QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU APPLY

K-MET offers a truly unique experience for interested students and health care professionals seeking field experience. We operate a variety of different programs in all areas of health throughout the country. We also customize your visit to meet your needs. Please read through all the questions for more information. For more information about the programs that KMET runs please visit the website.

What is the first step?

Read the website information and decide which program(s) you are most interested. Using the search option, find a program that fits your goals and academic skills. Also, look at the past participants experiences on the program on that web page. Reading and contacting the past participants experiences will give you a very good idea of what to expect while you are on the program.
When you are ready to apply to a program e-mail your interest to info@kmet.co.ke. A representative from K-MET will reply to your e-mail within seven days.

Choose two professional references that know you and your work style well. They may be professors, supervisors at work or a volunteer position etc.

Your references will be emailed directly once you submit your application. PLEASE let them know that you are applying to our program and that they will hear from us VIA EMAIL. This is a very simple format of fielding recommendations, there is no requirement for references to write and mail letters. They will only have to reply to an email that describes what we seek in our participants.

What is the duration of the Programme?

KMET requires students to commit at least 6 weeks for their visit. From our past experience, we feel that this is the minimum amount of time a student needs to adjust and become fully functional. All program fees specified are for a 6 week duration.

No, one can start at any time of the month or year. However positions are based on availability.

What is the deadline for application? When shoud i apply?

There are no application deadlines but for your sake we prefer to receive the applications at least 2 months in advance. The advance notice allows us adequate time to make all the preparations according to your needs. Please inquire by email or phone about the space availability of the particular program and month that you would like to attend.

How does KMET choose the participants ?

We make a decision based on your application on program/area of interest and two references from your University or professional contacts.

Is there any language barrier?

The official language of Kenya is Swahili (referred to as Kiswahili). English is widely understood and spoken, especially by staff and coordinators. Therefore it is not necessary for eligibility to know Kiswahili, though it will heighten one’s experience. Also, in the region where Kisumu is located an ethnic language of the Luo people is spoken, called Dholuo. Dholuo is spoken in the villages.

Do you accept undergraduates in colleges to participate in your programmes?

We do accept undergraduates who are 21 years of age at the time of participation to most programs.

Can i participate if i am under 21 years of age?

Yes you can, with special consideration

PROGRAM COSTS AND FUNDING

Where does my program fee go?

Like most not-for-profit organizations that run international volunteer programs, K-MET’s income to support such visits is largely generated from your program fees. These fees are an essential way for us to run the programs for you and to support our partners who host you – all at the same time. Please note that the program fee does not cover room and board, as this depends on where you choose to stay.

What is the payment schedule once accpeted in the programme?

Payment Policy

The application fee to a KMET program is 500 dollars for six weeks and is due at the time your application is approved.

What is the cancellation and refund Policy?

Cancellation and Refund Policy

In the event of circumstances beyond our control, KMET reserves the right to cancel any program at any time at KMET’s sole discretion. KMET also reserves the right to reject an enrolled participant at any time prior to departure, at its sole discretion. In the event that a program is canceled, or if you have been rejected after all fees have been paid, you are only eligible for a refund of the final balance. In the case of a program cancellation by KMET, you may change your program site (depending on availability) and/or date if you wish. Any deposits or fees already paid may be applied to another KMET program to which you transfer. You will be responsible for additional fees associated with any other programs (where applicable).

If you cancel your program for any reason you must notify KMET in writing via postal mail or electronic mail with confirmation of receipt. If you cancel after payment of all program fees but more than 30 days before the scheduled program start date, you will be refunded the entire final balance amount. If you cancel after you have paid the full program fees, and less than 30 days before the scheduled program start date, you will be charged 50% of the entire program fee and the balance will be refunded to you. If you cancel less than 30 days before the scheduled program start date, you will be charged 50% of the entire program fee, and you may apply the remaining non-refundable 50% of your fees to another KMET program scheduled within 12 months of the original start date, subject to space availability. Program fees are never transferable to other KMET program participants after a program cancellation. In the case of a true family or health emergency, documentation of emergency must be provided to KMET and KMET will review your refund request on a case-by-case basis.

Does KMET offer any scholarships?

NO, KMET doesn’t offer any scholarships

Can other people make payments towards my programme fee?

Your family, friends or sponsors may make payments to KMET to go toward your program fees. We can provide you with a sample letter to solicit support from your contacts. They should make checks payable to KMET directly with your name in the memo field of the check. Please gather all such support and mail them together to the KMET office at once before your final payment date. Each person will receive a thank you letter from KMET.

ACCOMMODATION

What types of accomodation are available while undertaking my program?

Many of the programs use host families to house participants individually or on a shared basis. This option is usually cheaper than staying in a local hotel or hostel. The home stay feature also allows for an unforgettable cultural immersion experience, and for many participants is one highlight of the program. Other types of accommodation include: small hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and dorm style accommodations. It is very important to note that all accommodation is provided for the program dates only. If you would like to stay longer with your host family, you must let the local coordinator know this at the beginning of the program, and you will be required to pay for those additional days. KMET strongly encourages you to stay with the host family with whom you have been placed. These families have experience with our students and our programs, so, they adapt easily to your cultural preferences and needs. If you choose to seek housing or have found housing outside of the program please inform us.

