The city of Dakar
Founded in 1857 by French colonial settlers, Dakar is a vibrant modern city with an interesting veneer of colonial culture. It is home to the Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD), one of the finest institutions of higher learning in French-speaking West Africa.
Family living
Nene teral ganam yi. Def be bu nene sa ker mum el kerem. Always receive a stranger like a brother. Make him feel at home in your house. (Wolof adage) The Senegalese refer to their country as the land of hospitality (Senegal rewu teraanga). Prior to departure for Dakar, the Baobab Center (African Consultants International) makes arrangements with Senegalese families with whom students live for the duration of their stay in Senegal. Former participants in the program have thoroughly enjoyed the warmth and hospitality of their host families.
The Baobab Center (ACI)
The Baobab Center (ACI) is a resource center that works with a number of American university programs in Senegal, providing language instruction in French and Wolof. It also organizes cultural orientation workshops designed to prepare participants for an understanding of Senegalese lifestyle and ease their integration into the society. Students attend classes at the center and can rely on its faculty to answer questions or concerns throughout their stay.
Cultural activities
Students take part in a variety of cultural excursions in Dakar and other cities and towns in Senegal, including an optional weekend village stay. In the past, students have made trips to Gorée (the historic slave fort), Saint-Louis (for the annual jazz festival), Touba (Senegalese Islamic Holy City), Toubab Dialaw, Lac Rose, and the Women’s Museum (Le museé des femmes), as well as a five-day trip to The Gambia.
Program costs
The program fees cover tuition, room, and board, including:
- round-trip airfare
- home stay
- transportation from the airport to the home of the host family
- all cultural excursions and hotel accommodations
Participants are responsible for their passport fee, immunizations, and personal expenses (books, gifts, etc.)
Health insurance
Participants are required to have health insurance coverage abroad and to sign a waiver verifying that they have comprehensive health insurance coverage. Evacuation insurance is provided by Lawrence. Students who don’t have health coverage should contact Laura Zuege, Off-Campus Programs Coordinator, International House (ext. 7354).
