The Gambia-West Africa

May 2007
Applications are accepted starting in November 2006, in a rolling admissions process. Qualified individuals will be admitted, as spaces are available.

The Gambia, in West Africa, is a beautiful country with a long and distinguished history. Students studying in the St. John’s University The Gambia Program will be able to experience Gambian culture and learn African history first-hand.

'Africa and the Atlantic'
The theme of The Gambia experience will be 'Africa and the Atlantic', and the students will receive 3 credits for a St. John's University history course by that name.

Additionally, participants will engage in a Service Learning project – teaching Gambian Elementary School youngsters. This component will allow the participants to compliment their intellectual endeavor with a community service undertaking.

Students will take part in

  • A ride up The Gambia River to visit historic James Island
  • A visit to Alex Haley’s (Roots) ancestral home Juffure, where students will meet the ‘relatives’ of Kunta Kinte
  • A tour of a British fort
  • A tour of the capital city Banjul, including visits to:
    • The Gambian National Museum and Library
    • The ‘Sacred Pool’ at Katchikally
    • The Albert and Serredkunda Markets
    • A viewing of the famous monument ‘Arch 22’
  • A special performance by a hereditary praise singer known as a ‘griot’
  • Perhaps watching some of the Gambia’s top professional wrestlers compete in matches.

Before Travelling
Students need to secure a United States passport, a Gambian visa and arrange to receive vaccinations and malaria tablets.

Passports
Click here for information on United States passports.

Visas
For Gambia Visas, call:
The Gambia Mission in New York City
(212) 949-6640

The Gambia Embassy, Washington, D.C.
(202) 785-1399

Health Preparations
Travel and Immunization Center
(718) 470-4415

More Information
Dr. Konrad Tuchscherer, Faculty Coordinator
St. John Hall, Room 244H
(718) 990-5244
tuchschk@stjohns.edu

Office of Study Abroad Programs
Marillac Terrace
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY 11439
(718) 990-6105
intled@stjohns.edu