Review:

Complete these steps prior to beginning your trip.

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Pre-Departure Checklist

 

The CWI Kenya cohort is scheduled to travel from the U.S. to Nairobi, Kenya on July 6, 2024, and return on August 7, 2024.  The information below is provided as a general checklist and guide to help participants prepare for the trip. 

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~2 Days Prior to Departure (From July 4th)

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Finalize Packing: Double-check that you have packed everything needed, focusing on travel essentials and any last-minute additions.

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Jetlag preparation

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Before Your Trip:

• Make sure you have all travel documents.

• Gradually adjust your sleep schedule to match your destination's time zone.

• Ensure you are well-rested.

• Stay hydrated.

• Limit alcohol and caffeine intake.

 

During Your Flight:

• Set your watch to your destination's time.

• Sleep or stay awake based on your destination's time.

• Stay hydrated and move around the cabin periodically.

 

After Arrival:

• Spend time in natural daylight.

• Eat and sleep according to the local time.

• Take short naps if necessary.

• Engage in light exercise.

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~1 Week Prior to Departure (From June 29th)

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• Finalize Packing: Double-check that you have packed everything needed, focusing on travel essentials and any last-minute items.

• Itinerary Review: Go over your itinerary, check-in times, and transit options.

• Inform Your Contacts: Notify your family, friends, and emergency contacts about your travel schedule and how to reach you.

• Relax and Prepare Mentally: Spend time relaxing, as the upcoming weeks will be new and exciting. Start adjusting your sleep schedule to minimize jet lag.

• Confirm Arrangements: Reconfirm your flight and accommodation bookings one last time.

• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency overseas. Communications: Kenya 2024 cohort of scholars will be added to the program WhatsApp platform for real-time communication across the team.

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~2 Weeks Prior to Departure (From June 21st – June 28th)

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You should have received your calendar invitation for the 2nd CWI Kenya Orientation Session being held on June 22, 2024.

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• Visa/ Immigration:  Kenyan visas and special work permits are being facilitated by the Kenya Airways immigration consulting team and CWI scholars are being processed with short term Special Passes. You will be updated when received (the ETA is the week of 24 June).     

• Packing: Start packing your luggage. Make sure to include appropriate clothing for work, the weather and cultural norms, electrical adaptors, and all necessary travel documents.

  • The office internship will be a business casual environment and you will be expected to dress professionally with a collar shirt and suitable pants/dress (no jeans). 

• Documentation: Ensure all documents are in order, including copies of your passport, visa permit, optional travel insurance, Internship Offer Letter, and emergency contact information. Email yourself a copy of these documents.

• Medications: Reconfirm that all required vaccinations and medications have been obtained and confirm your decision regarding CDC recommended medications.

• Domestic Travel: Send CWI confirmation of your travel and arrival time being 2.5 hours prior to departure from JFK on July 6, 2024.

• Local Contacts: Compile a list of CWI emergency contacts, including local embassy, accommodation, and peer intern contact information.

• U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Kenya

  • United Nations Avenue, Gigiri

  • +254 (0) 20 363 6451

  • U.S. Citizen Services – U.S. Embassy in Kenya (usembassy.gov)

• Local Sim Card Information: Confirm options with CWI staff for a local SIM card or international roaming plans to stay connected during your travel.  WhatsApp is the common communication platform.

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~4 Weeks Prior to Departure (From June 6th – June 20th)

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You should have received your calendar invitation for the CWI Kenya Orientation Session being held on June 8, 2024. 

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For immigration and work permits, immediate action is required.  Please send us the following before Monday, June 10, 2024:

• Recent passport-style photo or a clear selfie (on white background)

• Images (inside and outside) of your yellow fever vaccination cards.

• Copy of your transcripts/certifications (last enrollment grades or diploma).

• Police clearance certificate.

• Start arranging your travel to and from New York.

 

• International Flight Bookings: Your airline tickets have been purchased and the details for your international flight are as follows:

  • From: NEW YORK / JFK

  • To: NAIROBI JOMO KENYATTA / NBO

  • Terminal: 4

  • Flight: KQ3

  • Departure: 1:45 PM on July 6, 2024

(You will be receiving a separate email in the coming days with your electronic ticket). 

 

**Important: You must arrange your own travel to and from New York/JFK.  We recommend you start making those arrangements now to ensure you arrive in New York before the required time on July 6.  Please ensure you arrive at JFK and check in at least 2.5 hours before the international departure time (listed above).

 

• Work Permit and Visa are mandatory and are being coordinated with the host company (Kenya Airways). The fees associated with processing the visas (short-term work permits) is ~$220.   

  • Payment Method: Because this needs to be expedited, you will receive an email asking if you would prefer to make payment on your credit card or simply have it deducted from your refundable deposit. 

 

• Health Check-Up: Complete a general health check-up to ensure you are fit to travel.

• Medications: Obtain necessary prescriptions and over-the-counter medications you might need while abroad.  

  • *DO NOT PACK OR CARRY ANY ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES (i.e., NON-PRESCRIPTION DRUGS OR ALCOHOL). MARIJUNA AND CANNABIS USE IS ILLEGAL IN KENYA WHETER FOR MEDICAL OR RECREATIONAL USE AND CARRIES A PENALTY OF UPTO 20 YEARS IN PRISON. 

• Financial Arrangements: Notify your bank of your travel dates, set up travel alerts to ensure access to funds.

• Accommodation confirmation: You will receive your accommodations confirmations from the CWI team soon.

• Cultural Research: Begin learning about Kenyan culture, common phrases in Swahili, and the local customs to ease your cultural transition.

 

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6 Weeks Prior to Departure (From May 24th – June 3rd)

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• Participant Agreement: Be sure that you have signed and returned your ‘Participant Agreement Form’ found here.

• Passport (mandatory): Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date.

• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned arrival date in Kenya and has one blank page.

• Police Clearance Certificate: From the country of origin (participants can obtain via local police department) link for reference.

• Contact Essentials: Your email address and phone number.

• Vaccinations (mandatory): Schedule appointments for required vaccinations for Kenya, which may include:

• Yellow Fever,

• Typhoid,

• Hepatitis A, and B,

• *Malaria prophylaxis.

• Refer to the list of vaccinations to review the recommended and required vaccinations for Kenya.

• Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers health, trip cancellation, and theft.

•  Accommodation booking form: Ensure you fill in all the information on the form on this link to create your accommodation profiles.

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