bon voyage

So after some inquires, I decided to start a blog to document my adventures abroad (we'll see if I can keep it up based on time, Internet, ect.).

A little background on the program

The program is called Minnesota Studies in International Development (or MSID for short). If interested you can read about the program here . The first 6 weeks will be spent in the classroom learning about the history of Senegal, a core theme (I'll study entrepreneurship as it fits nicely with my business major), and Wolof (the vernacular language). All of the courses will be taught in French. The second half the semester we will be placed at an internship in Dakar to utilize our skills and learning in the community. With some day trips to other parts of the country, I'm sure I'll learn a ton!

I'm currently sitting at the airport waiting to board to my first flight. After stressing about COVID tests, snowstorms, and cancelled flights it seems odd to hope for smooth sailing from now on...

Mom, dad, and I left Sioux Falls on Friday, January 14th in a snowstorm to drive up to Minneapolis... from snow to 90 degrees and sunny!

We met Grant in Minneapolis for one last supper and family picture. Saturday morning we enjoyed crêpes at a French bakery despite traveling to Paris in less than 4 hours.

Then we said our goodbyes and I'm officially off!

I fly to Paris, have an 8-hour layover, then straight to Dakar. Thanks for following along!