Details

• Kenya
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

When preparing for your exchange, booking a cozy and safe Airbnb for your entire stay can be an absolute lifesaver, giving you a wonderful and comfortable home base throughout your time in the city. Because international flights often land late at night, planning your airport transfer in advance is key to ensuring a stress-free and safe arrival at your accommodation. Additionally, your health and peace of mind should always come first, so make sure to sort out a reliable international health insurance policy early on and check well in advance with a travel doctor for any required vaccinations. Finally, a police clearance (Führungszeugnis, Strafregister auszug) is essential for your student visa, be sure to start organizing it early in your home country, bring the physical copy with you, and be prepared to take care of any local formalities on-site.

2. Accommodation

For my accommodation, I stayed in an Airbnb located in Nairobi West, close to the Nyayo Stadium (free football watching from the rooftop). Choosing this area turned out to be a fantastic decision: it is within footreach of the university, and the neighbourhood itself feels lively, welcoming, and secure, complete with on-site security at the property. Day-to-day living was incredibly convenient, with two supermarkets close by and local street vendors offering fresh fruits and vegetables right at your doorstep. However, there are a few practical tips: while the neighbourhood is safe during the day, as soon as it gets dark, you should always take an Uber rather than walking (despite gender, women are also very safe in Nairobi). Also, keep in mind that local motorcycle taxis (known locally as Boda Bodas) are a common way to get around. If you want to feel more safe you can bring your own helmet, there is non provided. Luxury items (like gold chains, expensive watches,...) i wouldn't wear on the streets, also watch your phone, like in europe in big citys there are pickpockets.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus is very nice and green, featuring a good and remarkably cheap cafeteria, though you must keep the strict business casual dress code (no sneakers or jeans) in mind. Comparing the academic culture to WU Vienna, classes range from 13 to 100 students and heavily feature group work, though communicating with other students can sometimes be a bit challenging. Assessment is split into continuous assessment tests (CATs) worth 40% during the semester and final exams worth 60%, and with strict attendance rules requiring you to be present for at least two-thirds of all classes, I highly recommend taking the Environmental Management elective due to its interesting content, competent and fair lecturer, and highly motivated students.

5. Every day life in the host country

When navigating public transport in the city, keep in mind that cars often face heavy traffic, and while local motorcycle taxis (Boda Bodas) are common, you should always use Uber to book rides for safety. It is also essential to check the weather forecast ahead of time, July and August are COLD (around 15°C), so pack a jacket, while March and April bring the rainy season. For leisure and tourism, keep in mind that activities can be expensive for foreigners, so try to get your student permit as soon as possible to pay local prices (also July and August are high season and mor expensive then the rest of the year, and my tip gon on safari in May/June this is the babyseason and everyanimal has babys). Additionally, taking the SGR train to Mombasa is a wonderful experience where you can spot elephants passing through Tsavo National Park, though you must book well in advance because it fills up quickly and arrive early at the terminal due to airport-style security controls. Mombasa is really beautiful and the beaches are white and the water is crystal clear, you can also kitesurf :). Finally, you can stay active by joining the sports clubs (volleyball, football, hockey, basketball, ...) available right at the university (due to injuries i could participate).

6. Testimonial

My exchange in Kenya was an absolute good experience that went far beyond the classroom, but since it was an exchange semester my highlight in academical view was: the possibility to see economics and views on the world from a different perspective, also insides into the kenyan politics were quite interesting (2027 are elections). The highlight next to Uni was exploring Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes, from safaris to the coast. To be confronted with colonalism and history is also eye opening and makes curious to learn more about Kenya. Overall i can fully recommend the exchange to kenya.