Where There Be Dragons: Africa - The Rhythm of West Africa Gap Year Program in Senegal

A voyage to the African continent is often marked by an inexplicable calling: a longing to return to a simple way of being, where daily life deeply reflects a profound connection to the cycles of the rainy season and authentic interactions with neighbors, and where the enigmatic rhythms of political, spiritual, and cultural life reflect the circular pulse of ancient drum beats. Marked by an unyielding hospitality, West African culture embraces us from the onset as we begin the Dragons Senegal semester abroad and gap year program residing with families in the urban center of Thies. During our 5-week stay in this vibrant town – which is located an hour’s drive east of Senegal’s capital, Dakar – students dive into complex issues surrounding gender, human rights, traditional medicine, modernization, and the brotherhoods of Sufi Islam through NGO visits, guest lectures, music and dance lessons, collaborations with local schools, and ISP internships.