FAQs and General Information for Kenya Program - 2024

 

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What is the cost of the CWI program?
The full cost of the CWI program varies based on location, timing, and individual preferences; however, CWI works with partners to subsidize much of the cost for participants with a large portion being covered by CWI, private donors, and corporate partners. The pricing has been set to make our programs an attractive option for students and recent graduates.  

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Program dates:

Approximately July 6 – August 7, 2024

Exact dates will be determined by flight schedules.

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Who is eligible?
For the 2024 Kenya program, CWI Interns must be:
•    Rising 3rd or 4th year undergraduates, currently enrolled in college or university with a valid current year student I.D., or 
•    Recent graduates with a valid current year student I.D., or 
•    Graduate students with a valid current year student I.D
 

The Program Fee for 2024: 
$1,800 USD + ($500 USD Refundable Deposit) = $2,300 USD up front charge.

*See Program Fee policy below
 
What does the price include?
The program fee includes roundtrip airline tickets from the U.S. to the destination city, program orientation, housing accommodations, meal allowance, ground transportation to and from internship sites, weekly stipend, cultural activities and educational programming, partial laundry provisions, and local program staff support. 

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*It does not include travel or transportation costs within the U.S. to reach the departure city (New York JFK Airport), personal spending money, personal recreation activity, additional travel on weekends, personal technology needs, etc.  
 
What’s included:
•    Flights (Airline tickets to and from the U.S. – New York JFK to Nairobi NBO)   
•    Housing accommodation
•    Meal Allowance
•    Weekly work stipend (at minimum in accordance with host employer)
•    24/7 in-country support
•    NBO airport pick-up and transfer back to the NBO airport at the end of your internship  
•    Transportation allowance (between housing and internship office)
•    Program orientation
•    Cultural activities/excursions and educational programing
•    Dedicated support before and during the internship
•    Basic medical insurance
•    Partial laundry provisions
•    In-country guidance for social and tourist activities
•    Sourcing and securing your internship placement
•    Personalization of your internship project plan
•    Coaching from your supervisor
•    International visa letter
 
What’s NOT included:
•    Travel insurance
•    Vaccinations
•    Meals (beyond meal allowance)
•    Visas (if required)
•    Optional extras, such as souvenirs and leisure activities during your free time
•    Personal spending money to cover basic expenses such as drinks, snacks, laundry, public transportation, and any meals not included in your Program Fee
 
How long are CWI programs? Do I need to participate in the whole program?

The length of time for CWI programs can vary, depending on program type and content, with most programs being 4-8 weeks in length. Participation in the entire program is mandatory. Permission to miss a minimal number of days of the program for an approved reason will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the program organizer if requested in writing in advance of the program.  There is a daily fee for missed days of the program. 
 
What is CWI’s agenda?
CWI aims to deploy the best and the brightest young talent from the African Diaspora in the United States to engage directly with their peers across Africa, to build enduring relationships, gain international experience, and create reciprocal benefits that accelerate a shared prosperity and a brighter future for all.
 
Who can I turn to with any questions while I am in the program?
Each CWI program is facilitated by Africa-based program coordinators. Coordinators are the first contact for questions and concerns during the CWI program in the country. We encourage you to contact program staff on the ground for assistance.  Should you have any challenges reaching out to your program staff in country, the CWI central staff is available. 
 
How does CWI address safety and security?
The safety and security of participants is a foremost priority of CWI. All our programs are conducted with security considerations and involve real-time adjustments to logistics and itineraries based on developments and changes in the situation in the region. These adjustments, if necessary, include changes in housing arrangements, transportation, the ability of participants to travel freely on their own and the planned activities, among other elements. CWI participants are not allowed to travel into areas deemed unsafe based on security alerts at the time of the program.  
 
HOUSING:
Where will I live?
Each CWI program provides housing for the participants based on the city or area of the country where the program takes place. Housing will be in proximity to the internship placements or places of program activities. In most cases, CWI participants live in apartments, dormitory-style housing, or hotels/hostels.
Though CWI housing can vary from program to program, all housing meets basic CWI standards and has been approved for use. Participants are not allowed to secure their own housing, at their own expense, outside of what the program provides, unless given explicit permission in advance by CWI and the program organizer. 
 
