Projects Abroad Volunteer Programs in Senegal

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.

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.

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.

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.