Voluntary Work in Senegal

"Senegal moves to its own rhythm, punctuated by furious drum-beats and stirring calls to prayer"

To live in Senegal

Volunteer Projects and Work Experience Abroad in Senegal

Senegal, in West Africa, is an amazing destination to spend time on an international volunteer project or work experience placement. Projects Abroad Senegal has its volunteer office in St Louis, a town approximately four hours north of the hectic capital city, Dakar. Placements in Teaching, Care, Journalism, Sport, Medicine and French are on offer.

Projects in Senegal are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world; whether you are on a gap year, a summer placement, or a career break.

Senegal is a former French colony and much of the French influence still exists today. It is an ideal location for volunteering if you wish to improve your French language skills or already count yourself as a fluent French-speaker. You will certainly find it hard to return without having taking on some of the Senegalese accent!

Senegalese people are very hospitable, and you will have a good opportunity to immerse yourself in their culture while you are in the care of your host family. Other friendly Projects Abroad volunteers and members of staff are always nearby too!

Volunteering on a placement overseas in Senegal

Senegal encompasses many of Africa’s contrasts and contradictions within its borders. From arid desert land in the north to tropical jungle in the far south; cool breezes along the coast to furnace-like heat in the interior; thriving, modern commercial centres to isolated mud-hut settlements, Senegal is a window onto the wider African continent.

St Louis is perhaps the most ‘French’ of all Senegalese towns, with its colonial architecture, patisseries and shady streets. At the same time, it provides a fascinating insight into the every-day lives of the Senegalese as their country changes and develops.

The main town of St Louis is situated on a long, rectangular island in the middle of the River Senegal, and has outlying districts on the mainland area as well as on a sandy peninsula bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Commerce, fishing and tourism are the lifeblood of the town and its surrounding region.

Volunteer Travel and Tourism in Senegal

With national parks offering a variety of animal and birdlife attractions – including one of the largest pelican breeding grounds in the world – sandy beaches, a vibrant music scene, wild countryside and thriving cities to explore, there is something in Senegal to suit every taste.

While you are volunteering abroad in Senegal you can learn or improve your French, immerse yourself in local culture and enjoy the experience of West-African life by experiencing traditional villages and cultural centres. On days off, and when your placement is over, the beautiful tropical beaches will provide the perfect opportunity for you to lie back and relax.