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Table of Contents KSAC Program Overview 4 Program Overview 5 Academic Director 5 KSAC Staff 5-6 Overview of The Gambia 7 History 8 Geography 11 People and Languages 13 Pre-Departure 14 Personal Responsibilities 15 Family and Friends 15 Visa Information 16 Financial Concerns 16 Passport Preparation 18 Health Preparations 19 Immunizations 19 Packing Tips 19 Useful Online and Book Resources 20 Academics 22 KSAC and the University of The Gambia 23 Registering for Classes 25 Academic Culture and Class Expectations 26 Grades and Transcripts 27 Textbooks and Photocopies 28 Extracurricular Activities 28 Director of the International Office 29

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Table of Contents (continued) Service Learning 30 Volunteer Experiences 31 What to Expect 32 Identifying Organizations 32 Descriptions of Organizations and Opportunities 33 Housing, Food and Living 38 Student Housing 39 Food and Eating Out 41 Safety 43 Medical Care and Insurance 44 Transportation 46 Mobile Phones 47 Computer Specifications 47 Money and Shopping 48 Currency and Exchange 49 Your Personal Budget 49 Access to Money/ATM/Debit 51 Shopping in The Gambia 52 Accessibility of Goods 53 Craft Markets and Bargaining 53 Things to Do 55 KSAC Lectures and Site Visits 56 Field Trips and Excursions 58 Cultural Events and Recreations 61 Sports and Exercise 63

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for KSAC studen

remain on‐site f

KSAC Gambia em

member as Aca

ogram is the fou

SAC is a coopera

quehanna Univ

dison in New Jer

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any courses ava

ll be common t

with KSAC guide

institutions; the

nts both in the U

for the entire se

mploys two staf

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undational progr

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ersity, Selinsgro

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ailable that term

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e position rotate

US and on‐site, a

emester, and tea

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The Resident D

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ove; and Washin

founded to dev

n the spring, wh

m. KSAC studen

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bia program inc

es among mem

as well as coord

ach at UTG. The

Resident Directo

Director is respo

KSAC

Progra

Acade

stone Study Awa

untingdon; Chat

ngton and Jeffer

velop and sustai

hereby KSAC stu

ts must enroll in

ludes an Acade

ber institutions

dinate excursion

e standard teac

or and a Program

onsible for mee

CGamb

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ay Consortium (

tham University

rson College, W

n study away p

udents directly e

n at least one co

mic Director ea

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ns throughout th

ching load is two

m Assistant; one

ting logistical co

biaSta

erview

Directo

(KSAC); the pilot

y, Pittsburgh; M

Washington in Pe

rograms throug

enroll in the Uni

ourse designate

ch year who is e

c Director will co

he semester. Th

o classes.

e consortium m

oncerns such as

aff

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t year of the pro

Moravian College

ennsylvania and

gh collaboration

iversity of The G

ed by the Acade

employed full‐t

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ogram was

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of 64

transportation, and food and acts as an in‐country liaison for the program with such entities as the University, the government, and

local establishments. The Program Assistant assists the Resident Director and the Academic Director and is responsible for student

services and support and planning group activities.

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o

The first written

Fact Book). Duri

of the trans‐Sah

named after the

part of the cent

(Kane 26). At th

(World Fact Boo

In 1588, the clai

merchants (The

(currently Ghan

and commercia

possession of Th

million slaves w

amount of slave

Europeans by ot

of slaves sold w

America during

Fact Book). The

over the area, t

n accounts of Th

ing this time, Th

haran trade rout

e Soninke peopl

ury, the area no

e end of the 16

ok).

imant to the Po

Gambia). In 16

a). During the la

l control of the

he Gambia. Fra

were taken from

es taken by the A

ther Africans an

ere taken to Eu

the 18th centur

British Governm

he military outp

he Gambia and t

he Gambia was

te for gold, slave

e who assumed

ow known as Thth century, with

rtuguese throne

18, King James

ate 17th century

Senegal and Ga

nce was given t

the region surr

Arabs before an

nd were previou

rope to work as

y (The Gambia)

ment tried unsu

post of Bathurst

ABriethe surrounding

a part of the Ma

es and ivory (ib

d control, came

he Gambia and S

the raids contin

e, Antonio, Prio

I granted a char

y and throughou

ambia River regi

the area now kn

rounding The Ga

nd during this ti

usly prisoners of

s household ser

. However in 18

uccessfully to sto

t (now Banjul) w

efHistog region come fr

ali Empire and s

id). As the reign

to rule over the

Senegal suffered

nuing, the empi

or of Crato, sold

rter to a British

ut most of the 1

ons (The Gamb

nown as Senega

ambia during th

me is unknown

f intertribal war

vants until the m

807, the slave tr

op the slave tra

was built in 1816

oryofrom Arab trade

subsequently do

n of the Mali Em

e region by the

d from Morocca

ire collapsed, w

exclusive trade

company for tr

18th, England an

ia). The 1783 Tr

l (World Fact Bo

e height of the

(World Fact Bo

r, in debt or wer

market for labo

rade was abolish

de in The Gamb

6 (Kane 28). An

TheGars from the 9th a

ominated by the

mpire began to e

16th century (Th

an and Portugue

was conquered a

e rights to The G

rade with The G

d France argued

reaty of Versaill

ook). It is estima

transatlantic sla

ook). Most slave

re kidnapped (T

or exploded in th

hed throughout

bia and to attem

1889 agreemen

ambia

P

and 10th centur

e Arabian estab

end, the Songha

he Gambia). In t

ese invasion an

and claimed by P

Gambia River to

ambia and the G

d constantly for

es gave Great B

ated that aroun

ave trade; howe

es were sold to t

The Gambia). Th

he West Indies a

t the British Emp

mpt to have bett

nt with France e

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ies (World

blishment

ai Empire,

the later

d looting

Portugal

English

Gold Coast

r political

Britain

nd three

ever, the

the

e majority

and North

pire (World

ter control

established

t

t

e

(

B

U

w

v

S

the present day

the colony, Banj

executive and le

(Ibid). On April 1

Book).

