Summer in Senegal

Spend six weeks in Dakar, the heart of Francophone West Africa

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Overview

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Discover Dakar: Spend an immersive six or eight weeks in the hub of West Africa–a vibrant crossroads of art, business, education, and humanitarian organizations. Follow courses taught by local professors on the campus of the Institut Supérieur de Management, share daily life with a Senegalese host family, and take part in a variety of cultural activities.

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At A Glance

Eligibility

  • 3.0 GPA
  • 3 - 4 Semesters of French (or equivalent)
  • Sophomore+ standing

Dates

  • Summer 2025
  • June 4 - July 20, 2025 (6.5 weeks) (TBC)
  • June 4 -August 3, 2025 (with 2-week extension) (TBC)

Estimated Cost

  • Six Weeks: TBC
  • Two-Week Extension: $2,500-2,900 TBC

Language of Instruction

  • French
  • Starting Level: B1 and up

Get to Know Dakar

Dakar Quick Facts

  • Capital city of Senegal
  • Official language: French
  • Population: 1,030,594
  • Currency: CFA Franc
  • Average temperature: 80F

Dakar is the capital city of Senegal and westernmost city in mainland Africa. A former French colony, this Francophone influence can still be found in the language, architecture, and cuisine.

Family, music, and storytelling are large parts of this welcoming culture. Senegal is known across Africa for mbalax, a blend of Western-style jazz, rock, and soul with traditonal sabar drums. Hospitality, or teranga in the local Wolof dialect, is so important to the Senegalese that the national soccer team is known as the Lions of Teranga.

Orientation

The first three days in Dakar are comprised of an orientation with APA in order to get to know your new city. This will cover:

  • Preparation & Guidance: exploring cultural differences including gender and sexuality
  • Historical overview of Senegal
  • Health & safety seminar
  • Walking tours of Dakar
  • Finding your way: practice using taxis and public transportation
  • Initiation in Wolof: learn key phrases and the practical use of this local language used in daily life
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.

Julia, Grand Valley State University

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