Housing

Gather around a bowl of tieboudienne with your host family and share stories from your day. Staying with a Senegalese family is the best way to connect with locals and experience the true essence of teranga—Senegal’s warm and generous hospitality.

Before arrival, students fill out a housing questionnaire, and our staff uses this information to match you with the perfect family. All host families speak French, and each student is paired with one family to ensure a personalized experience.

You’ll enjoy a private bedroom with linens, access to shared spaces including the kitchen, daily breakfast and dinner, and weekly laundry service. Beyond the basics, students often take part in family weddings, learn Wolof, and maintain relationships with host families after the program. Many students feel like true members of the family, joining in on daily life, cooking traditional meals, and sharing their own favorite dishes. Most families are within a 15-minute walk of school, in the vibrant Point E neighborhoods.

Enjoy the independence of a private room in a local family compound, with more autonomy while still being immersed in Senegalese culture. This option offers a balance of freedom and support, allowing you to cook your own meals and live on your terms, all in a safe and welcoming environment.

We understand that starting with a new family can be intimidating. Many family compounds are used to providing students with privacy as children grow, so you’ll have the independence you need, with the added security of knowing we’ve arranged everything for you. This option is also perfect for students with limited French or those who want to engage in the program in English.

As with the homestay, you’ll complete a housing questionnaire to ensure the best match. You’ll also be provided with linens, access to shared spaces, and weekly laundry service. With this option, you get the flexibility of independent living, with the support and comfort of our program.