Things have been plucking along quite nicely here in Fatick. For one, my internship is getting much more interesting. Last week I got to work with some spreadsheets (if any of you readers know my mom, you know what a spreadsheet fiend she is. I definitely take after her). And on Friday my boss took me to visit various clients to interview them and see their projects in action. We visited a salt exploiter, a garden, and a woman who used microloans to fund the solar panel that powers her [...]

for three and a half months. I’ll be studying microfinance at the West African Research Center in Dakar for eight weeks, and will then have an internship in microfinance for the last six weeks. I don’t know how often I’ll be able to update, but this blog is in case I do! Check back with me here!

Hello to all and a Happy Thanksgiving! For the past few weeks I have been living in Latacunga and doing an internship at a cooperative that works in microfinance. Unfortunately, there isn’t internet in my house there and I haven’t had very many chances to use the internet! It’s a nice break from technology, but at the same time is driving me nuts being so disconnected from the world!! For the last few weeks, I’ve been observing my co-workers in the office and learning about micro finances as well as [...]

On Monday, I moved to Latacunga, a smaller city about 2 hours south of Quito. I have been working at an organization called Codesarrollo that works with small communities and cooperatives to offer loans and credit to people in rural areas or community groups. This week I was just observing different people in the office, but I hope to be visiting some communities in the next few weeks! With this move also came a new host family! I am living with the director of Codesarrollo and her family! She isn’t [...]

Just to start off, I would like to say how much I love the country of Senegal.  The people here are so amazing, the countryside and beaches are gorgeous, the clothes are so cool, the food is delicious.  I could go on and on.  I realized last week that I was half way done with my time in Senegal and I freaked out.  I don’t ever want to leave! Of course I miss you, burritos family and friends, but I just wish you could come to Senegal instead of me having to [...]