Until a coup in 1

was first broken

violence, which

Senegal for help

y boundaries (W

jul and the surr

egislative counc

14, 1970 The Ga

1994, The Gamb

n by a violent bu

resulted in the

p (World Fact Bo

World Fact Book)

ounding area, a

cils in 1901 and g

ambia transform

bia was led by P

ut unsuccessful

death of severa

ook). Senegales

. The Gambia b

and the protecto

gradually progr

med from a cons

resident Sir Daw

coup attempt in

al hundred peop

e troops defeat

ecame a British

orate, the rema

essed toward se

passe

Fact

Gamb

War

army

After

gove

gene

The G

indep

const

stitutional mona

wda Kairaba Jaw

n 1981 led by Ku

ple, President Ja

ted the rebel for

Crown Colony,

inder of the ter

elf‐government

ed that formally

Book).

bians fought alo

II while Banjul w

y and as a port f

r the war, the pu

rnment gained

ral election in 1

Gambia in 1963

pendence on Fe

titutional mona

archy to a repub

wara. The relativ

ukoi Samba San

awara (who was

rce. In the after

, divided for adm

rritory. The Gam

t (Kane 28). In 1

y abolished slav

ongside the allie

was used both a

for Allied naval c

ush for constitu

momentum (Th

1962, full self‐go

(Kane 30). The

ebruary 18th, 19

rchy within the

blic following a

ve stability of Th

nyang (The Gam

s in London at t

rmath of the att

P

ministrative rea

mbia received its

906, an ordinan

ery in The Gam

es in Burma dur

as an air stop fo

convoys (The Ga

utional reform a

he Gambia). Afte

overnance was g

Gambia official

65 and became

British Commo

referendum (W

he Gambia unde

mbia). After a we

he time), appea

tempted coup, T

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sons into

s own

nce was

bia (World

ring World

r the US

ambia).

nd self‐

er a

granted to

lly gained

a

onwealth

World Fact

er Jawara

eek of

aled to

The

G

c

c

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o

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p

w

s

F

e

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s

a

(

w

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C

Gambia and Sen

combine the arm

confederation in

In July of 1994,

overthrowing Ja

Jammeh becam

2002, The Gamb

presidential, leg

were deemed fr

some shortcom

Fact Book). Pres

elected and too

December 21, 2

strong majority

after the main o

(UDP) boycotted

while the UDP r

Assembly electi

Construction (A

negal signed the

med forces of th

n 1989 (Ibid).

the Armed Forc

awara in a milita

e the head of th

bia completed a

gislative, and loc

ree, fair, and tra

ings by outside

sident Yahya Jam

k the oath of of

2001. The AFPRC

in the National

opposition Unite

d the legislative

received 27% of

ons (World Fact

PRC), the new n

e 1982 Treaty of

he two nations a

ces Provisional R

ary coup and

he state. From 2

a full cycle of

cal elections tha

ansparent but w

observers (Wor

mmeh was re‐

ffice again on

C maintained a v

Assembly; espe

ed Democratic P

e elections. Jamm

the vote. Instea

t Book). In the J

name for Jamme

f Confederation

and to unite eco

Ruling Council (A

2001‐

at

with

rld

very

ecially

Party

meh was re‐elec

ad of boycotting

anuary 2007 pa

eh’s party, won

n (Ibid). The resu

onomies and cu

AFPRC) led by L

cted for a third

g future electio

arliamentary ele

42 of the availa

ulting Senegamb

urrencies (Ibid).

ieutenant Yahya

term on Septem

ns, the UDP agr

ection, the ruling

able 48 elected

bia Confederati

The Gambia wi

a A.J.J. Jammeh

mber 22, 2006,

reed to take par

g Alliance for Pa

seats (Kane 34)

Pa

on aimed to eve

thdrew from th

h succeeded in

winning 67% of

rt in the 2007 N

atriotic Reorien

).

age 10 of 64

entually

he

f the vote

ational

tation and

T

m

A

s

The Gambia is v

miles wide at its

Africa and is onl

south and by th

very small weste

s widest point a

ly slightly larger

e Atlantic Ocea

ern African coun

nd has a total a

r than twice the

n to the west.

ntry whose bord

area of 11,295 sq

size of Delawar

Geders mirror the f

q km (World Fa

re (Ibid). It is co

eograpflow of the mea

ct Book). In fact

mpletely borde

phyandering Gambi

t, The Gambia is

ered by Senegal

Pa

ia River. It is les

s the smallest co

to the north, ea

age 11 of 64

s than 30

ountry in

ast and

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a

T

f

t

c

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l

t

r

s

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t

t

v

The country itse

as Georgetown)

Traveling throug

for long distanc

to taxi or bus rid

cheap compare

There are two m

Gambia River an

lengthwise: one

the south bank.

road on the nor

sometimes easi

Farafenni or Jan

bush taxis. Polic

your identificati

Gambian terrain

The highest poin

the Gambia is su

the rainy season

very high betwe

elf is split into fiv

); 3) North Bank

gh The Gambia

es. Bush taxi rid

des in the US) te

d to travel in we

main roads that

nd cross the ent

e on the north b

The road on so

rth bank is comp

er to cross the f

njanbury to get

ce checkpoints a

ion before lettin

n is a flat flood p

nt in the Gambi

ubtropical with

n lasts from late

een March and J

ve divisions and

k (Kerewan); 4) L

is very easy, eve

des (comparable

end to be very

estern countries

follow the

tire country

bank and one on

outh bank is only

pletely paved an

ferry from Banju

back on the sou

are frequent and

ng you move alo

plain of the Gam

a is a mere 53 m

distinct dry and

e June to Octobe

June (World We

d a city: 1) Uppe

Lower River (Ma

en

e

s.

