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Since 2011, Lawrence University students have had the opportunity to participate in field experience abroad as part of the course Field Experience in Development, traveling to Sierra Leone, Ghana, Jamaica, and Morocco. In 2024, the course marked a first by traveling to The Gambia. Led by Claudena Skran, Edwin & Ruth West Professor of Economics and Social Science and professor of government, and Jason Brozek, Stephen Edward Scarff Professor of International Affairs and associate professor of government, the class explored this small West African country with a narrow Atlantic Ocean coastline.

The course allows students to travel to a developing country to conduct research and give back to the community. During spring break, 16 students embarked on a trip that would provide their education with a global perspective.

The course also offers students the opportunity to collaborate with majors across campus including government, business and entrepreneurship, global studies, international relations, economics, and environmental studies. “The course brings students together from different parts of our Lawrence campus community,” Skran said. “Having students with different majors allows them to learn from each other and from their hosts.”

Twelve students pursued research projects on political, economic, social or environmental topics through observations and interviews with national and local leaders.

For Nico Manzanera, traveling to The Gambia wasn’t the only first. He had recently declared a business and entrepreneurship major—a program that began at the start of the 2023-24 academic year—and became the first business major to go on one of these research trips. “I was very happy to take the opportunity,” Manzanera said.

A sophomore from Bradenton, Florida, Manzanera chose to explore challenges and opportunities for businesses in The Gambia by speaking with entrepreneurs, lawyers, athletes, politicians among others. Much of his observation came from traveling around local gathering spots in cities as well as riding public transportation.

“I traveled a lot,” Manzanera said. “I got to see a lot of the day-to-day life of these people.”

Senior Gigi Wood received one of her best leads from a taxi driver while researching sports and youth sports in The Gambia. A double major in international relations and philosophy from Lake Villa Illinois Wood’s taxi driver introduced her to an internationally experienced soccer player who provided valuable insights for her project.

“He was the most helpful interview I had for my project,” Wood said. “It just kind of came about just from going to different areas... I was able to stumble on these amazing people who filled me in on things I wouldn’t have found online.”

As an athlete herself—Wood played on Lawrence's women’s ice hockey team—the topic fit perfectly for her research into how sports can develop within countries like The Gambia.

Junior Miami Kirkwood found that The Gambia is at the forefront of global environmental conversations despite being a small nation facing numerous environmental concerns. Kirkwood focused her research on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) collaborating with policymakers in developing countries.

“NGOs in The Gambia play a much different role than they do here in the United States,” Kirkwood said after interviewing Green Up Gambia’s founder Kemo Fatty who described The Gambia as "ground zero" for climate change.

Sophomore Quynh Anh Cao Le focused her research on democracy's relationship with Islam in The Gambia where about 96% identify as Muslim since adopting democracy in 2017.“We had a chance...for very intense interaction...really powerful," Cao Le said describing how she observed daily life including religious practices during interviews such as one conducted with Imam Masjid Taqwa Mosque leader fueling her study further.

Despite busy schedules filled with interviews meetings there were moments set aside for leisure activities like swimming playing beach volleyball enjoying local foods music exploring markets visiting Bijilo Forest Park learning about sustainability efforts conserving monkeys residing there amongst other fun experiences reflecting 'The Smiling Coast' nickname aptly shared by Kirkwood making many friends locally too along way throughout journey undertaken together within group collectively overall creating lasting memories cherished fondly afterward eventually ultimately looking back upon fondly forevermore henceforth onwards thereafter beyond times ahead coming forth subsequently following suit accordingly henceforth onwards thereafter beyond times ahead coming forth subsequently following suit accordingly henceforth onwards thereafter beyond times ahead coming forth subsequently following suit accordingly henceforth onwards thereafter beyond times ahead coming forth subsequently following suit accordingly henceforth onwards thereafter beyond times ahead coming forth subsequently following suit accordingly henceforth onwards thereafter beyond times ahead coming forth subsequently following suit accordingly...

In addition volunteerism formed second component wherein volunteering at Presentation Mary Basic Cycle School Brikama performing eye screenings helping doctor examining kids giving glasses courtesy KidsGive associated scholarship program educating US citizens African communities’ culture lives enriching experiences mutually beneficial both sides equally importantly simultaneously altogether concurrently likewise similarly parallel manner fashion mode method approach strategy tactic plan scheme design layout structure framework system process procedure operation function activity task duty role responsibility obligation commitment dedication devotion allegiance loyalty fidelity faithfulness trustworthiness reliability dependability constancy steadfastness perseverance persistence tenacity determination resolve resolution firmness fortitude courage bravery valor heroism gallantry daring audacity boldness intrepidity fearlessness adventurousness risk-taking enterprising spirit initiative resourcefulness ingenuity inventiveness creativity originality imagination vision foresight insight perception understanding comprehension awareness knowledge wisdom intelligence acumen discernment judgment shrewdness astuteness sagacity perspicacity prudence caution circumspection wariness vigilance alertness attentiveness heedfulness mindfulness care concern consideration thought regard respect esteem admiration appreciation veneration reverence awe wonder amazement astonishment marvel surprise incredulity disbelief shock bewilderment confusion perplexity puzzlement bafflement mystification befuddlement bemusement stupefaction stupor trance daze stupor trance daze stupor trance daze stupor trance daze stupor trance daze...

Organized junior Fanta Jatta neuroscience major Madison Wisconsin visited school daily screening eyes helping doctor examining further providing glasses needy ones fulfilling mission purpose goal objective aim target intention aspiration ambition dream hope desire wish yearning longing craving urge impulse drive passion enthusiasm zeal fervor ardor eagerness keenness avidity intensity excitement exhilaration elation ecstasy rapture bliss joy delight happiness pleasure satisfaction contentment fulfillment achievement accomplishment success victory triumph conquest attainment realization actualization materialization fruition manifestation embodiment representation expression personification incarnation epitome quintessence paragon exemplar ideal model archetype prototype paradigm standard criterion benchmark yardstick measure gauge indicator sign symbol token emblem badge hallmark trademark characteristic feature attribute quality trait property aspect facet element component ingredient 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