Welcome to The African Cultural Exchange

Spring Break Cultural Discovery Mission in West Africa 2019 (SBCDM-WA 2019) 

You’re Invited to Spring Break in Africa 2019:

On a Cultural Discovery Mission To SENEGAL and THE GAMBIA: West Africa

 4 Weekly Spring Break Sessions

A – Mar. 2 – 11, 2019

B – Mar. 9-18

C – Mar. 16-25

D – Mar. 23-Apr 1

 For those interested in Learning about West Africa and Enjoying a unique Spring Break

 

SENEGAL and THE GAMBIA
  • Visit Goree Island Slave Trading Post
  • Learn about Village Cultures of Africa
  • Teach at a Primary or Middle School

 

Spring Break Cultural Discovery Mission in West Africa 2019 (SBCDM-WA 2019)

What is the Spring Break Cultural Discovery Mission in West Africa? This Spring Break 2019 project is designed as an introductory mission to Africa for college students and others with an interest in discovering the culture, history and people of West Africa.  The mission is designed to give the participant an in-depth look into the daily lives of the people of the 2 host countries by including counterpart discussions, village visits and a rural teaching experience.  The SBCDM is an exploration experience that draws on the expertise of The African Cultural Exchange in fostering educational and cross-cultural partnerships between counterparts all around the continent of Africa.  These partnerships provide the framework for continued relationships that lead to two-way benefit and participants often gain insights and inspiration that provide benefit throughout their professional development.   These partnerships are encouraged by the United Nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-17) to create Global Partnerships for sustainable development to support the UN 2030 Agenda for Development-Transforming our world.

Program Highlights:

  • Designed for College Students and others  interested in learning about culture and development in West Africa
  •  Interact with your local counterpart students and villagers
  • Learn about the Educational Systems in Francophone Senegal and English speaking The Gambia
  • Improve cultural awareness
  • Have a fun and meaningful spring break experience
The African Renaissance Statue, Senegal

Dear Spring Break Participant: We are happy to invite you to join us on this unique and entertaining experience to explore the cultures of two West African countries– Senegal and The Gambia.  During the 10-day journey you will engage in an in-depth discovery of the educational systems in these countries and you will interact with your fellow participants and counterparts to gain insight into critical development and cultural issues facing these two countries such as health care, gender equality and sustainability in Africa.  You will forge new significant partnerships while simultaneously experiencing the splendor, power and culture of Africa.  In conjunction with the new UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the purpose of the Spring Break Cultural Discovery Mission to West Africa (SBCDM-WA) is to give students and other participants the opportunity to visit with local families, to teach children and to learn about the lifestyles of those in low and middle-income countries in Africa.  These experiences often lead to long-term strategies for assisting with the problem solving at home and in the developing world and provide an excellent addition to your academic progression.

About the Countries


Senegal,  with a population of about 14 million, is equipped with one of Africa’s most efficient and modern infrastructures.  Yet the nation is ranked 18th from the bottom on the UNDP’s human development index.  The Wolof make up the largest ethnic group and their language is a lingua franca in Senegal along with French, the official language.  Goree Island served as a slave trading post and is today an important memorial and tourist site.

Gambia, an English-speaking nation of about 1.8 million people is the ancestral home of Kunta Kinte’ of Roots fame.  The multi-ethnic country has many tribes including the Mandika, Fula, Wolof, Jola, Serahuli, Serer and Manjago.  Explored by the Portuguese in the 1400s, this very peaceful former British colony, with its beautiful beaches, now boasts tourism as its main industry.

 Goree Island – Slave Castle,  Senegal, West Africa

Travel Visas: A visa is required to enter The Gambia for those with a US Passport.  No visa is required for entry into Senegal with a US passport. Immunizations: An electronic travel medical briefing will be provided via email.  Take this briefing to your physician to obtain your international yellow book along with the necessary immunizations documented for entry into each country. Clothing: The temperature in West Africa will range in the mid-80’s to 90’s, therefore light clothing is recommended. Sunscreen lotion, light cotton pants and short sleeve shirts will also aid in comfort during any hot spells. Slippers are needed for the shower. An effective mosquito repellent is necessary.  A packing list will be provided. Meals: Three meals a day are included in the cost of the trip will consist of local African cuisine.

Win a Free Spring Break Trip to Africa in 2019. The drawing is November 1, 2018.

Apply Below!