Kwynn Kelly

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She’s a college student majoring in French and History.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program because it was what I’ve been searching for. It’s a non-religious way to do a kind of mission trip, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I’ve been looking for non-religious volunteer opportunities abroad (because colonialism is something else!), but I’d struggled to find one until Projects Abroad.

The flexibility of Projects Abroad let me complete my study abroad requirement (minimum three weeks in a French-speaking country) while pursuing my passion of helping people.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Projects Abroad took care of housing (local family), orientation, plane tickets, travel accommodations, and food. Once in Senegal, the program had plenty to do off-hours and with other volunteers. Projects Abroad provided country information, including crash courses in French and Wolof (the regional language of choice).

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I wish I had been ready for the culture shock. I knew it was going to be incredibly different, but I had planned my study abroad over a break, and, frankly, I had thought it was going to be a kind of break. It wasn’t, really, a break between semesters. It was hard (but rewarding) work. Don’t underestimate that. Take care of yourself.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

I woke up at 8:00. The center opened at 9:00, so I left the house around 8:45 to walk to the center. From 9:00-12:30, I helped with language learning and (occasionally) helped with nursing as needed. From 12:30 to 3:00 there was a break. Volunteers typically are lunch and ventured around, but napping was perfectly acceptable and encouraged. Then from 3:00-5:30 we had a last shift.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

As an American headed to a majority Muslim country, I’ll be frank in saying I was concerned about being heckled about my appearance. I’ll easily say that Senegal wasn’t judgmental about me not having a hijab. In my jeans and t-shirts, no one gave me a second thought (at least with clothing). I did stick out because of race, but it wasn’t ever malicious. Kids were curious about my hair. They’d braid it, tug on it, etc. There wasn’t apprehension. Just curiosity.

Is there any other advice you'd like to share with prospective travelers?

Language learning (if you happen to consider it as an option for volunteering with Projects Abroad) has difficulties you wouldn’t expect. I had issues teaching students not because of language issues but because of learning issues. Be patient. Part of the process is teaching the students how to learn as well as teaching them what they need to learn.