Hello, my name is Julia Lundy. I am employed with CFMWS with the Youth Employment Program (YEP), as a location researcher. I have been working on creating Handbooks for Global (ROW) locations. The past year I have been studying Sustainable Use of Natural Resources in Prague at the Czech University of Life Sciences. My family is currently deployed to Izmir, Turkey.
Previously, we were deployed to Dakar, Senegal, where I completed my IB diploma at an International high school. I decided to do my first handbook for Dakar, Senegal, as I knew more information from previously living there. Dakar, Senegal was my first experience living abroad. It taught me many things about myself, and I learned new skills that will stay with me for a lifetime. Getting the opportunity to move abroad and experience different cultures was incredible for me. When living in Dakar, I immersed myself in the culture through surfing, food, markets, and talking to the locals.
Senegal has a small surfing community with some great waves. Surfing was something I have always wanted to try, so after school my friends and I would get lessons at the local surf school. It was such a fun activity to do after school and was such a great way to make me feel more at home, connected to the locals and my international friendships.
Food is such a great way for me to assimilate into a new place. There are so many new recipes to try, and I was able to find new favourite comfort foods. Exploring and finding things I like helps me to become more comfortable and provides conversation opportunities with the people around me. Markets were something I found so enjoyable and inspirational, getting to see art pieces made by different local artists or fruits & vegetables grown and sold by the same person. Markets are such a common part of their society, so it was always so interesting to walk through them and observe.
Talking to locals is such a great way to meet new people and gain new and different perspectives on life. It can be intimidating at first but with time, it became easier. There will always be a period of culture shock so accept it as part of the process and try to assimilate yourself into the new environment. Find things that you want to try and set goals for yourself.
These things have helped me greatly and have given me many experiences I would never have thought I would do if I had never put myself out there.
5 Tips for when living in Senegal
There are some paved roads, but in neighbourhoods, the majority are rough, uneven, dirt roads so I recommend wearing comfortable footwear.
There are no chain restaurants like Starbucks, most are small locally owned businesses. Two cafes, I recommend are Kotao Coffee Almadies and Melo’s Patisserie aux Mamelles.
The climate is very warm all year, so I recommend leaving out heavy winter apparel and bringing light, breathable clothing. Also, sunscreen is a must.
Do your clothing shopping prior to leaving as there is not a big selection of clothing stores. Keep in mind that people in Senegal dress more modestly.
Get involved with your community there are many options for sports and activities inside and outside school.
Be aware of your surroundings and belongings. Stick to staying in groups.