Description

This seven-week study abroad program will take place during Summer I of 2012, in a 6-credit hour topics-course cross-listed in three participating colleges College of Arts and Sciences [CAS], College of Health and Human Services [CHHS], and College of Education and Human Development [COEHD].

The participants will be enrolled for the entire summer I session. The program will be comprised of a three week pre-departure orientation, a three week field experience (study abroad: May 26 through June 18), and a two-week post program process where students incorporate their overseas experiences in to their practice, finalize their capstone projects, and engage in the dissemination of information about what they learned while abroad.

The common goal of instructors and students involved in this course is to understand the impact of globalization on systems such as health services, schooling, foreign policy, food, transportation, housing, and to analyze how that impact translates into public policies.

This study abroad program includes (1) a three-week pre-departure orientation in the U.S. to clarify goals and prepare participants for the academic experience abroad, (2) the expectation of sustained engagement with the people, and their daily lives in Senegal, the host country, as well as (3) activities both in Senegal and upon return to the US that link experiences abroad with both the participants' educational experiences and goals in the U.S. In addition the course will have a re-entry process during the last week of the semester where students complete their capstone projects incorporating their overseas experiences into their U.S. practice. All participating students will also be required to do a presentation during orientation week in Fall 2012 to disseminate information about what they learned while abroad concerning the causes of globalization and its impact on systems.

Highlights

Dakar is the capital of Senegal the country at the most western point of the African continent. With over two million people living there, the pace of the town is fast and the markets are usually crowded. Many migrants from various African countries, as well as those from Europe and Western Asia are drawn to Senegal. Senegal is a country with a rich linguistic profile. You will find people there who speak the national languages (Wolof, Seereer, Mandinke, Soinike, Diola [Jola], and Fula [Pulaar]), as well as those who speak French, English, Spanish, and Italian. The language of the government and schools is French. Goree Island, which houses a replication of the Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves) is a mere 20-minute ferry ride from Dakar. In Senegal you will find ample opportunity to examine the consequences of globalization on systems.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education

High School

Subject Areas

• African Studies
• Humanities
• International Relations

Cost in US$:

USD 4,995

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Application Process Involves

• Disciplinary Clearance Form
• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript

Western Michigan University's Mission Statement

The Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education, established by the Board of Trustees in 1998, promotes and supports efforts towards globalization and internationalization of the academic environment of Western Michigan University. The Institute works closely with the International Education Council of the WMU Faculty Senate, as well as with international education committees and projects within and across colleges.

Year Founded

1903