n

y paved in certa

nd is very easy t

ul to Barra, take

uth bank. Make

d routine. While

ong upriver.

mbian river, inte

meters high abo

d rainy seasons.

er (World Weat

eather). Sunny p

er River (Basse S

ansa Konko); 5)

ain areas and is

to travel on. If o

e a bush taxi on

sure to bring yo

e friendly, the p

erspersed with s

ove sea level at a

From mid Nove

ther). Inland the

periods occur on

Santa Su); 2) Cen

Western (Brika

a long and dust

one needs to get

the north bank

our passport or

police officers an

some low hills in

an unnamed loc

ember to early J

e cool season is

n most days eve

ntral River (Janj

ama); and 6) Ban

ty road to trave

t to somewhere

k and cross over

a copy of it whe

nd military pers

n the Central an

cation (World F

June, coastal ar

shorter and day

en during the ra

Pa

janbureh, forme

njul.

l for long distan

e on the south b

one of the ferr

en traveling upr

sonnel will want

nd Upper River D

act Book). The c

reas are usually

ytime temperat

ainy season.

age 12 of 64

erly known

nces. The

bank, it is

ies near

river in

t to see

Divisions.

climate in

dry, while

tures are

I

b

b

t

p

c

p

I

n

a

w

i

T

m

w

E

e

p

S

m

In a July 2009 ce

below the age o

birthrate far out

that in the upco

population, 57%

change that is e

populated (Ibid)

In The Gambia,

numerous tribe

are Mandinka (4

with other smal

is non‐African co

The Gambia is 9

multitude of dif

with no discerna

Each ethnic gro

ease if not fluen

people in the Ar

Salam” (peace b

most widely use

ensus, the popu

of 14, while the

tpaces the deat

oming years, The

% of the populat

expected to stay

).

99% of people a

s that people be

42%) followed b

ler groups mak

onsists of assor

90% Muslim, 8%

fferent religions

able tension or

up has its own l

ncy. Most Gamb

rabic fashion by

be upon you also

ed languages in

ulation of The Ga

other half is bet

th rate (37.8 birt

e Gambia, like m

tion lives in urba

y the same or in

are considered

elong too. By fa

by Fula (18%), W

ing up the rema

ted expatriates

% Christian and 2

and ethnic gro

conflict betwee

anguage, but m

bians also speak

y saying “As‐Sala

o). After this gre

the Gambia.

Peambia was 1,77

tween 15 and 6

ths/1000 peopl

many developin

an areas (Ibid). T

crease as the co

African. In this p

r, the majority o

Wolof (16%), Jola

aining 4%. The 1

and immigrant

2% indigenous r

ups, The Gambi

en the different

most Gambians c

k fluent or conve

am Alaykum” (p

eeting, Gambian

eoplea78,081 (The Gam

65 (Ibid). The m

e compared to

g countries, wil

This urban popu

ountry becomes

population, the

of Africans in Th

a (10%), Serahu

1% of the popula

s from around t

religions. Despit

ia sustains a rela

groups (World

can speak the ot

ersational Englis

peace be upon y

ns normally swi

andLanmbia). Almost ha

edian age of the

12.2 deaths/100

l have a huge po

ulation has bee

s more

re are

he Gambia

li (9%)

ation that

the world.

te the

ative peace

Factbook).

ther tribal langu

sh. Being a Mus

you) and respon

tch to a local di

nguagealf of the popula

e population is

00 people). The

opulation boom

n increasing wit

uages besides th

slim majority, it

nding to this gre

ialect. Wolof, M

es

Pa

ation of The Ga

17.9 years and

ese three facts s

m. Of this growin

th a 4.2% annua

heir own with r

is customary to

eeting with “Am

Mandinka and Fu

age 13 of 64

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t with them dur

f communication

ek or so away, c

no longer inter

bilities

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personal respo

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family visiting y

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onsibility.

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paying for the m

Money & Shopp

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are not accepte

Director and the

ools who are se

mation on the vis

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nancial limitatio

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ain a group rate

meal plan on‐site

ping for more de

e for yourself th

d for most finan

e Program Assist

nding students

sa process can b

n process must

the visa is $100

ons and budget

for the KSAC stu

e. The KSAC prog

e and a conting

etailed informat

he safest and ea

ncial transaction

tant will work w

to The Gambia

be found here:

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mester to organ

embassy.us/ Ho

mic Director and

f the most impo

fare. Airfare is t

t a minimum of

of about $500.0

your money wh

oncern

mationns at the KSAC

nize the visa app

owever, due to r

d the Program A

ortant aspects fo

typically coordin

$2,000 USD for

00 USD). Please

ile abroad. In T

ns

n

Pa

plication

required

Assistant

or a smooth sem

nated by the KS

r the semester (

e refer to the se

The Gambia cred

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mester

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including

ection on

dit cards

M

t

c

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f

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c

A

MoneyGram an

transaction in th

centers offer M

Western Union

fee to exchange

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charged a fee, t

ATM/Bank card

d Western Unio

he US). Most su

oneyGram serv

and MoneyGra

e them for dalas

ks are a secure o

he exchange rat

s (VISA ONLY) a

on are a very ea

upermarkets in t

ices. The excha

m and access is

sis at either Wes

option for bring

te may not be o

re prevalent in

sy way to have

the US have a W

ange rate is opti

easy and efficie

stern Union or M

ging money. Ho

optimal and you

large towns in T

money sent to

Western Union o

mal and there a

ent. Also, if you

MoneyGram.

