• 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 summer Senegalese Studies study abroad program in Dakar, Senegal is right for you. The program is geared towards students who want to learn firsthand about Senegalese society and explore issues such as education, politics, the impact of Islam, and development and globalization from a West African perspective.

  Academic Program
  The CIEE Senegalese Studies summer program is based on the Suffolk University-Dakar campus, and all courses are taught by local Senegalese faculty, most of whom have faculty appointments at the Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD). The program is made up of two three-week sessions. Students may choose to participate in one or both sessions. Courses typically meet every morning or afternoon, Monday to Friday, for three hours, with structured outings and activities incorporated into each course.

  Students enroll in one elective course each session. Although final course offerings will depend on actual program enrollment, the program typically offers at least one course taught in English and one course taught in French each session. Students may also enroll in the optional Survival Wolof course each session.

  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 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 will 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.

  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 are organized to supplement students' education and provide a practical orientation to their learning.

• Highlights

• Spend a summer exploring one of the most exciting countries in West Africa
  
• Take innovative courses in Senegalese history, politics, literature, education, religion, and public health and development issues
  
• Learn firsthand about Senegalese society through homestays with local families and community engagement opportunities at local NGOs and other organizations
  
• Explore Senegalese society and culture through special field trips and excursions to places such as Saint Louis, Toubab Dialaw, Gorée Island, and local museums

Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
Included in the program is a day trip to historic Goree Island, including the Slave House, Women's Museum, and the Historical Museum. Each program session includes a weekend trip to either Toubab Dialaw, a fishing village and artist's colony, or Saint Louis, the former capital of French West Africa. Additional local activities and field trips are included in each session.

Community Engagement
Community engagement is an important component of this summer program. CIEE Resident Staff assist interested participants in finding volunteer projects in various organizations throughout Dakar. CIEE has an established network of community partnerships with local NGOs, other local organizations, and orphanages. Projects may range from teaching English and math skills to young children or creating activities for children at an orphanage to working on training programs for girls and young women or helping officials with urban healthcare projects.