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5.0 / 5Student rating
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1986Year established

Program Overview

Discover Francophone West Africa in the vibrant capital city of Dakar, Senegal, a coastal hub of economic, cultural, and humanitarian activity. APA's Dakar Summer Program is available for six or eight weeks. Build your schedule and choose: - 2 APA Courses OR - 1 Course + an Independent Study or Internship All courses are conducted in French, with dedicated academic and language support. Subjects include Developmental Economics, Oral and Written African Literature, Contemporary West African Art, Wolof Language, and more. Internships and Independent Research projects are customized to meet academic goals and are ideal for capstones, Fulbright or Boren prep, or hands-on experience. Engage in cultural activities, explore Dakar’s vibrant art scene, and take part in excursions to historical sites like Gorée Island and Lac Rose. Stay with a carefully selected host family, with all meals and weekly laundry included. Consider extending your stay in Senegal an additional two weeks (perfect for qualifying for funding opportunities) and choose to pursue an independent study, participate in an internship in an industry of your choice, or volunteer in a village outside of Dakar.

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Program Highlights

Choose thought-provoking courses, taught in French.
Benefit from a variety of unique cultural opportunities and excursions.
Stay with a carefully selected host family with a private room and all meals included.
Extend your stay two more weeks with an internship, independent study, or volunteer.
Join a three-day orientation to prepare for your time in Dakar.

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

Quick Details

Location
Dakar, Senegal
Availability
Year(s) Offered:2026, 2027, 2028
Terms Available:
  • Summer
Age Requirement18-25
Types & Subjects
Subjects & Courses:
  • African Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Art & Fine Arts
  • Art History
  • Arts
  • Business
  • Culture
  • Development Studies
  • Economics
  • Ethnic Studies
  • Film
  • French
  • History
  • Humanities
  • Independent Study
  • International Business
  • International Relations
  • Languages & Linguistics
  • Liberal Arts
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Music
  • Political Science & Politics
  • Sociology
  • Visual Arts
  • Women's Studies
GuidelinesAll Nationalities
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Updated Sep 2, 2026

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)
  • Education: University Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • Education: University Junior (3rd Year)
  • Education: 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
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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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