visiting the gambia oxford brookes university

Alan Hutchison & Tony ReaGambia-ExtraOctober 2013

Visiting The GambiaOxford Brookes

University

Why The Gambia?

Pronounced cultural contrast; Very welcoming; Accessible; Safe; English speaking; Connections we have made.

It’s hot!

The blue marks and figs at the bottom are London averages

Weather data

Locations for visit

Hotel base on coast for the visit

Local village visit

African Village Hotel

African Village Hotel

African Village Hotel

Standard Room at African Village Hotel

Local village visit

Time with family in compounds in small groups

Time with children Lunch African style

Outline itinerary

Educational experiences: Briefing on education

system with local experts Visits to local schools

according to interest – 2/3 days

Teaching/observing/meetings

Educational conference with Gambian student teachers

Typical visit

Cultural & other experiences: Bush taxi Sacred

Crocodile pool Local

markets/towns/ museums

Monkey sanctuary

Teachers comments from previous trip

A “This unique trip has highlighted for me some major issues within our society and having experienced a comparative community I can now try to start unpicking these issues. I feel empowered by this visit and it will impact profoundly on my professional and personal life.”

B “an incredibly precious experience to share deep experiences with people much wiser than us…”

Teacher comments

C “from the moment we touched down in Gambia I knew that I was in for the experience of a lifetime but I did not and could not have anticipated the extent to which it has affected me.”

D “I have had to confront my own judgements & open my eyes to alternative ways.”

Teacher comments

E “A truly life changing experience which will stay with me forever.”

F “I have also really enjoyed the time to reflect as a professional. I thought this would be mainly about the Gambian education system but I have reflected much more on our own systems and have come away with more questions than answers.”

Benefits

Personal & professional developmentConfidenceCultural awareness/global perspectivePossible teaching abroad laterPossible links to course work at the universityRelationships with others here and in Gambia

& possible school linksYour CV and teaching career

Key information and issues

Dates/times: 10-17 June (1 week): Tuesday to Tuesday

Flights from Gatwick: Dep 9.15am; Arr 14.55From Banjul: Dep 16.25; Arrive 23.20 (Gat South)Getting there and backTravel insurance neededPassport (need copy of passport page); valid min 3

months after returnHealth/safety: visit your local GP inc malaria;

further briefings in situ & before we depart

Key info & issues

Need minimum of 19 people to goCost: £850 (1 week)

Inc: flights; B&B; transfers; local guide; group dinners on 1st & last nights; group travel costs; rice for family visit; costs of drummers and dancers; 1 Batik session; entrance fees to places of interest.

Not inc: get to/from Gatwick; lunch each day & other dinners; local travel by bush taxi; tabs etc; insurance; any other spending

Travel with Gambia Experience tour operatorPayment dates:

Deposit £95 by Monday 4 NovemberBalance £755 by 7 April latest

How to pay?

Pay in to the university: an account will be set up for this. Make sure you pay in to the correct a/c & the finance staff record your correct details.

Make sure Nick knows you have paid.

Pay by the dates given, no later!

Contact info: Alan/Tony

Alan01962 827326 office (p/t Tues)01823 323728 home0752 847 4917 mobileAlan.hutchison@winchester.ac.ukTony01752 89699407544 622 822tonyrea@live.co.uk Further briefing meeting before we go.Your contact details: mobile & email on sheet

Other key info

Check the Gambia Experience website for further info inc cancellation charges:

http://www.gambia.co.uk/Docs/About-Us/Company-Information/Terms-And-Conditions.aspx

Check the Gambia Experience website for more hotel info, guidance on travelling to Gambia etc:

http://www.gambia.co.uk/