From agricultural villages to mangrove islands, explore contemporary issues of West Africa while delving into artistic and musical traditions in a culture renowned for its generosity and hospitality. Suggested for ages 17-22, with college credit available.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
- Trek village-to-village in the rolling hills of the scenic Fouta Djallon in Senegal’s southeast
- Experience Senegalese teranga (hospitality) in two homestays
- Challenge notions of Islam while learning about Senegal’s history of religious tolerance and Sufi brotherhoods
The learning we did on this program inspired me to move to London to pursue a Masters Degree in Social Anthropology with a focus on decolonial theory. But I think more important than the academic impact this had on me was just the human connection we experienced. We had countless experiences of being offered food and gifts from total strangers on our travels. And the music... I'll never forget when someone in our group started playing guitar one night at my homestay in the village. People were just lying around, relaxed. When the music started, people started coming into our compound. Pretty soon some drummers showed up and there was a party with almost 100 people from surrounding villages dancing like there was no tomorrow!