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u are required to

The Gambia. W

Universal or

be incurred

per day. Be

will access y

fraudulent t

It is highly r

financial sit

abroad. This

abroad. Est

they can ea

have someo

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are many offices

u bring US dolla

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When using the A

r Current. Also

with use abroa

sure that you c

your account ab

transactions and

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uations with yo

s will save you f

tablish a joint ch

sily transfer mo

one handle bill p

mum fee (usually

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s throughout Th

rs with you to T

to cash checks a

inal receipt of p

ATM make sure

pay attention t

ad. You can only

contact your ban

broad so they do

d freeze your ac

that you author

our bank if a pro

from calling you

hecking account

oney to you if ne

paying and taxe

Pa

y about $10 for

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The Gambia, the

at a bank, you w

purchase.

to withdraw fro

o additional fee

y withdraw 4,00

nk and inform t

o not assume th

ccount.

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oblem would ari

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age 17 of 64

each

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will be

om either

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of 64

US Passport Services… http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Embassy Locator… http://www.tripresource.com/embassy.htm

Embassy Registration Site… http://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Travel Info… http://www.cdc.gov/travel

The Weather Channel On‐Line (Weather Info Worldwide)… http://www.weather.com

The World Clock (Local Times Worldwide)… http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock

US Customs & Boarder Protection… http://www.customs.ustreas.gov

A Safe Trip Abroad (State Department Travel Info)… http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html

Know before You Go (US Customs Info)… http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg

International Newspapers Online… http://www.onlinenewspapers.com

The Universal Currency Converter… http://www.xe.com/ucc

For a detailed history of The Gambia and the surrounding region and a good overview of the developments in the 20th century

please see:

Lonely Planet: The Gambia & Senegal (Multicountry Guide) by Katharina Kane

The Rough Guide to Gambia 2 by Emma Gregg, Richard Trillo, and Rough Guides

The World and a Very Small Place in Africa: A History of Globalization in Niumi by Donald R. Wright

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The Gambia YMCA Location: Kanifing South, MDI Road Contact: Sam Bruce Thorpe National General Secretary Tel: 439‐2647 or 439‐0625 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.ymca.gm/index.htm Mission: “To develop the full potential of young people by creating opportunities for their positive participation in national development. To advocate for total development of the body mind and spirit in order to be positive agents of change irrespective of faith, age, sex, race and social condition.” Mission statement retrieved from www.ymca.gm. Student tasks: Students who have volunteered at The Gambia YMCA in the past have helped program development and administrative tasks. SOS Children's Villages International Location: Kanifing District, Kairaba Avenue near Safari Garden Hotel Contact: Rachel Bennett‐ Project Coordinator for UK umbrella organization Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Website: http://www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk/sos‐childrens‐charity/projects/gambia Mission: “We enable children to live according to their own culture and religion, and to be active members of the community. We help children to recognize and express their individual abilities, interests, and talents. We ensure that children receive the education and skills training they need to be successful and contributing members of society.”‐ Mission received from http://www.sos‐childrensvillages.org/Publications/Documents/_26J1‐a‐fJ_10A93C.pdf. Volunteer tasks: In the past student have worked with the SOS Mothers and Adult Training Center on educational programs and literacy. Other tasks may include skills training and managerial or administrative roles.

“My volunteer work has allowed me to gain experience in my major that I would not have been able to have at home. It also gives you a new cultural perspective.” ‐DanielleFulmer,2010KSACparticipant

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Unique FM Location: Bakau New Town Road, second level shopping plaza between Timbookto and Yok Art Café. Tel: 7555777 Website: http://www.uniquefm.gm/ Volunteer tasks: Student volunteers at Unique FM can DJ a weekly music program. United Nations World Food Program, The Gambia Location: The Banjul office is in Fajara across from the Fajara War Cemetery Contact: Babagana Ahmodu Tel: 946‐0199 Website: http://www.wfp.org/countries/gambia Mission: “WFP will play its part as an active member of the United Nations system to bring the issue of hunger to the centre of the international agenda. In its dialogue with recipient governments and the aid community, WFP will advocate policies, strategies and operations that directly benefit the poor and hungry.” Mission statement received from http://www.wfp.org/about/mission‐statement. Volunteer tasks: Current projects The Gambia WFP is working on include The Food For Education Project and an emergency project to aid Senegalese refugees. Students will have the opportunity to volunteer within these projects. Alliance for Democracy in Africa Location: ADA office is located in Serekunda off the Banjul Highway at Kow Junction. ADA has project sites in many villages near Banjul as well as upriver. ADA also has projects that are run through local schools. Contact: Dr. Madi Touray Tel: 994‐8191 or 930‐3176 Email: [email protected] Website: www.adeafrica.org Mission: “Alliance for Democracy in Africa (ADA) is a tax exempt nonprofit organization working to encourage Africans, particularly children and youth, to study, internalize and practice the values of democracy in their societies. The organization is not an affiliate of any political party, nor will it affiliate with any political party in Africa, or any other country.”‐ Mission statement received from http://www.adeafrica.org/html/aboutus.

