"I learned more than just concepts, I built a deep knowledge of environmental and social issues," says University of Vermont student and Living Routes alumnus Simon Abramson. He studied abroad on Living Routes Sustainability in Practice at Auroville, India, an amazing community that has created a lush oasis out of an ecological disaster zone and a community of 2,000 people from all over the world dedicated to social justice and sustainable living. "For me," continues Simon, "sustainability studies was transformed from theory and principles into direct experience and practice. When I returned to UVM, I felt able to create and practice the values that I have yearned to see in the world."

As you know, Emma Clippinger, a current student on Living Routes Senegal Ecotoursim and Sustainable Development semester program, is blogging about her exotic experiences--Here is a taste from Emma's blog.

"I have putted along the Gambia River, the lone boat on the river's still waters, and watched tiny bubbles multiply and expand as hippos rose from murky depths and practically breached before us; I have slept on the sun-baked earth at the edge of Senegal's one trans-country tar road with forty pairs of tiny eyes watching my every move as though I were some rare beast; I have drawn water from an infinite well and bucket bathed beneath an adolescent mango tree, its near-ripe fruit brushing the top of my head, the sharp hills silhouetted by an incandescent moon; I have danced myself into a frenzy to the beat of a single drum in the village of Medina Coutas..."

Weblogs are also great ways for faculty to talk about what students are learning and doing on their internships: Here is an excerpt from the Living Routes spring semester India weblog at www.LivingRoutes.org.

The yoga circle at the college guest house has become a wonderful and unusual learning classroom. Surrounded by bamboo and Neem Tree and Rain Tree it is the place that we begin our day at 6:15 with yoga. Some here say that yoga is a way of seeing the world, a way of life... In our upcoming journey to Hampi we will stay on an island that offers us something very rare in India: a 'wilderness' experience of river, rock and ancient temples. There we will engage in a learning process called the 'sacred solo' - a time where students will spend 40 hours in a silent solo. All the solos sites lie within an easy call of faculty, but are also relatively isolated from each other by walls of stone. It is an experience that has delighted many past learning communities...

• Are you concerned about the world's problems (environmental destruction, climate change, social injustice, overpopulation...)?
• Do you ever say to yourself, "Okay, I get it! Things have to change. But where are people working on solutions?"
• Do you want to help create a more sustainable future?

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More info?
Living Routes Study Abroad
79 S. Pleasant Street, Suite 302, Amherst, MA 01002
(888) 515-7333 or (413) 259-0025
Email: info@LivingRoutes.org
www.LivingRoutes.org

For many, Senegal is considered the gateway to West Africa. Studying there can provide you with the unparalleled opportunity to engage Africa in its modern challenges as well as its complex history.

The cosmopolitan capital of Dakar is one of Senegal's most fascinating places. Dakar, a modern city with a rich historical legacy, is the central focus for much of what occurs in the country, whether it is politics, culture, economics, or education. The capital is home to the University of Dakar, which has one of the most famous research institutes for African studies. Farther north along Senegal's 350 miles of spectacular coastline lies the historic city of Saint-Louis, renowned for its rich colonial heritage and architecture, a reminder of Senegal's three centuries as a French colony. In St. Louis are the National Ethnographic Museum and the Université Gaston Berger de St. Louis.

Students choosing to study in Senegal will find a wide variety of opportunities there. Many students choose to study French, since it is Senegal's official language. Senegal is a logical place for African studies as it is an influential nation on the continent and particularly in West Africa. Many students also take advantage of some of the excellent programs in sustainable development studies.

For those interested in business and economics, Senegal is a fascinating place to observe an economy in the midst of transition. In 1994, Senegal began an ambitious reform program with help from the international donor community. The years since then have seen genuine growth of the GDP and a decrease in inflation.

Some of the major sectors of the economy include agricultural and fish processing, phosphate mining, fertilizer production, petroleum refining, and construction materials. However, Senegal is also making strides to introduce information technology jobs through infrastructure such as the realization of full Internet connectivity in 1996. Senegal's bold economic reform policies and willingness to work toward a brighter future can both inspire and educate students.

Senegal also offers a rich cultural and artistic heritage. The world renowned singer, songwriter, and composer Youssou N'Dour (who Emma got to meet!) mixes traditional Senegalese m'balax with many other influences including Cuban samba, hip hop, jazz and more. He is a powerful cultural icon, for not only is he one of the most celebrated African musicians in history, but he is also actively involved in pressing social issues in Africa today. Another popular Senegalese musician is Baaba Maal, who sings in his native tongue and fosters modern-day appreciation of the more traditional Senegalese folk music.

Senegal also provides valuable opportunities for those interested in biology and other related fields. With over 550 animal species, Senegal is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the Sahel, which is the semi-arid region south of the Sahara desert. The country provides a haven for migrating birds, especially waterfowl who stop at the Parc National aux Oiseaux du Djoudj each winter when returning from Europe. This area has become one of the world's major bird reserves.

Experience the vibrant world of Senegal and capitalize on the unique challenges and diverse opportunities that this fascinating country offers you.

For more information on Senegal and other countries, check out IIEPassport's Country of the Month archive. Or check out IIEPassport's study abroad directory.