) Vaccines you should have or have updated for traveling abroad
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COVID
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Hepatitis A
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Hepatitis B
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Typhoid
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Cholera
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Rabies
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Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR)
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TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis)
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Chickenpox
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Influenza
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Polio
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3) Malarial prophylaxes (anti-malarials)
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Taking oral malaria prophylaxes is required for participants of the program.
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Note that daily (as opposed to weekly) malaria prophylaxes are recommended
Vaccine and Medical
Please check with your health care provider and/or an international travel clinic to determine all health aspects of traveling to East Africa.
Travel Itinerary and Agenda
Program Travel
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The participants of the 2023 program will travel as a group. Specific flight details, including departure date are still being determined. Please be prepared to depart on May 24, 2023. The general itinerary will include one of the following routes:
1) DTW --> FRA --> NBO
2) DTW --> AMS --> NBO
3) DTW --> CDG --> NBO
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Participants will need to get themselves to the starting point at Detroit Metro Airport, unless previously arranged.
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Wednesday, May 24:
Travel
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Travel from U.S. for Nairobi; transit through European airports
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Thursday, May 25:
Travel // Arrive Kenya
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Arrive NBO (evening)
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Lodging: Hill Park Hotel, Nairobi
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Friday, May 26:
Nairobi // Visit, Acclimate
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Visit Nairobi's local sites (U.S. contingent)
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Lodging: Hill Park Hotel, Nairobi
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Saturday, May 27:
Travel from NBO to Kisumu
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U.S. contingent travel to Kisumu by bus (6-8 hours)
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Kenyan participants arrive Kisumu
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Lodging: Parkview Safari Hotel & Apartments
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Sunday, May 28:
Kisumu // Project preparation and orientation
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Kenyan Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) visit
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KMFRI Station/Lab Visit
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Meet Kenyan cohort
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Faculty presentations
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Student talks, coordination between cohorts
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Supply and equipment organization
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R/V Uvumbuzi loading
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Lodging: Parkview Safari Hotel & Apartments
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Monday, May 29: - Saturday, June 3
Research Cruise
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Overnight ports of call at hotels:
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May 29th: Kendu Bay
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May 30-31: Homa Bay
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June 1-2: Mbita
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Saturday, June 3
Complete Research Cruise, return to Kisumu
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Lodging: Parkview Safari Hotel & Apartments
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Sunday, June 4
Kisumu // KMFRI
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Lab work: Process cruise water samples (chlorophyll, DNA, nutrients)
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Lodging: Parkview Safari Hotel & Apartments
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Monday, June 5
Kisumu // KMFRI
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Lab work: Process cruise water samples (chlorophyll, DNA, nutrients)
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Prepare materials for shipping to USA
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Lodging: Parkview Safari Hotel & Apartments
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Tuesday, June 6
Kisumu // Depart Kisumu // Nakuru
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Lab work: Finish sample processing
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Kenyan participants depart for various homes
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U.S. participants depart Kisumu
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Lodging for U.S. Participants: Rift Valley Club, Nakuru
Wednesday, June 7:
Nakuru to Nairobi // Depart
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Travel from Nakuru to Nairobi (North American participants)
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Depart for home (All)
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June 8 (North American Participants):
Arrive USA
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Arrive DTW/Home
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Program Lodging
Program participants will switch between the field excursion on the research vessel in Lake Victoria and land-based hotel. While land-based, participants will stay at the Parkview Safari Hotel & Apartments, Kisumu.
Airport Codes:
AMS - Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam
CDG - Charles de Gaulle, Paris
DTW - Detroit Metro Airport, Michigan
FRA - Frankfurt Airport, Germany
NBO - Jomo Kenyatta International Airport - Nairobi
Post-Program Travel
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All travel beyond the programs outlined travel is strictly at the behest of the participant. No coverage or responsibility from the program will pertain to the participants beyond the program.
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There are many opportunities to explore one of the greatest regions on earth, including nearby Uganda and Tanzania, the shores and islands of Lake Victoria, Zanzibar, and the National Parks system: Serengeti, Murchison Falls, Maasai Mara, Queen Elizabeth, Ngorongoro, and hundreds more. Traveling to any of these countries or places will require more resources (malaria prophylaxes) and visas (if traveling outside of Kenya). Each time you exit and enter Kenya (or the other countries) will require an additional visa or an initially obtained multi-entry visa. Again, this program will only cover a single-entry visa into Kenya.
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Cultural Expectations
Statement of Culture and Behavior:
This program was created by members of the scientific community who understand that the stewardship of our planet is the responsibility of people all around the world. Addressing complex global issues requires the active inclusion of stakeholders with varying perspectives and identities. We recognize that to successfully address threats to our natural world, we must look beyond social constructs. Just as we value biodiversity in all of its forms, we value and engage with a multitude of diverse perspectives and people where we work.
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Please realize that, though this is not specifically a cultural exchange program, being in a different country allows a wonderful and unique exposure to potentially, vastly different beliefs and boundaries than you might not be used to in your home community. It is expected of all participants to be considerate of such differences, even if contrary to their own beliefs or way of life.
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Additionally, we believe that your beliefs are just as important and will work together for mutual understanding.
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Religion - The majority of Kenyans identify as Christian (82.1% of the population) and it is the most dominant religion and is an influential force in the country. Religion plays an important role in the life of most Kenyans. Many people will visit their place of worship both to practice their religion and to socialise with friends, family and acquaintances.
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Though North America has one of the highest rates of Christianity, there is a very large range of beliefs and understanding. Christianity does not have an overarching societal role as it does in Kenya.
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This is all to say that among topics to be aware and sensitive about is religion and the role it plays, or does not play, in participants lives in this program.
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Clothing - When considering clothing, you should keep in mind the weather and the culture. Climate change has made it so most of the guide books and "typical" weather patterns listed on websites might not be true. You should be prepared for "cooler" weather in Nairobi and much warmer weather in Kisumu. Be prepared for rain, as May and June have, in the past had a "rainy" component. Try and ensure you wear comfortable clothing. Though it is likely to be hot in Kisumu, it is advisable to respect the culture and traditions in the country. Tight and revealing clothing (showing leg (e.g. shorts, mini-skirts, etc)) are not common among the local population. Lighter cotton clothing is advisable and will also help with sun protection. Short sleeves and tank tops are common, though it is advisable to have sun protection.
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Internet Connectivity - Most places we will stay in Kisumu have internet connectivity (or it is available through purchasing "air time"). If you bring electronic devises (computers, phones) with internet connectivity, you will be able to communicate through the usual virtual means (email, video conferencing, voice, etc). There will likely be no or little connectivity when on the ship or in the field.
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Forget Something? - Especially in Nairobi and Kisumu, you can buy pretty much anything you need. Between the local markets and other shopping areas, you can get clothing, shoes, toiletries, notebooks, etc.
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