Support and Training
Comprehensive support – preparing you for your gap year project
All MAD gap year students are provided with lots of useful information on passports/visa regulations and other documents, flights and onward travel options.
• Comprehensive medical information pack: prepared by MAD Company Doctor, Dr Helen Halpin, preparing you for immunisations, malaria prophylactics and containing full details of medical support in Kenya.
• Fundraising pack: How you go about raising the money
• Packing List: What to bring and what is not necessary
• Keeping in touch briefing.
• Destination advice on Kenya briefing.
• Money advice briefing.
Please feel free to contact us by email or telephone to answer any further questions (however small) that you may have.
On-the-ground friendly training in Kenya, where you need it
Step 1: MAD gap year - ‘Kenya Orientation’ course
This will bring you up to speed on everything Kenyan and the practicalities of the project.
Course Agenda:
• Kenyan values, traditions and social etiquettes
• Local languages
• Local Laws
• Students’ conduct
• Personal matters
• Accommodation and meal times
• Adventure Safaris
• Whitewater finale
• Public Transport
• Identification
• Keeping in touch
• Noise
• Punctuality
• Onward travel
Step 2: MAD gap year – ‘Staying Safe’ course
This will brief you on how to keep healthy and secure, in Kenya.
Course Agenda:
• What happens in an emergency?
• What happens if I get sick?
• What happens if I forget to take my malaria tablets?
• When do I need to use mosquito nets and repellents?
• What do I need to do to protect myself from Sunburn and dehydration?
• How can I avoid diarrhoea or constipation?
• Understanding altitude sickness
• Reducing the risk of fungus infections?
• Where can I buy sanitary products?
• Where can I safely drink water?
• Where can I learn more Swahili?
• What are the risks, when out in local bars and clubs?
• Is it safe to travel alone?
• Is it safe to travel at night?
• How to keep your cash and belongings safe
• First Aid, Medication and other help on hand
Step 3: MAD gap year – ‘Making the most of your Placement’ course
This will give you an excellent foundation in all the skills and behaviours required to be an effective volunteer.
Course Agenda:
• Essential communications techniques
• How to understand others
• Understanding yourself
• Listening and empathy skills
• Avoiding arguments
• De-cluttering
• Having a more positive attitude
• Managing your time better
• Helping people with their problems
• Understanding people better
• Getting action – planning and organising your work
• Mind your language
“I felt that the MAD pre-project training was so thorough and important, to prepare us for the next three months”
Declan - MAD Business Student
On the ground friendly support in Kenya, where you need it
Our MAD gap year directors are based in Kenya, where you need them. They have first-hand knowledge of Kenya and are able to assist with any emergency, as well as offering emotional and social support.
Along with our MAD gap year training schemes, they are critical in planning a safe trip in Kenya. They are always on hand to ensure that you are supported from the time you sign up, to the time you touch down on home soil.
So can you imagine yourself becoming more independent, just by seeing a different way of life, making new friends, witnessing new cultures and enjoying some totally different surroundings ?
Apply here for an exciting and unforgettable experience on a MAD gap year project