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Volunteer tasks: Volunteers can work on specific ADA projects such as women’s group initiatives and skills training or youth education and skills training. Spring 2010 Juniata students and faculty started the Soccer for Democracy program at Sheika Mass Kah Senior Secondary School located on Stadium Highway. Students also participated on a computer training program teach basic computer skills. CIAM Public Health Research & Development Centre Location: Plot 17, Kanifing Institutional Layout, Kanifing Contact: Dr. Palmer Tel: (220) 439‐4592 or (220) 439‐4624 Website: www.ciam.gm Mission: “CIAM ‐ Public Health Research & Development Centre bridges the gap between the health needs of people in West Africa, national health policies and relevant research. We focus on priority diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS, work with researchers, policy makers, health service providers and the general public.”‐ Mission statement received from www.ciam.gm Volunteer tasks: In the past students volunteering with CIAM have been able to participate in studies and surveys, often times going into villages to map malaria. Other tasks commonly performed by volunteers at CIAM are data entry and clerical work. Concern Universal ‐ Gambia is Good Farm Location: Gambia is Good Farm is located near the Banjul Airport and can be reached from the Banjul Highway as well as the AU Highway. Contact: Kelly Taboure‐Smeets‐ Farm Production Manager for Gambia is Good Tel: 449‐4473, 449‐5716 or 773‐9673 Email: [email protected] or Kelly.tab@concern‐universal.org Website: www.concern‐universal.org Mission: “Concern Universal works in partnership to challenge poverty and inequality. We're determined to do all we can to play our part in the global movement challenging poverty and inequality.”‐ Mission statement retrieved from http://www.concernuniversal.org/index.php?/home. Volunteer tasks: Students volunteering at Gambia is Good Farm will participate in hands‐on sustainable agriculture, farming, and nursery work. Each One Teach One Location: Each One Teach One is located off of Kairaba Avenue across from the Elton station.

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Contact: Shelley Sousa Tel: 711‐2303 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Mission: Each One Teach One is an adult literacy tutoring program that teaches conversational English. Volunteer tasks: Volunteers meet with adult students for English literacy tutoring. Volunteers may also teach conversational English classes. SBEC Shiloh Bilingual Education Center Location: SBEC is located on the AU Coastal Highway near Coca Beach Resort. Contact: Iris Walton‐ SBEC Teacher Tel: 777‐9845 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.sbec.gm/index.ph Mission: SBEC is an international bilingual private school. Volunteer tasks: Volunteers at SBEC perform a variety of roles that include teacher development in conflict resolution, overseeing the mediation department, and teaching a variety of subjects at a primary through secondary level.

“Having an internship in The Gambia is a great way to gain real experience. There are not many people vying for those volunteer positions so you are able to do things you’re not able to do in the US or Europe. It’s a great way to meet professionals in your field and with Gambians with whom you can form friendships.” ‐BlairSaul,2010KSACparticipant

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You are required to inform the Resident Director and the Program Assistant of all medical concerns and emergencies. Students will

be accompanied by the Resident Director and/or Program Assistant to a clinic in an emergency. For treatment of serious illnesses

and/or injuries, it may be necessary to be evacuated by airplane to a private clinic in Dakar, Senegal.

You should budget a minimum of $300 US dollars for medical care while in The Gambia. Although the required medical insurance

(see below) will reimburse you for medical costs incurred, you must pay clinics at the time of care for consultation and medications.

You should bring all over the counter medications you think you will need while studying abroad in The Gambia. This may include,

but is not limited to: painkillers like Ibuprofen or Naproxen Sodium, Pepto‐Bismol, Imodium, allergy relief, Neosporin, band aids,

alcohol wipes, SPF lotions, sunburn relief, itch relief creams or sprays to treat mosquito bites, and OTC drugs like Nyquil and Dayquil

to treat colds. However, most grocery and drug stores do carry OTC medicines and the Resident Director has a supply of some

medications / first aid care. You should also consult their regular and travel doctors for advice on what medicines to bring along.

You will have medical insurance while abroad that is provided by Cultural Insurance Services International and is designed

specifically for study abroad students. For complete information on policy terms, benefits, coverage, and conditions, please see

www.culturalinsurance.com or contact your study abroad office.

You are advised to discuss any medical conditions with your travel doctor, regular doctor and your study abroad office prior to

participation on the program, because there is risk involved with living in The Gambia and limited access to advanced medical care.

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of 64

Currency and Exchange Your Personal Budget Access to

Money/ATM/Debit Shopping in The Gambia Accessibility of Goods Craft Markets and

Bargaining

Money and Shopping

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The Gambia uses the Gambian Dalasi (GMD). Familiarize yourself with the currency exchange rates at www.xe.com. There are small

offices, banks and many Western Union and MoneyGram locations that exchange currency. You may get a better exchange rate if

you take money out of an ATM, but you may incur financial transaction fees at your bank at home and transaction fees with each

withdrawal at ATM machines.

This is something that you should take very seriously. Your biggest expense for the KSAC study abroad program will be airfare which

is typically coordinated by the KSAC program as a group rate. Vaccinations and medications can also be a significant pre-departure

expense. The KSAC program recommends you budget a minimum of $2,000 - $2,500 USD for the semester (including paying for the

meal plan on-site and a contingency for medical emergencies of about $300.00 USD).

Some students plan a budget for their money on-site by setting a weekly expenses allowance. You will want to be realistic about

spending money, and you do not want to miss out on good opportunities by not allowing for some flexibility with your allowance.

For many of you the semester in The Gambia may be your first time abroad, or your first time in Africa and you are going to want to

purchase things for yourself and others. You are also going to want to participate in activities, enjoy special foods, and perhaps

travel a bit. Be realistic when you are planning your personal budget.

Currency and Exchange Rates

Planning Your Personal Budget

http://www.xe.com/

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A detailed expense plan is below. Some major expenses you can expect on-site are: $1600.00 USD for the meal plan (5 dinners per

week and $80 meal stipend per week); about $200.00 USD for transportation; and laundry; $500.00 USD for eating out, other

activities, and gifts and souvenirs; and $200.00 USD for other personal expenses (telephone, postage).

Below is a list of some sample prices. Prices may vary depending on the store, stand or restaurant:

Item Price in Dalasis Price in Dollars (at an exchange rate of 26D : $1)

Sodas 10 D $0.40

Tapalapa Sandwiches (with Egg) 10 D $0.40

Tapalapa half (six inches) 2.5 D $0.10

Bunch of bananas 25 D $1

Groundnuts 5 D $0.20

Grapefruit 25 D $1

Wonjo Juice 5 D $0.20

Lunch at UTG canteen 25 D $1

Bag of water 2 D $0.06

Bush taxi to UTG 12 D $0.48

Town Trip Taxi (varies based on distance) 25-100 D $1-4

Ice Cream from La Parisienne 50 D $2

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You must decide for yourself the safest and easiest way to bring and access your money while abroad.

