Being an expat teenager in Africa : the testimony of a Costa Rican highschool girl in Kenya

Published on 23 November, 2016

We have always given the floor to adults, but never to teenagers. She is in high school, she can't buy alcohol or cigarettes and yet, Adri, 17, has already lived abroad over some years, and seen more countries than many adults. In January 2016, she moved with her parents to Kenya, and discovered Africa for the first time. She shares with Expat.com her thoughts about being an expat and a teenager in Kenya.

Hi Adri, can you introduce yourself, and tell us about your projects in Kenya?

My name is Adri, I'm seventeen, and I'm from Costa Rica. I've lived abroad for several years, but I moved to Kenya in January 2016. I am doing my International Baccalaureate in Kenya, but apart from that my family and I have been focusing on helping the community, and showing them the love of God.

Why did your parents choose to live in Kenya?

It was mainly because of my dad's job. However, Kenya was really appealing to us because it's one of the best developed countries in East Africa, it's more secure than other countries, and international education is good. We knew that we were going to love living here.

How were your first steps in the country? Was it easy for your family to find accommodation?

We received help from my dad's colleagues, so that wasn't a big problem. But when we got here, we did get a cultural shock because it's so different to what we were used to. Ever since, we have adapted well, and we enjoy living here very much.

Was it easy for you to integrate with the Kenyan society?

In Nairobi there is a really big https://www.expat.community that helped us adjust to the change and also, Kenyans are very friendly and caring — which really motivated us to actively join their community.

How would you describe the Kenyan culture compared to the Costa Rican? I suppose that it is completely different, right?

They both are very unique and inspiring cultures, but the biggest difference is in the tribal area of Kenya. Kenyans take a lot of pride in the tribe they come from. There are many tribes around the country, but the most popular ones are the Kikuyus and the Masai Maras. Back home we don't have tribes — we just describe ourselves by which part of Costa Rica we are from. In Kenya they identify with tribes, and each tribe has its own dialect, culture, and traditions. It's really interesting to see how it defines a person and their family.

You're 17, how is it being a teenager in Kenya?

Being a teenager expat in Kenya is more restrictive than in other countries. Public transport is not recommended for us, so we have to depend on our drivers or our parents — at least until we're 18. In my perspective, there aren't big enough places for you to go out with friends, but just a few small malls where you can go shopping or to the cinema. Even so, Kenya is very diverse, which makes living here an amazing experience — even more for teenagers because we grow and learn a lot from and about other cultures. Personally, I believe that if you have the right company — which we do — you will have fun no matter where you are.

Are you in high school?

Yes, I go to a British school, and I am in Year 12 — my first year in my International Baccalaureate program (the equivalent to A-Levels). There are many international schools here, which is good because we could choose the one that fitted my family the best.

Is life expensive in Kenya compared to Cyprus where you lived as a child, or to Costa Rica for example?

All three countries are quite expensive but the most expensive one is definitely Kenya. For example, with $40 you buy one pair of jeans in Kenya and two in Costa Rica. The same goes for food, housing, education, everything. Mostly because the majority of things are imported. However, if you know where to go and how to bargain, then you'll be fine!

You have been living in Kenya since January. Did you have the time to visit different parts — any recommendations?

I have been to a few parts of Kenya but I wish I could have seen more. I've been to Naivasha, which is famous for its lake full of hippos and other animals, Nakuru, known for it's amazing safaris, and Ngong Hills — an amazing hiking experience with beautiful views. I have written about these places on my blog, so you can check them out.

Is animal conservation — and particularly elephant — central in Kenya?

Animal protection is a really big thing, and this is something I love about the community. There are a lot of places like the giraffe centre or the elephant orphanage that take care of these animals, and there are groups like “Stand Up, Shout Out” (SUSO) that plan marches and activities to raise awareness over animal protection. It's awesome to live in a country that takes care of its nature. There are organizations, such as “Save the Elephants” that do a great job in securing the future of elephants and maintaining their habitat.

Any advices for a soon-to-be expatriate in Kenya?

Join a community of other expats from your region of origin — it will help you adapt better and make friends, plus, you won't get as homesick. And if you do need, you'll have people to help you. Don't wander about at night, and when you go downtown don't take cash with you. Either way, your security won't be at risk if you don't do anything reckless. Travel a lot, go to the beach, mountains, safaris, all of that. Enjoy Kenya as much as possible!