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Frequently Asked Questions

Safety & Security

Knowledge that safety is our #1 priority. A piece of mind knowing that a background checks are required ESF members. Opportunity to stay with a host family. Host families are selected carefully through to protect the interest of the ESF organization. ESF register's with the US Embassy and utilize the information provided by the U.S. Department of State as well as Key Informants and International Correspondents in the country of origin.

Health & Wellness

ESF Student Leaders and Members participating in the educational experience are required to have all of their immunizations up to date. We encourage our ESF Student Leaders, Members and Associates traveling abroad to follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). ESF requires all members to apply for international insurance coverage which includes international emergency medical assistance.

Visa & Passport Requirements

A US Passport or Permanent Resident (PR) card with a valid passport is required for travel outside the US. US citizens are not required to obtain a visa to enter most countries, not exceeding 90 days. A visa may be required of Non-US Citizens and information regarding obtaining a visa is obtained through the Embassy of the country of origin. In reference to, Senegal, the Senegalese government has offices in Washington, DC and NYC. Travel to other countries if you are not a US Citizen or Permanent Resident are more than likely required to obtain a visa to enter and a US visa to return to the United States.

Travel

Airline tickets are purchased through different sources in order to obtain the most competitive rates. We seek to find the most competitive and least expensive airfare and consider surrounding airports in the tri-state region.

Ground Transportation

The costs associated with renting a vehicle for ground transportation is the most cost efficient. ESF seeks to defray costs and seek to find the most efficient and economically means of transportation to and from the airport. ESF International Correspondents assists with ground transportation in the country of origin.

Transportation in Senegal. In most cases, a private car will transport the ESF team to and from the airport and may also be available to transport the group to and from sites and trips within the country along with public transportation.

Culture and Travel

Language and Communication. ESF seeks to learn the basic conversational language of the country we visit. The most common languages spoken in Senegal are Wolof and French. Bi-Lingual translators are available.

Housing accommodations. The ESF team will reside in the same home, together, of the natives of that country. ESF strives to have home stays in order to further develop their knowledge and understanding of the natives of that country as well as make a more educated multicultural comparison.

ESF participates in a number of local community events and community service. We are an active participate in the International Classroom initiatives a creative program of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology's Education Department. We also support other cultural programs and participate in outreach initiatives both locally and globally.