In The Gambia credit cards are not accepted for most financial transactions.

MoneyGram and Western Union are a very easy way to have money sent to you for a minimum fee (usually about $10 for each

transaction in the US). Most supermarkets in the US have a Western Union office at the service desk. Almost all Wal-Mart shopping

centers offer MoneyGram services. The exchange rate may not be optimal but there are many offices throughout The Gambia for

both Western Union and MoneyGram and access is easy and efficient.

Traveler’s checks are a secure option for bringing money. However, it can take a long time to cash checks at a bank, you will be

charged a fee, the exchange rate may not be optimal and you are required to bring the original receipt of purchase.

ATM/Bank cards (VISA ONLY) are prevalent in larger towns in The Gambia. When using the ATM make sure to withdraw from either

Universal or Current. Also pay attention to additional fees that can be incurred with use abroad and there can be some concern with

illegal access to your bank account. You can withdraw 4,000 GMD per day. Be sure that you have your four digit PIN number

memorized and contact your bank and inform them you will access your account abroad.

It is highly recommended that you authorize a family member to discuss any financial situations with your bank if a problem would

arise while abroad. This will save you from calling your bank personally while abroad. Establish a joint checking account with a

family member so they can easily transfer money to you if needed. Also remember to have someone handle bill paying and taxes on

your behalf.

Access to Money/ATM/ Debit Cards

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There are grocery stores that are similar to stores in the US. There are many products that are similar to what you may eat in the US

(peanut butter, macaroni & cheese, pasta, spaghetti sauce, cereal) but are imported from the U.K., Europe and the Middle East.

Safeway Market and Kairaba Shopping Center on Kairaba Avenue are the two best grocery stores, with the freshest products.

Everything is a set price so if you can go in and purchase foods just like in a supermarket at home, without needing to bargain.

If you want to buy fruit and vegetables, try the fruit and vegetable stands near the traffic light on Kairaba Avenue. The produce at

stands is fresher, less expensive, and tastier than in the stores. It can be a great cultural experience to bargain and make friends

with one stand owner so he or she will always give you fair deals. The Gambia and the Casamance Region in Senegal offer some

excellent locally grown produce, especially fruits, which would be much more expensive in the US.

There are a lot of Gambian ‘fast food’ stands and restaurants. Although you should give your body time to adjust to food in The

Gambia, food purchased at roadside stands and in restaurants is for the most part safe to eat (but use your judgment). ‘Sandwiches’

of all varieties (potatoes, spicy beans, meat, eggs) on tapalapa or senfu (baguette-type loaf of bread) can be purchased for about 12

GMD. Fish balls, meat, vegetable and fish pies can be purchased for less than 10 GMD. Gambian/African plates (rice with a

traditional vegetable and/or meat or fish sauce like domoda, chicken yassa, benachin, etc.) are offered at many restaurants daily for

less than 30 GMD.

Buying and eating local is more sustainable and can offer you a more authentic cultural experience and opportunity to interact with

Gambians in a meaningful way. It will also most definitely be much less expensive for your personal budget.

Shopping in The Gambia

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You will need to walk some distance to purchase most things you will want to buy. There are a few produce stands and some

convenience-like mini stands near the student house, but a walk to Kairaba Avenue will be necessary for a grocery store run or a full

stand of assorted fruits and veggies. This is about a 45 minute walk or a short taxi ride. The taxi route from the area in which the

student house is located is not a regular route and the cost can be more than the average 5 GMD for a shared taxi, so expect to pay

about 25 GMD.

Although most health, beauty and personal care products are available in The Gambia, they are imported and can be more

expensive than what you might pay in the US. For health, beauty and personal care items, you must decide for yourself what items

will provide you the most level of comfort while here (special face wash, lotion, contact lens care, etc.) and bring it with you. You

may not be able to find the same product here, and this can provide you a small bit of comfort from home.

The craft market vendors, where most of the items are handmade in country, represent a significant source of personal income in

The Gambia. Visiting the craft markets and bargaining is a fun part of your cultural experience while studying in The Gambia. You

are going visit a lot of craft markets, deal vendors and other shoppers who want to be your friend, want you to buy their items, give

you a good price or the “Gambian price,” etc. Stand your ground. If you really want something, get it, but never EVER go with their

original price. Drop it by half immediately. The vendor may act like your new price is offensive or much too low; just wait for the

seller to come down closer to you. After this initial slash in half consider what you would want to pay for it and equate it to US

Accessibility of Goods

Craft Markets and Bargaining

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dollars. Nothing costs as much as they will tell you. Also, once people start establishing the costs of things with you when you visit

different markets, you can comparison shop with vendors. This may irritate some vendors initially, but it will demonstrate you are

not a tourist and know what you are doing. If something seems to cost too much, walk away. Say, “Okay it’s too much…No thanks!”

they may ask you to come back and accept your price. If they do not accept your price, they are either 1) right, you did offer too little

or 2) stubborn and in an area where some other foreigner will pay what they want. Your persistence can result in good bargains in

the end and the opportunity to have a lot of fun haggling with the craft market vendors.

There are plenty of markets from among which you can choose. You should not go to the ‘tourist’ markets like the Senegambia Craft

Market and the Fajara Craft Market near Leybato. The Albert market in Banjul

is overwhelming when you first visit, but you will be more comfortable when

you visit next. This market has the most variety: crafts, carvings, clothes,

tailoring, fabric, shoes, jewelry, foods, etc. The Bakau market great drums and

wooden products, but mostly fabric, bracelets, bags, and a good leather

store. The Brikama market, which is out by UTG is good because many of the

sellers are willing to negotiate, inexpensive items such as wooden products,

drums, bowls, etc.

