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STUDY ABROAD IN AFRICA: SENEGAL
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Program: Suffolk University - Dakar Campus / CIEE
Location: Dakar, Senegal
Is This Program Right For You? Interested or majoring in African studies, international relations, development studies, or French/Francophone studies? This program offers students the opportunity to live and study in a French-speaking West African country considered by many to be one of the most developed and democratic nations in that region. The program is geared towards students interested in continuing French language study and learning Wolof, while taking other courses in English and having a cultural immersion experience.
The goals of this program are: To offer students an opportunity to live and study in a French-speaking West African country; to introduce students to Senegalese society in its multiple dimensions and to gain an understanding of issues such as education, women's roles, traditional ways of life, and the impact of development and globalization from a West African perspective; to enable students to develop and/or acquire foreign language skills in French and Wolof; and to understand the role that language plays in a multi-lingual, multi-ethnic West African country. To this end, the program provides opportunities for cultural immersion by living with a Senegalese family and participating in a community service project or internship.
All basic language instruction in French and Wolof and CIEE classes take place at the CIEE center at the Suffolk University-Dakar Campus, and cultural orientation sessions are also organized there. CIEE students have access to the library, computer labs, and other facilities at Suffolk University-Dakar Campus but should understand that they will study exclusively with other CIEE students. There is, however a Conversation Exchange Program that pairs CIEE students with Francophone students from the Suffolk University-Dakar Campus. Students typically meet twice a week for the duration of the semester, conversing in French or Wolof during one session and in English in the other. The program not only assists students in developing their conversation abilities, but helps with make friends with Senegalese students. The program also includes a week-long visit to rural areas in Senegal.
The Courses/Program: Students take 5 courses each semester: 3 required and 2 electives. The three required courses constitute the core curriculum: Contemporary Senegalese Society and Culture (in English or French, depending on language skills), French language, and Wolof language. The first two weeks in Dakar are devoted to language instruction and orientation sessions and include eight to ten hours per week of French and Wolof instruction. Students continue French and Wolof instruction throughout the semester or year. Students choose two elective courses from a selection of English or French-taught courses, including CIEE courses taught in English. Courses have included the History of Islam, Crisis Management and International Law in Africa, African Society and Contemporary Literature, and others.
Housing: Housing and meals are included in the program fee. All students live in a Senegalese home in a furnished room. Living with a Senegalese family enables students to have daily contact with the French and Wolof languages, and to learn about family and social life in Senegal, which are crucial aspects of the culture. Host families tend to view U.S. students as “adopted children” and expect them to eat meals and spend time with their family and friends. Homestay placements are determined on the basis of a preliminary questionnaire and confirmed on-site in consultation with the program’s housing coordinator. It is important to keep in mind that the Senegalese live simply and amenities such as washing machines, microwaves, and home entertainment centers are not common features. Meals are also simple and less varied than in the U.S., rice and fish are considered staple foods in Senegal. A monthly meal stipend is given to students so that they may supplement and/or vary their diet.
Duration/Deadlines:
• Fall Semester (17 weeks): mid August – mid-December / Application Deadline: April 1st
• Spring Semester (17 weeks): mid-January – mid-May / Application Deadline: November 1st
• Academic Year (43 weeks): mid August – mid-May / Application Deadline: April 1st
Requirements:
• 3.0 GPA
• 2 semesters of college-level French or equivalent
Program Cost Includes: Tuition, housing, meals, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, pre-departure advising, and insurance. Visa not included. For more information: www.ciee.org. Catalogues are available in ISAP’s Resource Rooms. Please note: The information on this sheet is for reference purposes only. It is your responsibility to confirm details and deadlines.
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