1-703-996-9072 katy@vivelexperience.com

More Than a Tour
Vive is for Educators and Students
Who Want to
Learn, Experience, and Connect
French teachers riding on camels in Senegal Two French teachers on a Senegalese beach. Coastline at Toubab Diallo

Reflections from our Past Travelers

French, teaching, travel, culture, experiences.

The first time I set foot in Senegal, everything changed—for my teaching and my life.

That’s why I created Vive l’expérience—to share that with you.

I’m Katy, a longtime French teacher and the founder of Vive. We design immersive trips to Senegal and Tunisia for French teachers and their students—experiences that go far beyond tourism.

You’ll connect with our local friends, families, and schools while you explore culture. You’ll return energized, inspired, and ready to diversify your curriculum.

I can’t wait for you to join us!

– Katy

Upcoming Vive Programs

2026 NOW OPEN!

Senegal Teranga 2026

Join a 11-day, 10-night cultural immersion in Senegal, crafted for French educators. From July 3–13, 2026, explore coastal villages, UNESCO sites, and vibrant cities. Engage in batik and drumming workshops, visit schools, and deepen your language skills while forming meaningful connections that inspire your teaching and understanding of Francophone Africa.
From$3,975
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Timeless Tunisia 2026

From ancient ruins and bustling medinas to the rolling dunes of the Sahara, Tunisia is a land of contrasts, history, and vibrant culture. Join us for an immersive travel experience that blends adventure, discovery, and authentic local encounters.
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Coming Soon!

Saint-Louis Jazz Festival – Senegal May/June 2026

Experience Senegal’s Saint-Louis Jazz Festival on this unique trip. Explore Dakar, Gorée Island, and historic Saint-Louis while enjoying live jazz, cultural workshops, and authentic community connections. Designed for educators, this trip blends music, history, and immersive travel in one unforgettable journey.
From$4,100
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s new for 2026?

All trips: We have a St-Louis Jazz Fest trip in May 2026, open to anyone! On educator trips, a limited number of spots may be available for those who wish to sign up with a partner, spouse, or adult family member over 21 years old with at least an intermediate proficiency in French. The French language educator will be responsible for any language interpretation or explanations for their traveling partner. Registration typically opens in April or May for the following summer. Airfare is not included in the trip price.

What are the goals of the educator trips to Senegal and Tunisia?

Senegal and Tunisia: We aim to offer a unique and transformational French language immersion experience. Throughout the trip, French language educators will gain an increased cultural, historical, and contemporary understanding of Senegal and Tunisia. The trip will focus on various topics such as education, literature, history, world cultural heritage sites, environment, global issues, and more. Participants will have various opportunities to interact 1-1 and in small groups with Senegalese or Tunisian students, educators, writers, researchers, artists, griots, and families.

Who can join the educator trips?

Senegal and Tunisia: There are up to 20 places available for our Senegal and Tunisia Educator Programs. French language educators, including current K-12 and college/university professors, retired, pre-service educators, and those between jobs are eligible. Check with us to see if we have space for French-speaking spouses. Completed applications with deposits will be processed for program acceptance. We will maintain a waitlist for any interested candidates in case a spot becomes available.

What about the St. Louis Jazz Fest Senegal trips?

Senegal: These trips are open to anyone who wants to enjoy and focus their trip on four days of international and Senegalese jazz in St. Louis. We will also visit UNESCO sites, artisanal markets, do some local sight-seeing, and discover local nature.

Is Senegal safe?  Is Tunisia Safe?

Senegal: According to the US State Department, the current advisory level is 1 (exercise normal precautions) as of 04/06/25. This is the lowest level. 

Tunisia: According to the US State Department, the current Tunisia advisory level is 2 (exercise increased cautions) as of 04/29/25.  

What will the Senegal Trips and Tunisia Educator Trips Cost?

See the details of each Program to see costs.

Senegal: For Senegal, you only need money for personal snacks and souvenirs. You can pay online by ACH or via credit card. Payments are made monthly or paid in full through our website. Program costs include the following expenses during the travel dates of the Program:
* All lodging in country, in double rooms (infrequently triples) with your own bed
* All meals in country and one soft drink or juice per meal
* All transportation in country
* All event entrance fees and guide fees in country

 

Tunisia: For Tunisia, you will spend money on personal snacks, souvenirs, some meals, and tips. Program costs include the following expenses during the travel dates of the Program:
* All lodging in country, in double rooms (infrequently triples) with your own bed
* Most meals in country and bottled water
* All transportation in country
* All event entrance fees in country

What is not included in the Senegal Educator Trip cost?