The Serrakunda market is an amazing market experience where most local

Gambians shop. The market vendors offer fabric at good prices, crafts, and

everyday goods and sundries. They sell things like belts, shoes, and a lot of other items you might find yourself needing. It can

provide you with many sights, sounds, and smells of a traditional Gambian market and the opportunity to interact with many

Gambians without being treated as a tourist.

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KSAC Lectures and Site Visits

Fieldtrips and Excursions

Cultural Events and Recreations

Sports and Exercise

Things to do

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Students studying abroad on the KSAC Gambia program are required to register for a three-credit course, entitled Culture Course:

The Gambia. Throughout the semester, students will be required to take part in cultural activities, site visits, excursions, (including

trips which are several days), and listen to guest lecturers on relevant topics. The purpose of the course is to give students a

fundamental understanding of the history, society and culture of The Gambia and to provide opportunities to experience aspects of

Gambian culture and society. An important part of the KSAC Culture Course is Wolof language instruction. Wolof is one of the main

languages spoken in the Senegambia region. The course syllabus and specific assignments may vary each semester depending upon

the interests of the Academic Director and the students on the program.

The activities are provided as part of the study abroad program and in most cases there are no additional charges to students on-site

for these activities. Here are some examples of the Culture Course lectures, site visits, and field trips from previous semesters.

Wolof Lessons

Wolof is one of the tribal languages in The Gambia, and, as the language of commerce, is commonly used in the Banjul area.

Students will find basic Wolof useful in communicating with Gambians in daily interactions, whether in the form of greetings, or

communicating with shopkeepers or taxi drivers.

KSAC Lectures and Site Visits

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Lectures:

“Colonialism in The Gambia” Hassoum Ceesay

“Family Structure and Ethnicity in The Gambia” Papa Njie

“Overview of Gambian Politics–Presidential Power” Emil Nagengast

“Community Mobilization and Solidarity” Mohammed Ambrose

“Development of a Peer Health Education Program” Ansumana Dibba

“Pursuing an International Career” Emily Eller

Site Visits:

Gamcotrap Site Visit and Talk “FGM and the Work of Gamcotrap in The Gambia” with Omar Dibba- Gamcotrap is a non-profit organization in the Gambia that focuses on the rights of women and children, and that specifically works to put an end to the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia.

Peace Corps- The Country Director of The Gambia US Peace Corps headquarters provides an overview of US Peace Corps service and specific projects in The Gambia and discusses careers in the US Peace Corps.

US Embassy- Students visit the US Embassy to achieve an understanding of how the Embassy works with the Gambian government, its interactions with the local population, and about careers in the US Foreign Service.

Gambia is Good- Gambia is Good is an organization that strives to educate farmers on sustainable agricultural practices as well as teach methods for improving crop yields. Gambia is Good grows much of the produce used at local restaurants.

Royal Victorian Teaching Hospital- Students tour this facility, located in Banjul, to achieve a better understanding of the health care available to Gambians and how the health care system operates here.

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The KSAC program includes field trips throughout the semester. The activities are provided as part of the study abroad program and in

most cases there are no additional charges to students on-site for these activities. Students can also arrange short trips in consultation with

the KSAC Resident Director and Program Assistant. Some examples include:

Yabo Family Compound - Lamin Yabo coordinates transportation for some of the KSAC Program activities. An

afternoon at his compound is an enjoyable opportunity to interact with Gambians, including women and children, and

to gain insight into family life in The Gambia.

Tendaba Nature Camp - Tendaba is a village and nature camp located upriver on the South Bank. The three-day trip

includes a boat ride on the River Gambia and through mangrove swamps, a nature hike, traditional dance and music,

swimming pool and riverside dock.

Janjanbureh/Georgetown - Janjanbureh is upriver on the North Bank. In the past, the three-day trip included the

Wassu Stone Circles, Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project, and visit to Juffereh and the slavery museum.

James Island/Jufureh/Albreda - Jufureh is the village where the author of the famous book Roots, which has been

made into a movie, traces his own roots. Albreda Fort and James Island are two other nearby attractions where

students can learn about the history of the slave trade in The Gambia. These are all located on the North Bank and are

most conveniently reached by boat as part of a day trip (“Africa on a Shoestring,” 336).

National Museum - The museum includes exhibits on ethnology, ecology and history of The Gambia. The exhibits

include a lot of detailed information on the Gambia. (“Africa on a Shoestring,” 330).

Field Trips/Excursions

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Mama Africa Women’s Art Museum and Cultural Center and Paradise Beach- Mama Africa is an art gallery and

restaurant owned and operated by a Gambian woman. Its goal is to empower Gambian women to explore art.

Paradise Beach is located off of the village of Sanyang and is the location for the village’s main industry of fishing.

Lunch at Safari Garden and Djembe Drumming Lessons- Safari Garden is a local hotel located just off Kairaba Avenue,

offering African and European dishes. Students can use the pool and lounge chairs if they purchase lunch or a drink.

Following lunch at Safari Garden, students experience a two-hour Djembe lesson. Djembe is a type of traditional West

African drum, which many students see in performances during their time in The Gambia or may choose to purchase

as a souvenir or gift for someone back home.

Botanic Garden Tour- The Botanical Gardens, located

in Bakau, have numerous beautiful plant and bird

species, as well as a nature trail (“World Guide to The

Gambia”).

Sand Painting Lesson- Sand painting is a common art

form in The Gambia, and students can find lessons at

various locations. A stand in the Bakau market offers

sand art lessons at a rate of 200 GMD for two hours,

including supplies.

