Vive led two teacher groups with a total of 33 participants in June and July 2024. We plan to share sign-ups for 2025 in the next few weeks! Our teachers included pre-school, elementary, middle, high school, university, and one retiree as we laughed, sang, and drummed our way through smaller towns and villages along the coast (La Petite Côte and Sine Saloum) as well as the cities of Thiès, Saint Louis, and Dakar.
Personal invitations to homes opened the door to experiences of eating around the bowl and learning more about Senegalese hospitality, or terenga. Delicious meals of lamb for Tabaski (Eid) and the national dish of Senegal, thieboudienne, were enjoyed with Senegalese friends & family.
In an effort to squeeze in the most possible in a short amount of time, we addressed topics such as environment, immigration, colonization, education, music, the arts, social activism, and personal and public identities, and more! Whether visiting a monument, historical site, or wandering through a fabric market in a small group, participants were always learning. Singing with local emerging and popular artists at Africulturban with Zeinixx and the Matador as well as Âme Flow was a highlight for la Fête de la Musique, while the second group had the chance to dance with university students during our visit with a griot at an impromptu Sabar.
In the words of Elizabeth H., "Before this trip, I really had limited knowledge of Senegalese culture and history. I’m proud and grateful to say that after 10 days with Vive, I now have a profound appreciation for the story of Senegal and the generosity of spirit that the people there gift to one another and to newcomers. I will always remember the warm smiles, the bright colors, the laughter and the beauty of this experience. The entire trip was well curated and thoughtfully planned."
"I could go on and on about this trip. It has changed my life and I am still processing it. I have one word of advice for people considering this experience: GO. You won't regret it." - Michelle F.
What else is happening with Vive? We also ran a 4-week Global Service Learning program in a Senegalese village for high school students from mid-June to mid-July. They lived with host families and immersed themselves in everyday life while working on projects with the local community.
Come meet us in person at upcoming conferences such as: ACTFL, NECTFL, PACIE.
Let us know if any of these following trips or activities interest you. Share with your colleagues and friends!
Spanish Immersion in Catalunya, Spain
Senegal Teacher-Led Student Trips
Senegal Trips for non-French Teachers
Tunisia French Immersion Trip
1-day in-person workshop on Senegal
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