Summer in Senegal

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

Overview Academics Support Housing Culture Dates & Fees Application

Overview

Applications now open for Summer 2021!

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
Sophomore+ Standing
3+ Semesters of French or equivalent

Dates

Summer 2021
May 26 - July 11, 2021 (6 weeks)
May 26 - July 25, 2021 (with 2-week extension)

Estimated Cost

Six Weeks: $6,100
Two-Week Extension: $2,300-2,600

Language of Instruction

French
B1 starting level+

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 and preparing for homestays
Health & safety overview
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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