Water Sports and Day at Sun Beach- Sunbeach Hotel &

Resort, located at Cape Point past Bakau, offers wind surfing, sailing, kayaking, jet skis, beach volleyball, ping-pong

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and billiards, plus a pool and food and drink service. Prices are

approximately 200 GMD for lunch or drinks and use of the pool; 400 GMD

per hour for most water sports; and 500 GMD per hour for lessons. It is

customary to tip about 25 GMD when using the beach lounge chairs.

Abuko Forest and Lamin Lodge Lunch- Abuko Nature Reserve is home to

over 200 bird species and is located between Banjul and Brikama.

Basse- Basse is the eastern-most town in The Gambia, and has a market,

waterfront, and friendly locals (“Africa on a Shoestring,” 335).

The Monkey Park - The Bijilo Monkey Park, located in Senegambia, offers

hikes of varying lengths and affords students the opportunity to view

monkeys and various birds in their natural habitats.

Katchikali- Katchikali is a crocodile park located in Bakau. There are plenty

of crocodiles to watch, and students can even touch a crocodile under the

direction of their tour guide!

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The best way to attend cultural events is to make friends with Gambians through meeting other students at UTG or through meeting

colleagues at volunteer sites. The Gambians are very friendly and love inviting students to learn more about Gambian culture. Here

are other routes to find cultural events.

Daily Gambian Newspapers - Daily newspapers include The Point, The Daily News, Today, The Daily Observer and Forroya. These

cost 10 GMD each and provide information on upcoming events, as well as local news.

Markets – Markets are excellent daily excursions to experience a part of daily Gambian life. Also, many events are advertised in the

markets because of the amount of daily traffic.

Nightclubs- Students often enjoy experiencing Gambian nightclubs,

most of which are located in the Senegambia tourist area. Female

students may not go alone to clubs and are advised to bring male

students and trusted Gambian friends, especially male friends, to

these clubs. Wednesday night is considered “clubbing” night in The

Gambia. The most popular nightclubs include Wow!, Duplex and

Aquarius. There are other clubs, as well as some bars with karaoke

or jazz music, to choose from.

Wrestling Matches- Wrestling matches are very popular in The

Cultural Events/Recreation

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Gambia. By watching for fliers in public places and asking others, students may be able to locate one of these matches. The main

arena is located in Serrekunda, and admission is about 25 GMD (“Africa on a Shoestring,” 334).

Alliance Franco-Gambienne- The French Alliance is located on the right side of Kairaba Avenue if you are headed towards Westfield.

It offers weekly films in French at no charge, frequent West African music concerts for about 100 GMD, art exhibitions, a library, and

eight-week French language courses at various levels for approximately 1,350 GMD per course.

The American Corner- This is a newly opened educational center operated by the US Embassy in conjunction with Comium, and is

located in the Comium Building on Kairaba Avenue. The Center provides public access to educational materials, including computers

and books. It is open Monday through Saturday. Movies are shown on Monday evenings at 6:30 PM and guest lecturers present on

a variety of topics on Thursday evenings (Marenah).

The Beach- Old Jeshwang is located within walking distance of the beach, about three miles. Students can go to the beach for free,

or there are restaurants and hotels lining the beach, where students can rent a sun bed for about 25 GMD or sit at tables with the

purchase of food or drink. The advantage of such establishments is that the businesses restrict access to “bumsters,” so students are

less likely to be harassed during their time on the beach.

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National Stadium. If you are a devoted exerciser, The Gambia is an excellent place to work out. The student house is a 10-minute

walk (5 minute brisk jog) to the National Stadium, where students will find a track, a much-loved gym, and an aerobics room. The

track is often used for school events, so you may

need to work around school schedules or only

use part of the track if a school group is

present. The gym has all the basic lifting

equipment, but is a little outdated, so proceed

with caution and a spotter. It is open from 3 PM

until 8 PM on weekdays. Aerobics classes are

excellent. They are 100 GMD per month and

taught by Mr. Freeman, a very buff Gambian

man who is knowledgeable and

trustworthy. Aerobics classes are offered five

evenings a week, including step aerobics, skip

aerobics and low impact aerobics. The classes are

offered from 4:15 - 5:15 PM and 5:30- 6:30 PM on Mondays through Thursdays, and from 4:30 – 6:00 PM on Fridays.

Roots Health and Fitness Centre is off of Kairaba Avenue on the right prior to the junction with the Post Office. The owner, Jon, can

be reached by email at [email protected] or by telephone at 4396585. He is willing to discuss discounts, but a basic

membership is 900 GMD per month, including all exercises classes, which are usually held in the mornings.

Sports and Exercise

mailto:[email protected]

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Water Sports at the Sun Beach Hotel and Resort on Sun Beach on Cape Point- The basic price for most windsurfing and kayaking

rentals are around 400 GMD per hour, while sailing and jet skis are more expensive. Lessons are available for 500 GMD an hour.

Football- For students who enjoy soccer, it is easy to find a football game to join in on, either on the beach or even in Jeshwang.

Male students may more easily find games to join in as mainly young men play football informally.

Running- Runners are encouraged to keep running while in The Gambia. Just like at home, do not run during the hottest part of the

day. Also, run off the side of the road and take your phone with you. KSAC students are not permitted to run around dusk or after

dark. Failure to comply can lead to expulsion from the program. Female runners: it is perfectly acceptable for ladies to train

(workout) in athletic shorts, but do not wear spandex or very short or tight clothing. It will attract unwanted attention.

Pool Passes- Most hotels offer daily pool passes. At the Kairaba hotel, for example, a daily pass is 200 GMD. Some hotels, such as

Sun Beach Hotel and Resort, Cocoa Hotel, and Safari Garden, allow students to use their pool, towels and lounge chairs with

purchase of food or drinks. It is customary to tip the hotel staff about 50 to 100 GMD in these instances.

Walking- Students will probably find that they do a lot more walking here than at home (usually at least one hour per day), which

provides a surprising amount of exercise.