BASIC INFO

About the Program

The ‘Documentary Filmmaking in Kenya’ program is a three-week course (3.0 credits) open to all undergraduate and graduate UH students. Although there are no pre-requisites, it is highly recommended that students have some prior experience in journalism and/or media production. The program comprises three 5-hour-long workshops held on campus (between 16 and 19 December 2019), and a two-week component abroad in Kenya (between 28 December 2019 and 12 January 2020). The goal of the program is to teach students how to conceptualize, shoot and edit a full-length documentary film about the impact of new media and the so-called gig economy in Kenya. The film will be screened during the third Annual Valenti Global Communication Summit on February 28, 2020. The title of this year’s submit is “@frica: digital media conference”.

For the duration of the program, each of you will be assigned a role (e.g. camera operator, producer, director of photography…), and you will be expected to fulfill your duties as if you were part of a professional film crew. Your grade will be based on your individual performance. This program is very time-intensive, and you will be asked to work on your own during the Christmas break. All equipment will be provided by the Valenti School, and you will be expected to take excellent care of it, as if it was your own.

As opposed to other Study Abroad programs that focus predominantly on cultural visits and pre-arranged itineraries, this is a very open program that requires students to have a flexible attitude. Other important skills that will be worked on during the program include: team work, intercultural communication, time management…

The cost of the program is $3,000 (pending approval by the UH board), and it includes flight tickets, accommodation, local transportation, entrance to all visits, most meals (excluding alcoholic drinks), and a local Kenyan SIM card. Additional costs that you need to consider are:

  • Passport (if you don’t have one or you don’t apply at UH office)
  • Yellow Fever Vaccine (if not covered by health insurance)
  • Kenyan Visa ($50 for US citizens)
  • CISI Medical & Emergency Insurance ($20.40 for two weeks)