The trip is designed to promote service learning through participation in community-based projects at the Lambaye Learning Center, aimed at empowering women and young people through education and vocational training.

The trip is open to high school students who are interested in cultural exchange, service learning, and making a positive impact in Senegal.

Applications are due by October 6, 2024. You can apply through our website at this link. Decisions will be released after Oct 6.

The estimated cost is between $4,250 and $4,750, covering airfare, lodging, meals, activities, security, transportation, and guides. A $500 deposit is due by October 16, 2024, and the final payment by December 11, 2024.

Yes, but this will depend a lot on you. If your health insurance covers the vaccines then there is very minimal cost to receive them but if not they can be quite expensive. Call your insurance company to ask.

You may also want to buy specific clothes or other items to bring or you may have everything already.

Some students like to bring small gifts for their buddies as well. This does not (and should not) be something expensive, but also something to consider.

You may also want to bring money for souvenirs, etc, but we recommend not brining more than $100-200 for this.

You will participate in educational and vocational projects at the Lambaye Learning Center, helping local students and engaging in community-building activities.

You will experience traditional Senegalese music, dance, cuisine, and local customs, as well as visit notable sites like Goree Island, Pink Lake, and take part in a safari adventure.

Yes, we prioritize safety with professional guides, transportation, and security services at all times. Additionally, we work closely with trusted local partners to ensure a secure experience.

That all being said, all travel involves risk and anytime you are in a big city or new environment, you need to have heightened awareness and be smart. We will talk a lot about what that means at our meetings. In the many years that we have been going we have never had a significant safety concern.

No, Students for Senegal Inc is a separate entity and the trip is not endorsed, funded by, or arranged by Mamaroneck High School. That being said, we of course have a deep tie to the Mamaroneck High School community and most of the chaperones and nearly all of the students come from MHS.

Yes, we will hold multiple meetings for both students and parents, including a Zoom session on October 10, 2024, to ensure everyone is prepared and informed. We will also have several more meetings for students to prepare.

Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever are recommended, along with malaria prevention pills. We advise consulting your doctor for additional guidance. You should also review the CDC website.

There is no need to show proof of vaccination when entering Senegal. There are no longer specific COVID precautions in place but we do recommend you get the latest COVID vaccines a few weeks at least before traveling.

You should try to get all your vaccines between 1-3 months before the trip. You should definitely NOT wait until the last month before the trip. For trips leaving in February, the ideal time would be December or early January.

You can bring one carry on bag (optional) and one checked suitcase. You need to be able to carry/lift whatever you bring yourself and take it through the airport and on and off a bus. You also will want to bring a backpack or small day bag.

Yes, see the handout given at the first meeting and check the traveler information page.

We will talk about packing at the first meeting as well. People all have their own preferences, we will provide you with a list of everything you need but many people choose to also bring more or specific personal items. Students who have gone on the trip have helped us update the packing list with their recommendations.

Each travelers has one checked bag included in their ticket. Carry on is also included.

While Dakar is a cosmopolitan city and you can dress much like you would in the U.S., when we visit the village, it is a more traditional conservative culture. Modesty (particularly for women), is expected. T Shirts are ok, but avoid things that are low cut, pants or skirts should go below the knee. For boys, T shirts and shorts or pants are ok. Just as you would anywhere you are traveling, pack simple versatile clothes, don't wear things with controversial logos or symbols or that would otherwise attract un-need attention.

First off, check out the packing list linked on the traveler information page.

Bring all the essentials, socks, underwear, pajamas, light sweatshirt, etc as you would for any trip.

For boys, lightweight pants and T shirts for the day time and 2-3 nice outfits for going out to dinner.

For girls, also lightweight pants or light skirts that go below the knees. No short shorts. T shirts are ok. Also 2-3 outfits for going out to dinner. The recommendation is to dress modestly as Senegal is a relatively religious country.

Bring comfortable shoes for the day time, flip flops or similar sandals for around the hotels or at night and also something you can wear out to dinner.

You need a type C power adapter. This is the same as used in Europe. If you don't have one, may as well get a universal adapter you can use for anywhere you go like this one.

We will arrange carpools so everyone can get an easy ride to the airport. We will do this few weeks before the trip. Usually one group of parents drives to the airport and then another picks up and we all meet at MHS parking lot to leave together.

Yes, we will make a whatsapp group for everyone to join to get trip updates

No, no travel visa is needed. You do not need to apply for anything before you go. You do need a passport that will be valid AT LEAST 6 months from the date of return.