Brillana, Honours Bachelor in Criminology and a Minor in Social Work, 3rd year
Country of internship: Senegal
Canadian NGO: Centre for Education and International Cooperation (CECI)
Local NGO: Framework for Consultation among Agricultural Producers (CCPA)
Before leaving for Senegal, I had mixed feelings: moments of joy, but also moments of doubt, when I questioned myself a lot about this big and important adventure I was embarking on for three months. In this context, I decided not to set my expectations too high regarding the country or my work environment. The only thing I told myself was to give it my all and not try to control what was beyond my power.
At first, I had to adapt to a new lifestyle. The work pace, different from what I was used to, took some time to adjust to, as it represented a radical change. So it was important for me to establish a new routine while keeping some old habits so I wouldn’t lose my bearings.
Now that I’m back, I can say it was the best decision I ever made, because it gave me the chance to experience the beaches, the beautiful nature, and other wonderful aspects of the country for the first time, without comparing them to preconceived expectations.
I can confirm, from my own experience, that yes, Senegal is indeed the land of Teranga: hospitality, kindness, and openness. People have a genuine spirit of mutual aid: if they can’t help you themselves, they’ll find someone else who can. I especially remember the evening I arrived. I went to a restaurant and, not being familiar with the currency, I handed over the wrong bill: I was short on money. Yet the restaurant owner let me go when she saw my luggage; she immediately understood that I had just arrived.
I didn’t necessarily experience culture shock, since I grew up in Africa. In my view, certain values are shared, particularly solidarity within the community. I was also struck by the passion for soccer, especially during the Africa Cup of Nations: seeing groups of people—children and adults alike—gather to celebrate their victories with pride was a unique experience. I met people I’m proud to call colleagues and friends today. They helped me fit in by introducing me to Senegalese dishes and traditional clothing. I even had the opportunity to be invited to the Korité festival (Eid al-Fitr), a time of sharing and joy, where children run everywhere—a truly unforgettable experience.
I strongly encourage every student who wants to do an international internship in Senegal to go for it without hesitation. It is an enriching experience, both personally and professionally. You’ll have the chance to explore the country, and I assure you there’s plenty to see—but above all, you’ll meet people who are always ready to help.
This experience opened my eyes and changed the way I see the world, reminding me that wealth isn’t measured solely by material possessions, but also through supportive and reciprocal human relationships.