Teaching French in Senegal

  Senegal

Saint-Louis

Durations of Program: 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Flexible

Description: Tropical Senegal is lauded for beauties both natural and urbane. With its suave capital, Dakar - many travellers' favourite amongst the larger African cities - and its entourage of internationally known musicians, Senegal brings in more visitors than any other country in the region.

Much of its lands are lush and vital, especially when compared to the deserts that surround it. Many of its visitors are package tourists soaking up the sunshine in upscale hotels, but the best of Senegal - a good wander through its streets and plains - is free.

Senegal is the newest programme to MondoChallenge, established in May 2005.

As a new programme, the only school we work with was established a few years ago by the village committee to help teach young ones before they get old enough for the bigger schools. The teaching is currently being done at a premise not owned by the school but plans are on the way to get the school in its own premises.

The villagers are very keen to improve their childrens education, but there is a lack of organisation and specialist knowledge. Volunteers could assist in restructuring and also set up syllabi for the school.

As the levels of English are very poor in the areas we work in, a good level of spoken French is essential, just for simple communication with the locals, and with the students at school.

Highlights: The children are responsive and welcoming and the need is for enthusiasm and commitment from our volunteers, rather than formal qualifications. We offer an optional weekend short course in Oxford (although in English, but could be easily adapted to French) for those who feel they need extra teaching support. Qualified teachers (MFL) are also welcome as they can assist with local teacher training.

In each country we have a local manager. We are very careful over security and health issues, and upon arrival you will be met at the airport by our manager and taken through an induction and to your placement to settle in.

Qualifications:
-A good level of general education
-A good knowledge of the French and English language
-flexibility
-cultural interest
-ability to cope in a rural environment
This placement is ideal for volunteers who wish to improve their command of French.

Cost in US$: $1850+

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: The average age of a Mondo volunteer is 35. Couples and families are welcome and receive a 15% discount (this also applies to friends traveling together). Approximately 50% of our volunteers are non-UK based, with a large number of volunteers from North America, Europe and Australia. Our volunteers have a good level of general education and are enthusiastic, culturally aware, adaptable and highly motivated.

Age Range: 22+

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European and World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Senegal Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

MondoChallenge's Mission Statement: MondoChallenge is an ethical, non profit organisation which sends volunteers (gap year, university & post university, career break, early retired) to help with development programmes in Africa, Asia and South America. Operating alongside the MondoChallenge Foundation (which funds development at grassroots level), our volunteers are community based and their normal stay is from 1-6 months. Activities include teaching, business development and eco-tourism.

Year Founded: 2001