Can i change my host family if i am not happy?

If for some reason you are unhappy with your family please talk to your local coordinator at your site. Please make sure to always discuss problems with your family, and it may be an issue of miscommunication. If things cannot be resolved on your own or with the help of the coordinator, you may switch families within the program.

Should i take gifts for my family?

Yes, participants are encouraged to take small token gifts for the family they will be staying with. These can be chocolates; a book of photographs from your home area; or your local sports teams t-shirts or caps. Even household items that people may not buy for themselves, such as towels, are highly appreciated. Be creative!

When do i get information about my home stay family?

If you are participating in a program that has home stay family accommodation for the entire period, you will receive it from the local coordinators via email approximately 2 weeks prior to your program start date.

KMET strongly encourages participants to use public phones or purchase a cell ($35 for basic phone and $15 for phone card). Cell phones can cheaply be used for incoming international calls.

Will i have E-mail acces while undertaking my programme?

In most programs you will be shown where internet cafés are located where you may use email and international phone lines. Email access is very affordable, and the international calls from these places, also are very reasonable. In some programs, you will be able to use computers in your coordinator’s offices. Please ask once you arrive. If you decide to bring your own laptop, make sure your laptop has a dial-up modem as most of the internet is dial-up. However, some of the internet café’s offer faster connection speeds.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

What Initial Preparations require?

• Purchase ticket well in advance. Be sure to include a copy as the itinerary for the visa.
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after return of travel and that it has several blank pages.
• Download the appropriate Visa application from the Kenyan Embassy (allow at least 14 days)
• Make appointment with a official Yellow Fever infectious disease clinic (see CDC for listings) for at least two weeks before travel. Check with clinic for additional vaccinations and anti-malarials needed (be sure to bring your WHO yellow Vaccination Card).
• Purchase travel insurance. Generally available up to 24 hours before departure.
• Copy all essential documents and alert credit card companies of travel.

When do i fly in?

At many program sites, there will be a mandatory Orientation with your program on arrival. For example, if the program start date is May 1 st, please plan to arrive on May 1 st. Participants may also arrive early to travel independently before the start of the program. Please let us know if this is the case, so we can arrange for you to be met by KMET staff.

Participants may also stay and travel afterwards, but this may be subject to visa limitations. One is purchase a multi-entry visa if intending to travel outside Kenya ( Uganda is only 2 hours by road from Kisumu).

Where do i fly in?

Since most programs are in Kisumu, you fly to Kisumu but you will be given instructions by your local coordinator. All international flights fly into Nairobi International Airport . From Nairobi , you can take a local flight to Kisumu or ground transportation via bus is also possible. Note the bus option is significantly cheaper but can take up to 7 hours from Nairobi to Kisumu.

Where can i get cheap flights?

To get a cheap flight, you must try and call as many travel agents as possible. KMET has preferred travel agents that we will share with you after you are enrolled. In our experience, international fares are very high if you call the airline directly or if you search on the web. Call your local travel agents and try and shop around as much as possible. In the past, students have used Pan Express Travel based in NYC (http://www.panexpresstravel.com)

What time of the day should i arrive?

Inform the office your arrival date and someone will be able to pick you up at the airport whatever the time of arrival.

Will i be picked at the airport?

Yes, you will be picked up at the Kisumu airport by the local coordinator and taken to your host family or other accommodations. Once you are at home and settled the coordinators will contact you to let you know when and where you will be meeting to receive your schedules.

 What kind of travel Insurance do i need?

Please organize all these with your insurance or purchase accordingly. Past students have used www.insuremytrip.com

SAFETY

Are the programs locations safe? What precautions should i take for my safety?

KMET takes safety matters very seriously. All of our program sites are well prepared for any emergency situations and emergency plans are in place. Personal safety is controlled as much as possible at each program site. Participants are placed in host families that have hosted others in the past, and all have been properly screened by the local coordinating agency (i.e. language school or organization). When in public places, please be aware of your surroundings at all times, and travel in pairs or groups whenever possible. Be vigilant about your surroundings and your awareness at all times. We advise that you do not drink alcohol excessively, and to avoid going out late at night alone. Other site-specific safety tips are located in your program guide that you will receive after you pay your final payment.

MISCELLANEOUS

Why don't i set it up for myself?

The KMET programs are designed to give participants the most fulfilling possible experience. It is common that participants cannot afford to take more than 6 weeks as part of an elective, and we make it possible to use that relatively brief time fully. You would not be able to create the same experience in such a short period of time. Equally as important, KMET provides a mutually beneficial partnership that honors the physicians and clinics with whom you work. We are a non-profit organization that aims to empower and offer unforgettable experience to our participants.

Orientation issues such as language barriers and unfamiliarity with the structure and function of the health care system are dealt with gradually while the participants have already begun working.

What free time will i have during the programme?

Evenings and weekends are free. Participants will be free to make travel plans on the weekends. KMET does not make travel arrangements for you. However, our local coordinators can help you with any information or contacts you may need.