Like any place, say the name “Senegal” or “ le Sénégal” and it will mean different things for a variety of people. For 12.5 million people, it is home. In an era of post-colonial uncertainty which often led to violence, it was the only state not to experience a coup since independence. During the “scramble for Africa” it was the capital of Afrique Occidentale Française, and centuries before that was a part of other illustrious empires (Mali, Djolof, and Ghana, just to name a few). For some of you, Senegal holds memories of your own travels, others may need to dust off that map of Africa to locate it, or you're somewhere in between. If it’s more in line with the second option, stay with me because I assure you there is lots to discover.
For me, Senegal will be “home” as my study abroad location, and by the end of 4 months, I’ll have much more to add to that description. That’s why I am glad that you are able to join me by following this blog chronicling my journey in Senegal: the people and experiences I will be encountering (and writing about, photographing, etc.), the culture shock, language tidbits, and things I probably couldn’t even imagine while state-side.
For me, Senegal will be “home” as my study abroad location, and by the end of 4 months, I’ll have much more to add to that description. That’s why I am glad that you are able to join me by following this blog chronicling my journey in Senegal: the people and experiences I will be encountering (and writing about, photographing, etc.), the culture shock, language tidbits, and things I probably couldn’t even imagine while state-side.
There is so much to prepare for, the application materials from back in April, the visit to the travel doctor in two days, visa and flight itinerary paperwork, unattractive passport-style photos, not to mention brushing up on French and country knowledge. I’m looking forward to meeting my travel companions, host family, and internship co-workers, but it will be hard to leave family, friends, and co-workers here in the US. It's definitely going to be a journey! Stay tuned for more updates as the departure date gets closer.
