The Senegal Ecovillage
Microfinance Fund

A. Health

It is very important for students to disclose all health related issues as we are committed to ensuring your well-being. Address all the items on the medical form during the application process so we can better meet your health needs. All information will be kept confidential, however we share all pertinent information with our in country staff so they are prepared to better deal with your health concerns. During orientation students will receive a health and safety briefing during which they get emergency cards with the phone numbers of our program physician, staff, and emergency services. Other pertinent information such as vaccination and precautionary measures to take before and during your trip will be sent with your pre-departure material.

B. Security and Safety

Safety and security of program participants is of great concern to us. We understand the implications and reservations that come with having a loved one study abroad. We start disseminating important safety and security information during the early stages of the application process. We have well-trained local staff who are familiar with the geography and realities on the ground to ensure that our students’ safety is never in jeopardy. More importantly, to ensure the safety of the participants, we do not contract with third-party providers. Our own staff teaches all courses and students are accompanied by an adequate ratio of well-trained staff members during the educational excursions. However, our due diligence alone is no guarantee, therefore we recommend that every student takes the right precautions and uses common sense as the primary measure.

C. Faculty and Staff

Our administrative and academic staff members have extensive experience in their specific field of expertise providing personalized support to students and practicing experiential learning principles. All of our professors are well respected in their fields. We encourage our staff to seek the balance between research and practice.

Guest lecturers will provide key contributions program participants in the areas of research, cross-cultural communication, and project development.