Designed for students with interest in African studies, international relations, development studies, French and Francophone studies, Senegal introduces students to French-speaking West Africa through coursework, homestays, internship and community service opportunities.
Based in the political and economic capital of Dakar, this program setting is in one of the most vibrant African cities. It is an opportunity to see a multilingual urban African community in action, complemented by excursions and a weeklong stay outside Dakar. All experiences provide unique perspectives and understanding of issues related to gender, religion, politics, the economy and environment in Senegal today.
Students have access to the library, computer labs, and other facilities at Suffolk University-Dakar Campus. Language peers augment classroom instruction. Day trips and longer excursions are part of the program, with visits to the historic Gorée Island and Toubab Dialaw, a fishing village and artist’s colony.
Students attend classes with international students.
Students take required and elective courses.
Contemporary Senegalese Society and Culture (in French or English), intermediate or advanced French language, and Wolof language are required of all students.
Elective choices depend on French language ability and student interests.
- Electives taught in English have included:
— African Society through Contemporary Literature;
— Gender and Development in Senegal and Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Elective courses taught in French might include:
— Development Economics;
— History of Islam;
— Crisis Management and International Law in Africa;
— Public Health and Development in Senegal and Africa; and
— Topics in West African History: Colonization & Decolonization.
Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad; 22.5 minimum UC quarter units.
and Wolof.
Students who meet all preapproval requirements may undertake an Internship for credit (3 semester/4.5 quarter units). This course consists of a minimum of 60 hours of practical experience combined with a 30-hour seminar with several guest speakers. Participants maintain a journal, write a final research report, and give a formal oral presentation. Specific internships are negotiated in conjunction with the individual student’s academic or research interests and skills.
Housing is provided in homestays with a Senegalese family to provide a richer immersion experience, with placement made on the basis of a preliminary student questionnaire.
Students should be aware that peanuts are used in many local dishes. It is not possible to avoid exposure in a homestay situation. Students with extreme peanut allergies are strongly discouraged from partipation in this program.
EAP students are supported by UC’s network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with host universities throughout the world. Local CIEE staff abroad help students integrate into the culture of Senegal and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues. The CIEE Study Center in Dakar is operated in conjunction with Suffolk University-Dakar Campus. The CIEE Study Center office is located on campus, where language instruction and CIEE area studies courses also take place.