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Global Dialogues Tunisia

For Friends of World Learning

Participate in our Inaugural Program to Tunisia and contribute to World Learning's mission to create a more peaceful and just world

Tunisia: Global Culture and Emerging Identities of Mediterranean Africa
April 24 – May 2, 2010

Program Theme:
Explore the paradox of how the globalization of culture influences the formation of national and regional identities.  Engage in dialogue with our Tunisian hosts to understand how the distinctive North African Maghrebi character of Arab, Berber and Mediterranean elements is adapting to the resurgence of Islamic faith, traditional devotional practices and influx of Western cultural influences.

Program Faculty Guide
Mounir Khélifa, a native of Tunisia, holds his Ph.D. in English literature from Yale University. He is a professor of poetry, poetics, and comparative literature at Tunis University and is also the Academic Director of SIT Study Abroad's program in Tunisia.

Program Highlights

Tunis: Begin your visit with an overview of the historical and cultural significance of Tunisia, from a Phoenician trading post to a symbol of modernity on the Mediterranean.

• discussions with local experts and leaders
• informal gatherings with Tunisian civil society representatives
• meetings with specialists at the Center for Maghrebi Studies

Djerba: Explore the culturally vibrant mix of Jewish, Islamic, and Berber identities of cosmopolitan Djerba

Matmata to Tozeur: Travel overland across Tunisia and encounter cultural contrasts between ancient Troglodyte cave village life and "Star Wars" cultural tourism. Meet with local citizens, artists and civic leaders to further explore influences on Tunisian life and cultural identity.

Saharan desert oases: Your program will stop at several well-known oases, including an overnight at Pansea Ksar Ghilane where we will have time for reflection and commentary by Dr. Mounir Khélifa.

Accommodations (preliminary)

• Saturday 24 April – Monday 26 April: Hotel Dar El Said
• Monday 26 April – Wednesday 28 April: Hotel Arisha, Houmet Souk, Djerba
• Wednesday 28 April – Thursday 29 April: Pansea Ksar Ghilane, Ksar Ghilane
• Thursday 29 April – Friday 30 April: Hotel Ksar Rouge, Tozeur, Tunisia
• Friday 30 April – 2 May: Tunisia Palace, Tunis, Tunisia

Cost:
Program fee (double occupancy): US $3,225
Single room supplement: US $ 525

In addition to your program fee, this inaugural program is suggesting an additional tax-deductible contribution of $500 per person ($750 per couple) in support of World Learning's programs in Africa and the Middle East. This work furthers World Learning's mission to foster a more peaceful and just world. We seek to develop programs based on principles of reciprocity and collaboration and your participation will further that effort.

Travel:
Air Travel to and from Tunis-Carthage International Airport, Tunisia:
It is anticipated that participants will arrange their own travel. We are happy to assist with travel if you prefer. We recommend the following travel timelines:

Arrival: Please plan your arrival for mid-day of April 24th. From departure locations in the US this may involve an overnight flight departing April 23rd. If you are arriving April 23rd in the evening, please let us know so we can arrange accommodations.

Return: Plan for a May 2nd early am departure from Tunis. The program includes an optional final banquet in Tunis with local hosts on May 1st .

MacNair Travel Management/American Express is one of World Learning's preferred partners and is available to assist you with your travel plans to the Global Dialogues Tunisia program. Travel reservations can be made by contacting Yvette Andrews, Sr. International Travel Consultant, at 202.640.5826, toll free 866.834.9600 (in the US), or via email. Reservations can also be made by completing the online Travel Request Form, specifically designed for this event. Then e-mail the completed form to groups@macnairtravel.com. Agency fees will apply.

Travel and health requirements:
If US citizen, a current passport valid for at least 6 months after end of trip. No visa required for US citizens for stays of less than 4 months. See http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1045.html#entry_requirements.

Please see a medical doctor for recommendations on travel to Tunisia. If you are entering Tunisia from a country with Yellow Fever present, Tunisian authorities will require you to present proof of Yellow Fever vaccination. See the CDC website for more information.

Registration deadline:
This program will fill on a first-come, first-serve basis. Accommodations are limited and we will maintain a small group size of 10-14 participants. Reservations are requested by January 15, 2010 with a deposit of $500 payable to World Learning.