Senegal Educator: We do NOT include airfare, nor required proof of Yellow Fever vaccinations, required malaria prophylaxis for the trip, nor the required trip travel and medical evacuation insurance including CFAR (Cancel for Any Reason). Any other personal immunizations & health care costs, souvenirs, snacks, and optional tips are at your own discretion.

How do I exchange into Senegalese CFA for personal purchases? How about Tunisian Dinars?

Senegalese CFA: Participants can pre-order CFA through Vive a month prior to departure and you will receive it upon arrival in Senegal. You bring your new $100 & $50 bills to Senegal for the exchange. We recommend bringing some additional cash in addition to ATM cards in case you need more cash. Infrequently, credit cards could be used for purchases in a store, but typically cash is required. Typically $200-$300 USD is sufficient for souvenirs. Let us know what currency you will want to exchange.

Tunisian Dinars: Participants can withdraw money at local ATMs in Tunisia. We recommend bringing approximately $200 USD in case you need more cash. Credit cards can be used for purchases in a store, but typically cash is required in markets. Typically $200-$300 is sufficient for souvenirs.

What do I need to know about paperwork and documents to enter Senegal? 

Senegal: See this link from the US State Department for passport, entry requirements, and safety information. Participants should have passports valid for travel to/from their home country for 6 months beyond travel dates with at least two blank pages. You may need a Yellow Fever Certificate as proof to enter Senegal. Currently, US and Canadian citizens do not need special tourist visas to enter the country. Applicants from other countries should check to verify what documentation is required. 

What do I need to know about paperwork to enter Tunisia? 

Tunisia: See this link from the US State Department for passport, entry requirements, and safety information. Participants from other countries should check on their requirements.

What health concerns should I be aware of in Senegal? What health concerns should I be aware of in Tunisia?

Senegal: According to the US CDC, the current health advisory alert level is 2 (practice enhanced cautions) due to circulating poliovirus. You should have proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination (good for life), take antimalarial medicine, and have all regular vaccinations up-to-date as well as others as recommended by your doctor, the CDC, or a travel clinic. Anyone with peanut allergies is discouraged from applying. Other known anaphylactic issues or other serious health issues should be discussed with your doctor. Food allergies, sensitivities, or preferences may be difficult to accommodate. Insect repellent and long-sleeves are recommended to avoid mosquito bites. 

Tunisia: According to the US CDC, the current health advisory alert level for Tunisia is 2 (practice enhanced cautions). You should have all regular vaccinations up-to-date as well as others as recommended by your doctor, the CDC, or a travel clinic. Other known anaphylactic issues or other serious health issues should be discussed with your doctor. Food allergies, sensitivities, or preferences may be difficult to accommodate. 

What is the main religion in Senegal and Tunisia? 

Senegal: Senegal is around 95% Muslim, 3% Catholic and 2% animist. In general, Muslim brotherhoods are tolerant of others with different religions. 

Tunisia: Tunisia is around 99% Muslim with the majority Sunni. There are some important historical Jewish and Christian sites in Tunisia as well.

Can I drink alcohol during the trip? What drugs are legal?

Senegal: Participants on educator trips should abstain from drinking alcohol, in general. Marijuana is not legal in Senegal. Other prescription drugs are permitted in original packaging. 

Tunisia: Participants should avoid drinking alcohol. Marijuana is not legal in Tunisia. Other prescription drugs are permitted in original packaging. 

What sort of insurance do I need?

All trips: Participants must purchase their own travel and medical evacuation insurance, including Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) whenever possible for the dates of the Program. Note that some insurance companies require signing up for CFAR policies promptly after your first program payment. Contact your insurance company for more information. 

What safety measures will be taken during the trip?

Senegal: We will have Trip Leaders and/or local Senegalese guide(s) with us 24/7. U.S. citizens should register at the US Embassy in Dakar through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for alerts and updates. We will practice safe eating and drinking habits and will talk about sanitation, health, and hygiene prior to departure. We will travel in a private vehicle solely for our use, avoiding nighttime travel; we will walk in pairs or a group. Our local guides and Trip Leaders will have phones for emergencies. We do not recommend jogging in Dakar but we can try to find appropriate locations elsewhere. 

