FAQ

How do I guarantee my place in this course?

Fill in the pre-registration form you will find on this website in order to be added to a mailing list for the program. After the information session in mid-September (exact date, time and place TBD), everybody on the mailing list will receive an email with a registration form that will ask basic information about their motivations to join the program, and their previous experience with journalism and media production. Ten students will be invited to join the program, while the rest of applicants will be put on a waiting list. To secure a place, you will need to pay a $200 deposit by check. The deadline to submit the check will be October 1. Write your check to the University of Houston. Checks will be delivered in person to Dr. Madrid-Morales.

Does the course have prerequisites?

There are no prerequisites. However, some prior experience with journalism and/or media production is recommended.

Does the course have a minimum GPA?

Yes. A GPA of 2.5 or above is required.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. UH Learning Abroad is also a passport office and has a PASSPORT FOR COOGS program. You may be eligible for a reimbursement of your $110 passport book fee, but you must start the process early if you want their help (AT LEAST 2.5 months before we leave). If you don’t have a passport, talk to them about this opportunity now. Click here for much more information.

When does the course take place?

You will be expected to attend three 5-hour long workshops (from 10am to 3pm) on December 16, December 17 and December 18. There is mandatory attendance for these workshops. The study abroad component of the program will go from December 28 to January 12. We will land in Houston on January 13.

Where do these credits count for UH enrollment?

The three credit hours count as SPRING SEMESTER credit hours, even though you will be finished in January.

I’m a graduate student. Can I enroll in this class?

Yes, the program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. However, if you are a graduate student, talk to the Director of Graduate Studies about joining the program. Graduate students will be asked to complete additional work. This will be determined on a per case basis.

How much does it cost?

Pending approval, the cost of the program is $3000. This includes: plane tickets, accommodation, local transportation, a two-day safari, most meals and lunches, and a local Kenyan SIM card. This fee does not include: passport issuance fees, yellow fever vaccine, international travel insurance and Kenyan visa.

When can I apply for a UH Learning Abroad Scholarship?

You can apply to the International Education Scholarship by September 29. All the information about this competitive scholarship is available here. Keep in mind that you are required to submit a letter of recommendation. As stated on the Scholarship website, “students participating in a faculty-led program cannot receive a letter of recommendation from the faculty or staff member leading their program abroad.”

Where will we stay in Kenya?

The exact places are still TBD. You can check information about transportation and accommodation here.

Is it possible for me to arrive earlier or stay longer?

No. The secure a cheap air fare, tickets have been booked in advanced. You will not be able to make changes to that booking.

When do I have to pay tuition?

DECEMBER. Wintermester tuition falls into a unique situation. Student Business Services requires the minimester to be paid before it starts, so tuition will be due in December (NOT the usual January tuition bill). Don’t let this early tuition bill catch you unaware, and remember that the Spring financial aid disbursement does not happen until mid-late January (aid comes after this course’s tuition is due). If you receive an IES scholarship out of Learning Abroad this upcoming fall, that scholarship could pay some or all of their tuition for the course–but see above–that scholarship is competitive! Otherwise, you should count on paying the tuition for this course (as opposed to your other Spring courses) early–in December. On the other hand, your January tuition bill will be three hours cheaper.

These questions are adapted for this program from UH’s Dr Koontz’s ARTH 3312 program. If you have additional questions, feel free to reach Dr. Madrid-Morales (dmmorales2 (at) uh.edu).