Arrive in Dakar and head to Yoff. Introductions, frame key themes, and review itinerary. Explore the fish market and Yoff Market. Celebrate the beginning of our journey together with an opening ceremony.
Explore economic development, community leadership and food systems.
One of the first things travelers notice in Senegal are the bold, vibrant patterns of West African fashion. These bright textiles may seem like simple expressions of tradition, but a closer look reveals a rich complexity—both in their designs and global history. They serve as a fitting metaphor for Senegal itself: a country woven from more than two dozen ethnic groups and languages; deserts, forests, and grasslands; ancient beliefs, Islam, and Christianity; colonial legacies and modern democracies; tradition and innovation.
Senegal is often called the “land of teranga,” a Wolof word loosely translated as hospitality. But teranga is more than a greeting—it’s a way of life that emphasizes generosity, shared humanity, and treating even strangers like family. On this course, students explore leadership and activism through the lens of teranga. Students engage deeply with Senegalese culture and history through immersive experiences, site visits, and meaningful relationships with local leaders and activists in both urban and rural communities. Throughout the program, participants reflect on personal and collective leadership, drawing connections between their experiences in Senegal and their lives at home. With curiosity and intention, students cultivate cross-cultural understanding, a deeper sense of self, and a more grounded awareness of their place in the global community.