What is provided by the CWI trip organizer? What do I need to bring?
All housing provided by CWI trip organizers are required to include basic furniture including beds, mattresses, pillows, blankets, linens, and towels. All housing must also include a lavatory, bathroom, equipped kitchen (refrigerator, stove OR hotplate (African kitchens often do not have both), and proper ventilation  You will be responsible for your own cleaning supplies (including purchasing cleaning supplies while on the program), though the housing accommodations might include some basic cleaning supplies to start (enough to get you through the first few days). If a participant is lacking anything upon arrival at the accommodation, there will be a time allowance to shop at a nearby supermarket for the specific items they may lack from their accommodation. This shall be done on the first day. Equipment in group-style housing arrangements (including hostels, hotels, or dormitories) might not include the above depending on if the organizer is providing regular meals to the participant, (note, in group-style housing scenarios, there are often common kitchens). Participants should bring spending money, personal belongings, and other items as detailed by the packing list they will receive from the program organizer. Participants are expected to supply or replenish cleaning supplies, etc. in their own apartments. 
 
Will I share a room, and how are my roommates chosen?
The housing arrangements vary for CWI participants with a range between singles, two-to-three residents per room and eight per apartment (depending on room and apartment size and housing style). Roommate assignments are most often handled by the program organizer upon arrival in Africa and subject to partner approval. 
 
Can I participate in a CWI program without living with the group?
No, living together with your CWI cohort is a central and required component of the overall experience. 
 
How are food arrangements handled?
Since there is a per diem provided for meals, CWI participants buy and prepare their own food. Food during seminars and overnight trips sometimes is provided directly by the program. If you have any food allergies, these must be communicated with your program organizer prior to the start of the program.
 

Participants should plan to bring spending money to cover food and recreational activities outside of what the program offers. The amount of additional spending money depends on each person’s individual habits. Those who wish to eat out in restaurants more often for example, should plan accordingly.  
 
Participants are encouraged to pool their money with their roommates and use the opportunity to get to know their local neighborhoods and cities by shopping in the supermarkets. We recommend participants' plan to bring additional spending money, especially for those who might not want to cook as often.
 
Are there host families with CWI?
There are no host families, although some programs might include a weekend in their Partnership regions that will include a component of lodging with a host family. The emphasis of CWI is on creating connections with African peers, rather than with host families.
 
GENERAL LOGISTICS:
Do I need to fly to Africa on the same date as my group?
Yes, although some exceptions may be required on a case-by-case basis.  Participants who arrive prior to their program start date and/or who wish to stay in Africa after their program finishes are responsible for arranging their own accommodation and insurance.  
 
Are transportation costs covered by CWI?
Ground transportation costs that are directly covered in the CWI program include travel to and from internship placements using local public transportation, car services, or apps such as Uber and all transportation connected to mandatory CWI planned events. Additional transportation (optional weekend travel, travel for social purposes) is not covered by the program. Transportation to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the program is included. 
 
Is there a program deposit? Is it refundable?
In most CWI programs there is a program fee (usually $1,800 but fees vary based on the program) that accepted applicants must submit to reserve their spot in the program.  This is a non-refundable fee to cover the participants contribution to the program.

In addition to the program fee*, participants are required to submit a refundable security deposit (usually $500 but amounts vary based on the program). This participation & security deposit will be refunded upon full participation and completion of the CWI program, given that the participant is in good standing (has participated fully in all required program components) and the participant’s housing has incurred no damage.
 
Am I required to have an Africa cell phone or SIM card?
Yes. Participants are required to have an African cell phone number. Most program organizers can provide recommendations on where to purchase an African SIM card. This will happen once participants are settled in the country but before the internship period commences. Cell phone costs are not included in the cost of the CWI program. 
 
Do I need a valid passport to apply to CWI? 
Participants in CWI programs must be in procession of a valid passport that does not expire for at least six months after the end date of their particular CWI program. If an applicant’s passport expires within 6 months of the program end date, they should submit a copy of their current passport and begin the passport renewal process immediately. Should an applicant be accepted, proof of passport renewal is due along with program fee payment to reserve their spot in the program.  At a certain point in the application and registration process season, it is CWI’s recommendation that accepted applicants utilize an expedited passport renewal process. 
 
How long are the CWI internship programs and what are the roles?

The length of CWI internship programs is generally a minimum of 4 weeks. Internships take place four-to-five days a week, with an average of thirty to forty hours of internship per week. CWI Interns will be inserted for several weeks to engage with Host Companies, offering corporate internships as shared learning opportunities across various business functions including Marketing, Finance, Engineering, Human Resources, Innovation and more.  The specific projects within each department are determined by the manager based on organizational needs at the time.  The beginning and end of the internship programs consist of introductory and concluding programs. *Please note, there are also other required group events within the CWI programs in addition to the internship, while also allowing for ample free time for participants to explore the city they live in and other parts of the country. 

