This section provides information for parents and guardians wishing to send their children to the GISS Summit.
Where will my son/daughter stay while in Nairobi? What are the safety guidelines that ISK has in place for homestay families?
All students are hosted by ISK home stay families. Your son/daughter will be matched with a family and will stay in that family’s home. Your son/daughter will be billeted with 1-4 other members of your school team. That means they will be staying with peers and friends; at the same time, they will be able to get to know some ISK students and families. When students are not at ISK participating in summit activities, they will be with their host families.
They will have a curfew each night and will be required to check in with their teacher advisors to ensure everyone is at home, and in bed, by the required times.
Does my child need a visa to visit Kenya, and what will happen when he/she arrives at the airport?
Most visitors to Kenya apply for an ordinary/tourist visa upon arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. You will be given a form to fill out on arrival. Ordinary/tourist visas cost $50 per person.
Please consult the following web site to determine if you need a visa to enter Kenya. There are several passports that will not require a visa: http://www.immigration.go.ke/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=102&Itemid=140
Please ensure your son/daughter has a valid yellow fever cards to return to your country of origin, if this applies. You do not need a yellow fever card to enter Kenya but you may, upon return to your home country.
Nairobi is not in a malaria zone. No medication for malaria is required. Link needed here.
What are the guidelines for behavior for all student participants in the summit?
A behavior contract will be sent to all participants prior to the summit. Major rules include no alcohol or drugs, no improper/disrespectful dress and/or behavior, and obeying the house rules of the host family.
How much money should I send with my son/daughter?
There will be a craft & NGO fair during the summit, so your child may want to bring some spending money. They may also need some pocket money for snacks at the airport. Approximately $100 (US) is adequate and will allow for some shopping at the fair. If your son/daughter does not plan to do any shopping, $50 should be adequate.
How do I contact my child in the case of an emergency?
Please ensure you have a contact number for the teacher advisor who will accompany your child to Kenya. Please contact that teacher if there is an emergency. Each teacher advisor, upon arrival in Nairobi, will be given a SIM card with the contact names and numbers for all host families for students on their team. Thus, your child’s teacher advisor will be able to remain in contact at all times. It is acceptable for your son/daughter to bring their own cell phone to the summit, as well (as long as they don’t use it during the day when activities are running). Please feel free to contact your son/daughter directly in the case of an emergency.
How can I contact ISK in case of an emergency?
After your son/daughter’s teacher advisor has completed the registration process, direct contact names and numbers will be communicated with them. Please ensure you have copies of these names and numbers before your child leaves for GISS 2013. Visit the ISK website: www.isk.ac.ke
Will my child be supervised at all times and what safety measures are in place?
Your child will be supervised during the day at ISK by many teacher advisors. After hours, your child will be supervised by their host family parents. Host families have been brief on curfews and overall safety/behavior expectations.
How will I know if my child’s flight has arrived and departed safely and on time?
Please consult online flight tracking apps in terms of checking the arrival and departure of your child’s flights. Your teacher advisor may also be able to communicate this information with you.