United States International University
Before you meet with a study abroad advisor be sure to complete the "Advising Form" linked at the top of this page.
Please note that you will not be able to apply for semester or yearlong study abroad program until you've met with a study abroad advisor.
Program Overview
Fall Term/Full Year
Eligible participants must be at junior or senior level with a 3.0 GPA preferred.
Founded in 1969, USIU-A is the only university in Kenya with dual accreditation from the United States and Kenya. It has grown to become the largest private secular university in East Africa with a student population of 6,500. About 15 percent of the student population comes from 69 different countries.
Students can take classes in a variety of disciplines, including international business, African studies, information systems and technology, business administration, accounting, applied computer technology, international relations, psychology, criminal justice, journalism and information systems technology.
All courses are taught in English.
- USIU campus is 15-20 minutes from downtown Nairobi. USIU offers a free bus service from campus to downtown.
- Campus is next to the Nairobi National Park
Internships are available
Three types of internships:
- Volunteer - students earn no academic credit
- Community Service - students can take this for credit or not for credit. This internship involves more commitment from the students than the Volunteer internship. Students receive no grade for the Community Service internship.
- Internship - students complete this internship for a grade and is seen on their transcript when they return to North Central College.
Academics
Students are required to complete GLS 277 in the spring term prior to studying abroad.
Students earn 12 credits upon successful completion of their studies at USIU-A, depending on courses selected. All grades earned abroad affect students North Central College GPA when transferred back. Students cannot take courses pass/fail.
Note: Students must have courses pre-approved by North Central College prior to taking them abroad. If students change their course schedules while abroad, they must get this change approved. Some departments only permit students to take a certain number of courses that count toward their major abroad; by getting all courses pre-approved, this ensures that these courses will count towards their degrees.
Housing and Meals
All North Central College students stay in the USIU-A hostels (residence halls) on campus. Students live in furnished double rooms and communal bathrooms are found on each floor. Each residence hall has a reception desk which serves various student needs throughout the day, and staff is available at this desk 24 hours a day. The residential buildings have recreational facilities such as the table tennis/darts room, three TV rooms, common areas, and a study room. Hostel receptionists are in contact with University Security and residents can contact them via telephone 24 hours a day. There is also a Resident Assistant (RA) in each hostel to provide assistance and facilitate a positive community experience.
Meals: Students have the option of having a meal plan at USIU-A. There is a large cafeteria in the center of campus that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, students who have studied at USIU in the past prefer to opt-out of the meal plan and receive an allowance from the International Office at ISUI to take their meals at the many local eateries just outside the campus gates.
Estimated Costs
Students pay North Central College tuition, fees, room and board to North Central College. A $30 non-refundable application fee is due at the time of application submission. Book fees, medical insurance and registration card are paid to USIU. Students are personally responsible for paying airfare, health insurance, departure tax, and extra personal travel and spending money, as these items are not included in the fees paid to both North Central College and USIU (mentioned above) . North Central College financial aid does apply.