Studying in Nairobi: Tips for Ethiopian Students 🇪🇹✈️🇰🇪
Moving to a new country for your studies is a big step—exciting, full of opportunity, and sometimes a little overwhelming. If you’re an Ethiopian student planning to study in Nairobi, Kenya, here are some essential tips to help you settle in, feel at home, and succeed.
🎯 1. Choose the Right College
Pick a college that offers:
- Practical, job-focused training (like TVET programs)
- International student support
- Courses recognized in both Kenya and Ethiopia
✅ Delight Technical College is one great option, known for fashion, media, ICT, and hospitality programs with strong East African networks.
🛂 2. Understand Visa & Entry Requirements
- No visa is required for Ethiopian passport holders visiting Kenya for up to 90 days.
- For study purposes, apply for a Kenyan Student Pass through your college once admitted.
- Delight and similar colleges help guide students through this process.
💬 3. Improve Your Language Confidence
Nairobi is mostly English- and Kiswahili-speaking. While many Ethiopians speak fluent English, brushing up on spoken English and basic Kiswahili will make daily life and class participation easier. Some colleges even offer language bridging programs for international students.
🏠 4. Find Comfortable & Affordable Housing
Look for:
- Hostels or student apartments near your college (e.g., around Nairobi CBD)
- Shared accommodations with fellow students
- Options with access to kitchen, Wi-Fi, and security
Tip: Delight Technical College can connect you with affordable and safe student housing.
🚌 5. Know Your Transport Options
- Public buses (matatus) and Boda bodas (motorbike taxis) are cheap but can be hectic
- Use apps like Uber or Bolt for safer travel, especially when new to the city
- Walk in groups when possible, especially at night
🍲 6. Discover Ethiopian Food in Nairobi
Missing home? Nairobi has several Ethiopian restaurants like:
- Habesha Restaurant
- Kesh Kesh Coffee
- Abyssinia Restaurant
They’re great for community connection, too!
💡 7. Adapt to a New Academic Culture
- Kenyan education systems often mix theory with practical training
- Expect more group projects, presentations, and hands-on workshops than in traditional Ethiopian classrooms
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek help—teachers are approachable
🤝 8. Join Student Communities
- Connect with other Ethiopian students in Nairobi
- Join clubs, events, or student associations to make friends from all over Africa
- Delight, for example, often hosts East African cultural events and career fairs
📱 9. Get a Kenyan SIM & Mobile Money
- Buy a Safaricom or Airtel SIM card with your passport
- Register for M-Pesa to pay for food, transport, and school supplies easily
- Open a student bank account with local banks if needed
🧘🏽♀️ 10. Stay Balanced
- Explore Nairobi’s attractions like Karura Forest, Nairobi National Park, or Maasai Market
- Prioritize your health, safety, and mental wellness
- Always ask for help—Nairobi is full of people ready to support you
✨ Final Thought:
Your journey from Ethiopia to Nairobi is not just about education—it’s about growth, connection, and becoming who you’re meant to be. 🌍📚
