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Afro-African Diaspora Discovery Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions, Application & Preparations
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For the first year, the trip is open to all Schenectady High School students who are interested in educational and cultural exchanges in the African Diaspora.
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Applications are due by …….. You can apply through our website at this link…….. Decisions will be released after …….
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Participants engage in visiting historical sites, a local university and high school, community outreach activities, local traditional markets, meet pubic school leader, spend a day with a local family.
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The estimated cost is between ……….., covering airfare, lodging, meals, activities, security, transportation, and guides. A ……… deposit is due by ………… and the final payment by …………
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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.
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You will participate in educational and ……….
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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.
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What safety precautions are taken on the trip?
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.
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Yes, we will hold multiple meetings for both students and parents, including a Zoom session on ………. to ensure everyone is prepared and informed. We will also have several more meetings for students to prepare.
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Depending on where we are traveling, American citizens with a valid US passport don’t need a visa. While in some countries your will need a visa to enter the country.
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Participants engage in visiting historical sites, a local university and high school, community outreach activities, local traditional markets, meet pubic school leader, spend a day with a local family.
Health Questions
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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: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/senegal
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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.
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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.
Packing Questions
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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.
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No, Delta allows 2 free checked bags on international flights per traveler.traveling.
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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.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.January.
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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.
Trip Logistics
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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.
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Yes, we will make a whatsapp group for everyone to join to get trip updates
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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.
The Door of No Return
Why give?
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Give to Afro-African Diaspora Discovery organization to support meaningful connections between educators and the African diaspora
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Give to Afro - African Diaspora Discovery (AADD) because education should be a bridge, not a barrier, across cultures and histories
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Give to invest in a future where African and diasporic stories are centered, celebrated, and shared
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Give so knowledge, identity, and empowerment be accessible to all
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Give to help create opportunities for educators and students to learn from and with each other
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By giving, you are helping create meaningful exchanges between educators and students across continents