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Program Overview

Discover Francophone West Africa in Dakar, Senegal’s vibrant coastal capital and a hub of economic, cultural, and humanitarian activity.

APA’s Dakar Summer Program is available for six or eight weeks. During the six-week program, choose two 4-credit courses taught entirely in French in subjects including West African Art, Literature, Economics and Development, Senegalese Society, Cross-Cultural Management, French, and Wolof. Dedicated academic and individualized French language support help students strengthen their skills and gain confidence in a fully immersive environment.

Beyond the classroom, engage with Senegalese culture through weekly Wolof lessons, arts and cultural activities, and excursions to Gorée Island, Lac Rose, and the Sine Saloum Delta. Live with a carefully selected Senegalese host family, with a private bedroom, meals, and weekly laundry included, while experiencing everyday life and practicing your language skills.

Extend your stay to eight weeks with intensive Wolof, an internship in your field, an independent study, or a volunteer experience in Senegal.

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Program Highlights

Study entirely in French, choosing two courses exploring West African art, literature, economics, society, language, business, and development.
Immerse yourself in Senegalese life through a host family, weekly Wolof lessons, cultural activities, and excursions to Gorée Island, Lac Rose, and the Sine Saloum Delta.
Strengthen your French through immersion, with individualized language instruction and opportunities to build confidence in the classroom, with your host family, and throughout daily life in Dakar.
Extend your summer from six to eight weeks with intensive Wolof, an internship in your field, an independent study, or a volunteer experience in Senegal.
Receive personalized support throughout your summer, from orientation and academic guidance to health and safety resources and dedicated on-site APA staff.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
All Program Activity Costs
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Pre-Departure Orientation
In-Country Orientation
Academic Advising
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Language Lessons
Textbooks / Reading Materials
Course Materials
Academic Credit
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
Emergency Support

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Dakar, Senegal

Fields & Subjects

  • African Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Art & Fine Arts
  • Art History
  • Economics
  • French
  • History
  • Humanities
  • International Relations
  • Liberal Arts
  • Languages & Linguistics
  • Music
  • Political Science & Politics
  • Sociology
  • Women's Studies
  • Literature
  • Development Studies
  • Culture
  • Visual Arts
  • Arts
  • International Business
  • Ethnic Studies
  • Management
  • Business
  • Film
  • Independent Study

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • 2026, 2027, 2028
  • Terms Available
  • Summer

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • French
  • Education
  • University Freshman (1st Year)
  • University Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • University Junior (3rd Year)
  • University Senior (4th Year)

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Guest House
  • Home-stays

Application Procedures

  • Letters of Reference
  • Online Application
  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Transcript

Age Requirement

18-25

Refund Policy

Other

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Academic Programs Abroad (APA)

5.0
1 review

Rating breakdown

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Top categories

Academics
5.0
Living Situation
5.0
Cultural Immersion
5.0
Program Administration
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Health & Safety
5.0
Community
5.0

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Showing 1 of 1 review

Julia JeskoUnited States · August 2018

Dakar: experiencing francophone West Africa in Senegal

As an African Studies and French Language student, one of my biggest complaints was the lack of French-language study abroad programs outside of the Western world, until I found APA Senegal. The program's course content gives students an in-depth experience in a rich culture and the opportunity to make connections to locals (many of which I keep in contact with and miss very much). Living with a host family was a very effective way to improve skills in speaking French, and I felt much more comfortable with the language after completing the program. Academics are very rigorous but students will learn a LOT of new information in their classes, not only in French language but about local culture, economics, and analytical skills. I highly recommend this program and definitely do not regret choosing APA or Senegal.

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Gap Year Association Member New Logo
IIE Generation Study Abroad
NAFSA
Forum on Education Abroad

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