What should one know about LGBTQ+ travel in Senegal? What should one know about LGBTQ+ travel in Tunisia?

Senegal: As per the US State Department under Safety and Security “same-sex sexual relations are criminalized in Senegal. LGBTI individuals routinely face discrimination. Under Article 319 of the Senegalese criminal code, “unnatural acts” are punishable by imprisonment of one to five years and a fine of F CFA 1,000,000 (USD $2,000).” 

Tunisia: As per the US State Department under Safety and Security, “Consensual same-sex sexual relations are criminalized in Tunisia. Penalties include sentences of up to three years in prison.” 

What about wifi and charging electronics?

All trips: International phone plans may be very pricey. Sometimes wifi access may be limited to our lodgings in the evening, which may be unreliable. We recommend bringing a notebook, phone/small camera, and French-style (types C & E) adapters for the electrical outlets. You recommend you leave laptop computers at home. Sometimes there are power surges and electrical outages, so consider using a European surge protector. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. 

What can I wear/pack? 

Senegal: Every participant should only bring one small to medium suitcase and one smaller backpack, and avoid valuables. With temperatures in the 80s-90s and high humidity during summer trips, lightweight, long cotton or linen pants, or long skirts/dresses are recommended. Clothes should be tidy and without holes, and knee-length or longer, except at beaches or poolside. We will try to have some clothes tailor-made during the trip. You may need a lightweight sweater for cooler nights or in locations with more air-conditioning, though Senegalese AC is typically not as cold as in the USA, nor Europe. A specific packing list will be provided to Participants closer to departure. You can hand wash some clothes as needed. We will try to have laundry done once about halfway through the trip.

Tunisia: Every participant should only bring one small to medium suitcase and one smaller backpack. A smaller day bag such as a waist-pack or fanny pack can be useful. Avoid valuables. With temperatures in the 80s-90s or higher during summer trips, lightweight, long cotton or linen pants, or long skirts/dresses are recommended. Clothes should be tidy and without holes, and knee-length or longer, except at beaches or poolside.  You may need a lightweight sweater for cooler nights or in locations with more air-conditioning. Women will need a scarf for visits to mosques. You can hand wash some clothes as needed. A specific packing list will be provided to Participants closer to departure.

What special preparation and resources will Vive provide prior to departure?

Vive offers free pre-departure meetings to help you prepare for your trip, focusing not just on logistics, but also cultural and linguistic information to help you get the most out of your trip. Educator trips will include 4-5 pre-departure meetings.

What sort of documents will I need? 

All trips: A valid passport six months beyond our return date with at least two blank pages will be required. Be sure that you can leave and re-enter your home country on your passport. Currently, US citizens do not need special tourist visas to enter the country.

What special preparation and resources will Vive provide prior to departure?

All trips: Vive offers free pre-departure meetings to help you prepare for your trip, focusing not just on logistics, but also cultural and linguistic information to help you get the most out of your trip.

How much time will I spend outside?

Senegal: A lot! We will be doing outdoor activities on a daily basis. We will visit UNESCO World Heritage sites of Senegal on our visit as well as several other proposed sites. We will also explore markets, towns, downtown Dakar, and beaches. We will spend time in our bus to travel between sites. You may have the opportunity to swim in hotel pools and in the Atlantic Ocean. We will be walking a lot as well. Sunscreen, hats, reusable water bottles & insect repellent will be essential.

Tunisia: A lot! We will be doing outdoor activities on a daily basis. We will visit UNESCO World Heritage sites of Tunisia on our visit as well as several other proposed sites. We will also explore medinas and souks, local oases, the Sahara Desert, and beaches. We will spend time in our bus, but we will also spend time in 4WDs and perhaps a camel or ATV ride. You may have the opportunity to swim in hotel pools and in the Mediterranean Sea, as well as some oasis waterfalls. We will be walking a lot as well. Sunscreen, hats, reusable water bottles & insect repellent will be essential.

What safety measures will be taken during the trip?

Senegal and Tunisia: We will have a local Tunisian guide with us and a Vive Trip Leader. U.S. citizens should register at the US Embassy in Tunis or US Embassy in Dakar through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for alerts and updates. We will travel in a private vehicle solely for our use, avoiding nighttime travel; when on foot, we will recommend being aware of our surroundings. Our local guides and Trip Leaders will have phones for emergencies.