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How does the internship placement process work?
Once an applicant submits their application form, and based on a preliminary review, CWI staff will arrange a preliminary interview with the applicant. After an applicant completes this stage, there will be a secondary interview, typically including the assigned host employer. The goal of this second– round interview is for the team to assess whether they feel they will be able to find the participant a placement in your field of interest within reason. 

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After the second–round interview, a final decision is made regarding the applicant’s acceptance to the program. If the applicant is accepted, they will receive an acceptance letter detailing how to register, most often, beginning with submitting their program fee, deposit, and a copy of their passport or proof of having started the passport renewal process. Only after the program fee is paid, can the participant internship placement process begin. *NOTE: While we understand it can be nerve-wrecking to pay for the program without knowing the exact role and project the participant will be working on, it is CWI’s policy to see the seriousness of our participants by requiring payment prior to confirming internship placement with potential host employers. As a reminder, while CWI can never make guarantees about specific internship placements, our team members interview applicants to assess how likely it is they feel they will be able to place the applicant. 

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In some cases, an additional interview is conducted between the host employer and the participant to ensure it will be a good fit for both. After this interview a final decision about your placement will be made. 
Four-Step Process:
1.    1st Application submission to CWI
2.    2nd Interview with CWI
3.    3rd Interview with Host Employer
4.    Placement finalized

 

What contact will I have with my employer before beginning the program?
CWI will arrange for a video interview with the employer as part of the placement process. Any communication post this shall also be arranged by CWI upon employer's request.
 
Do participants get paid for their internship placements?
This varies based on the placement.  CWI is a highly subsidized program which includes in the program fee (Housing, local transportation, meal allowance and more). In most cases a small weekly stipend is paid to the participants. 
 
When will I know what my internship placement is?
There is no set date by which CWI can guarantee when a participant will know where they will intern. Given the nature of the customized process in which CWI attempts to find the best match for everyone, often participants may not know what their placement is until shortly before departure. We understand that this can create some anxieties for participants in the weeks before their program begins. Rest assured, while we ideally aim to place participants as early as possible, this is completely normal and barring very specific circumstances, participants arrive in Africa knowing where they will intern. Once placement is done, the participant will get a brief orientation and will know what is expected of them prior to their arrival. Thus, there will be clarity on the nature of work to be done as well.

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PROGRAM CONTENT:
How many trips within Africa are included in the CWI program?
Each CWI monthly program includes between 2 and 4 days of interactive daytrips during the duration of the program. On weeks without a day trip, informal educational programming may be provided at least one evening per week. Most weekends will include free time, and you can travel freely in the country at that point. 
 
Are all the content pieces and trips mandatory?
While participating in CWI, you will have both the benefit of a formal program and the flexibility to explore in your own way. The formal program requires participation in the following: 
 
Participation in the entirety of the program from the first official day until the final day. Please note, the program does not begin and end with the employer internship, there are opening orientation days and closing sessions which are required elements. 
 
Educational programs, including but not limited to educational content days, group activities defined as mandatory by CWI, including seminars, workshops, evening activities and day outings. *Optional meetings and events will be clearly noted as 'optional'.  
 
Participants who fail to take part in 'mandatory' program aspects will face disciplinary action – from warnings, to probation, forfeiture of deposit or stipend funds, to removal from the program. 

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**Program Fee Refund Policy Disclaimer**
By participating in the Collective Work International (CWI) program, you ("the Participant") agree to the terms regarding the Program Fee. The Program Fee is established to cover a portion of the expenses related to your participation in the program, including but not limited to, airfare, accommodations, local transportation, and program activities.

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Refund Policy
•    Cancellation by CWI: In the event that CWI cancels the program for any reason, Participants will be entitled to a full refund of the Program Fee paid to CWI. CWI reserves the right to cancel the program at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or events beyond our control. In such cases, CWI will notify Participants at the earliest opportunity and process full refunds of the Program Fee.

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•    Cancellation by Participant More Than 45 Days Before Program Travel Date: Participants who choose to cancel their participation in the program more than 45 days before the scheduled program travel date are eligible for a 50% refund of the Program Fee. To be eligible for this partial refund, Participants must notify CWI of their decision to cancel in writing more than 45 days before the program's scheduled travel date.

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•    Cancellation by Participant Within 45 Days of Program Travel Date: If a Participant cancels their participation within 45 days of the scheduled program travel date, the Program Fee will be forfeited and non-refundable. This policy is in place due to the costs incurred by CWI in preparation for the Participant's involvement in the program, which cannot be recovered on short notice.

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Acknowledgment
By paying the Program Fee, Participants acknowledge they have read, understand, and agree to the terms of this refund policy. Participants further understand that these terms apply to the Program Fee only and that other costs and expenses related to program participation (such as flights and personal expenses) are subject to separate policies and agreements.