Description

If you are interested or majoring in French/Francophone studies, African studies, international relations, or development studies and are seeking an 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, then the Language and Culture study abroad program in Dakar, Senegal is right for you. The program is geared toward students interested in continuing French language study and learning Wolof, while taking other courses in English and having a cultural immersion experience.

Academic Program
The CIEE Study Center in Dakar offers students the opportunity to live and study in a French-speaking West African country and to immerse themselves in two of Senegal's official languages: French and Wolof. Through a broad range of coursework in English and/or French, students are also able to engage in topics concerning Africa, in general, and Senegal, specifically. By doing so, participants gain a greater understanding of the issues and challenges facing Senegal today and learn firsthand about this multilingual society.

Academic Culture
Students often notice striking differences between their home educational system and the Senegalese model, which is based on the French system. While students in the U.S. are accustomed to a very structured system, the Senegalese method generally requires students to take greater initiative and responsibility in a less structured environment. Some American students could misperceive a course as having a light workload or few assignments, but students are expected to engage in a great deal of individual study and extensive reading outside of the classroom.

The Resident Director oversees all CIEE courses, which are taught in both English and French. Senegalese professors, most of whom also hold faculty appointments at Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD), teach these courses. CIEE Study Center courses run for 12 weeks (two 2-hour sessions per week) for a total of 45 hours and include a broad range of subjects.

Classes are generally lecture-based, but CIEE teachers are encouraged to foster more interactive classroom dynamics. In addition to lectures and discussions, many classes involve student presentations, which may take up a greater part of the course schedule than students are accustomed to in the U.S.

Courses are designed to offer opportunities for students to draw a parallel between the theoretical information they receive in the classroom and the social and cultural experiences they have outside of class. Field trips and guest speakers supplement students' education and provide a practical orientation to their learning.

CIEE students have access to local institutions and organizations for research and special activities. These include the West African Research Center (WARC), the IFAN library at UCAD, and the Baobab Center.

Highlights

• Choose from a variety of courses in African studies, development studies, anthropology, and sociology
  
• Live with a Senegalese family that provides strong cultural immersion
  
• Participate in African art, dance, and music; engage in community service and/or an internship
  
• Visit Gorée Island, Toubab Dialaw, Saint Louis, and the Sine-Saloum region; learn in a rural stay with a local host family, or Peace Corps or NGO staff

Depending upon students' interests and course topics, additional trips and cultural activities in and around Dakar may be organized or subsidized by the program.

Immersion
Language Peers
The Conversation Exchange Program pairs CIEE students with local Francophone students. Students typically meet twice a week for the duration of the semester, conversing in French or Wolof during one session and in English during the other. The program not only assists students in developing their conversational abilities, but also helps them make friends with Senegalese students.

Rural Stays
Weeklong visits to rural areas in Senegal are an essential component of the CIEE program in Dakar. Mid-semester, students travel in groups or individually, depending on their preference, and stay with either Peace Corps volunteers or local NGO staff working in the field. These visits provide CIEE students the opportunity to better understand the contrasts and connections between rural and urban realities.

During their visits, students are encouraged to observe thoughtfully, pose questions, and converse in the local language (whether Wolof or another national language). The rural stays allow students to identify key revenues and community resources, listen to the history of the village, and discover the role of and reactions to the volunteer or the NGO staff in the community. As part of the required Senegalese Society and Culture course, students are asked to submit a critical paper based on their rural visit experience.

Time and time again, CIEE students have cited the rural visit as the most profound and memorable experience during their semester abroad.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, meals, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, a supplemental food stipend, orientation, cultural activities, a week long rural stay, membership to cultural and/or resource centers and the West African Research Center WARC library, pre-departure advising and a CIEE INext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required

yes

• Overall GPA 2.75
• 2 semester of college-level French or equivalent

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Scholarships are Available

We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application
• Other

CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947