The ability to look at reality and find different options – the response isn’t just to say things aren’t going my way so I’m frustrated. You learn to find different ways to respond to difficulties. I think when you are Senegal – and you might be a better position to tell me what you learned – you come out better equipped to face many challenges. SN: Exposure to cultural difference and the ability to absorb lessons learned in a challenging environment. My job here is to make sure that we follow that mission as best as we can.ĮL: Along that mission, what do you see students taking away most from this program, beyond and including the academics? This means making sure that everything runs smoothly and in the spirit of our mission, which is to help people acquire knowledge and an understanding to live in a globally interdependent world. But, he knows that what they have learned while in Dakar will make them game-changers in their own way.Įdited Transcript – Interview Conducted April 9th 2015Įrika Liu: To start off, could you tell me a little bit about what you do for CIEE and what have been your experiences organizing study abroad programs?ĭr. Ndiaye is aware that few of his students will become full-time activists. In his recent talk at CIEE’s conference on intercultural higher education, “Cinema, Politics, and Study Abroad” highlighted the importance of confronting these preconceptions. Ndiaye has faith that youth activism and programs like his will encourage a generation of globally aware people to take action to change the narrative. Which has been the case throughout Africa’s history.” this wasteland like it is portrayed… are people who are interested in shaping their own culture and not necessarily leaving it to others to shape it. Ndiaye’s professorly demeanor cracks a little when he says, “What I am hoping is that people just understand Senegal or Africa is just like any other place that consists of people who … are invested in the development of their country and their continent. This trend of negative stereotypes that discourage students and their advisors from exploring Senegal has been difficult for him. He then taught comparative and post-colonial literature at universities in the United States before taking this post in Dakar.Īsked about the challenges of his job, Ndiaye highlights his most salient concern: pernicious misconceptions and mis-education about his culture. Once an international student himself, Ndiaye did his undergraduate and graduate work at Université Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar before receiving his doctoral degree from Emory University in Atlanta. He sees no reason why we can’t transcend these misconceptions. As the world has become increasingly globalized, it’s no surprise that intercultural relations are being integrated into nearly every part of our lives. He is an ardent proponent of cultural exchange as a necessary part of modern education. That you went beyond to break down stereotypes,” Ndiaye states as he sits up in his chair. This semester, I tell my students that I am really proud of you. In part because of the Ebola epidemic, this past year has been particularly trying. It hasn’t always been an easy journey, but one gets the sense that Ndiaye has always enjoyed the challenge. He has mediated cultural differences between his American students and his Senegalese professors for just as long. Ndiaye has been working as the resident director of CIEE (Council for International Educational Exchange) in Dakar, Senegal over the past 12 years. Despite more than ten years of increased student interest, recent problems on the continent and misconceptions about Africa have gravely affected the number of American students who elect to study in this part of the world. “Our mission … is to help people acquire knowledge and an understanding to live in a globally interdependent world,” he says in a matter-of-fact tone that elides the current threats to study abroad enrollment in Senegal and Africa. And, without skipping a beat, we’re back to talking about his work organizing study abroad in Dakar, Senegal. With a quick glance, he whisks his signature across the page. Serigne Ndiaye says with a little laugh when one of his teachers interrupts our interview with paperwork to sign. “This is what I do as resident director,” Dr.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |