HU Swahili Study Abroad (HUSSA) in Kenya

The Howard University Swahili Study Abroad (HUSSA) Program is a summer language intensive program that includes working with the community. The program offers 6 weeks of over 120 contact hours through intensive linguistic and cultural experience in Kenya.

Program Objective

The HUSSA Summer 2026 in Kenya is an intensive community-based Swahili language and culture program designed to enhance your language proficiency and promote knowledge and understanding of East Africa in a global context through Swahili language immersion. The program is open to students in all HU schools and departments as well as non-HU students.

Program Description

Students will spend 6 weeks studying Swahili language and culture in Kenya. Students will spend about three weeks in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, and three weeks in Kilifi, at the coast. Students will also visit cultural and historical sites, learn more about coastal Swahili culture and the Indian Ocean trade. Additionally, students will immerse themselves in the local culture through interaction with conversation partners and local people.

Program Dates

June 1 – July 12, 2026

Apply for the Program

Apply via the Application Form below.

APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY 25, 2026.

Contact

Contact: leonard.muaka@Howard.edu

Application form
Program Highlights:

Program Benefits

This program enables students to:

  • Begin or complete your foreign language requirement
  • Earn up to an equivalent of 6 credit hours of Swahili language
  • Enhance your language proficiency skills through total immersion
  • Get hands-on exposure to East African arts and crafts
  • Use Swahili language with local people
  • Engage in cultural and educational excursions
  • Tour and enjoy the rich cultural and historical Kenyan coast
  • Take a tour of one of the local national parks

Estimated Program Cost

Estimated Program Cost: $7,500

Note: Students seeking HU credit are required to pay an additional $4,749 in HU tuition.

The Program Fee Covers

  • Tuition and full board accommodation
  • Round-trip airfare, airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Administrative, field trip, and local transportation fees
  • Homestay with a host family
  • Excursions
  • Travel insurance

The Program Fee Does Not Include

Personal expenses, HU tuition, visa, passport, and immunization costs.

Funding Opportunities

Limited summer funding of up to $4,500 is available through the Center for African Studies for eligible Howard University students to support their trip.

For additional funding opportunities, please visit:

Important Dates

  • February 25: Extended Application Deadline
  • February 14: Acceptance Notification
  • March 14: Passport and Visa Processing
  • April 20: Pre-departure Preparations Begin
  • May 11: Final Payment Deadline
  • May 22: Summer Session I at HU Begins
  • June 1: Departure for East Africa
  • July 12: Return to the U.S.

Program Dates & Locations

The program will take place during Summer Session I, in Kenya from June 1 to July 12, 2026.

The program will last for six weeks, with approximately three weeks in Nairobi and three weeks on the Kenyan coast. Students will also visit Swahili cultural sites to learn more about the target culture.

Students will live in a hotel/apartment complex in Nairobi and at Pwani University in Kilifi town.

Suggested Payment Schedule

PROGRAM FEES: $7,500

If you do not have a scholarship, please submit your payments to the Program Coordinator in Locke Hall 350. Checks should be made payable to Howard University for each payment, according to the recommended schedule below:

  • February 15: Application Fee – $250
  • March 15: First Payment – $2,250
  • April 12: Second Payment – $1,500
  • May 2: Third Payment – $2,000
  • May 11: Final Payment – $1,500

NOTE: HU TUITION – $4,749

HU tuition is an additional expense for students seeking Howard University credit.

Contact Information

Leonard Muaka, Ph.D.
leonard.muaka@howard.edu

Esther Lisanza, Ph.D.
esther.lisanza@howard.edu

Department of World Languages & Cultures
Locke Hall 348
Howard University
2441 Sixth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20059
Phone: 202-806-6758

Program Administration

The program is jointly administered by the Department of World Languages and Cultures, Ralph Bunche Center, and the Center for African Studies at Howard University, with logistical support provided by Presto Travel.

The program is limited to 12 students and will be led by:

  • Dr. Esther Lisanza, Assistant Professor, Department of African Studies and Department of World Languages and Cultures.
  • Dr. Leonard Muaka, Associate Professor of Swahili and Linguistics, Department of World Languages and Cultures at Howard University.