mission & Model
INTERNATIONAL
STUDENT COURSES
Immerse Yourself in African Culture, Music, and Education
Cultural Education Programs for International Students
At The Gambia Academy, we offer cultural education programs for international students seeking to learn African music, history, and culture from within. Participants live and study on site, and have the chance to engage directly with local students and teachers in a vibrant community dedicated to learning, creativity, and cultural exchange.
Each program includes hands-on lessons in instruments such as Kora, Balafon, Drumming or dance.
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Full time courses are 20 hours per week (4 hours per day) Monday through Friday. The cost for lessons, accommodation, 3 meals, unlimited drinking water and transportation to and from the airport in Banjul is £550 per week.
Purpose Beyond Learning
When you choose to study with us, your participation goes beyond your own learning - it directly contributes to transforming education in Africa.
All proceeds from our international programs are reinvested into the Gambia Academy, supporting Gambian students with food, transport, books, teacher salaries, and healthcare.
By joining our program, you become part of a global movement to create an education system that empowers Africans to build Africa from within.
Who Can Apply
We welcome:​​
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Individuals interested in studying Kora, Balafon, Drumming or dance, seeking short or long-term study programs. We welcome any level from beginners to advanced
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Groups from educational institutions looking for cultural immersion or field study modules
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Researchers and artists exploring African culture, music, or education
Accommodation
We offer comfortable, high-quality accommodation at the Academy, located in the quiet rural village of Medina Salam. Set just a fifteen minute walk from the quiet sandy beach, the location provides a peaceful space where visitors can experience life in a typical Gambian village - authentic, welcoming, and deeply connected to community life.
Each stay includes three daily meals, unlimited drinking water, access to instruments, and focussed tuition with your teacher. You’ll share in the rhythm of life in a quiet village, learning, eating local dishes, and connecting with our community.
