Prior to an intensive 7-day program in Minnesota , students must complete assigned readings and projects for selected courses. The core of the program is a combination of on-site course work and unpaid internship for academic credits. The course work is carried out in Nairobi, Kenya during the first 9 weeks of Fall, which begins with an orientation upon arrival in Kenya. During this time, Swahili language class is also required. The internships begin in mid-November.
Internships involve work in development agencies in scattered area, some urban and some rural.
In addition to the internship, students complete written assignments designed to relate their experiences to themes and concepts from the prior courses, guided by in-country faculty. The last week of each semester includes classroom sessions, which serve as a time for handing in written work and taking final exams as well as a final conference. Field placements and internships are available in most sectors related to development. There is an in-country administrative director for the program, who negotiates internship placements, arranges an orientation program, and provides logistical support. An in-country academic director assists interns and evaluates academic work.