Location | Academics | Housing | Dates/Deadlines | Program Costs | Eligibility/How To Apply

CIEE Baobab Center, Senegal - Academic Year Programs

Location

The Republic of Senegal, which achieved independence in 1960 after more than a century of French colonial rule, is one of the most democratic and developed countries in West Africa today. Senegal has a population of nearly ten million, with two million living in Dakar. Dakar is the political and economic capital of Senegal and one of West Africa's most important and vibrant cities. Although French is the country's official language and Wolof the predominant language, other languages are spoken by the country's multiethnic population which is more than 90% Muslim. Senegal enjoys political and social stability and has a well-developed infrastructure and tourist industry. The Senegalese take great pride in their reputation for hospitality, as well as their rich cultural traditions including art, theater, music, and dance.

University Profile: Université‚ Cheikh Anta Diop

The main CIEE partner in Senegal is the Baobab Center, a cultural resource and training center operated by Africa Consultants International, a non-profit organization founded in 1984. All basic language instruction in French and Wolof takes place at the Baobab Center, and cultural orientation sessions are also organized there. In addition, CIEE courses, taught in English, are held in classrooms at the Baobab Center.

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Academic Departments

Courses in the following areas are available through this program:

Classes Offered

The program is geared toward students interested in continuing French language study and learning Wolof, while taking other courses in English and having a cultural immersion experience.

Students take five courses each semester: three required and two elective courses. The three required courses constitute the core curriculum: Contemporary Senegalese Society and Culture, French language, and Wolof language. Students with advanced French language skills may be allowed to take a content course in French instead of the required French language course. The first two weeks in Dakar, devoted to language instruction and orientation sessions, include ten to fifteen hours per week of French instruction, as well as daily Wolof lessons. Students continue French and Wolof instruction throughout the semester or year at the Baobab Center.

Elective course choices are dependent on the student's French language level and are taught in both English and French and include: a) area studies courses taught in English for CIEE students; b) courses taught in French at the Baobab Center, open to other U.S. students; c) community service or an internship with accompanying seminar; and d) regular university courses at UCAD for academic year or spring semester students with advanced French language skills.

For more details on the elective options and a sample list of the courses available each semester, please click here

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Housing

Housing and meals are included in the program fee. All students live in a Senegalese home in a furnished room. Living with a Senegalese family enables students to have daily contact with the French and/or Wolof languages, and to learn about family and social life in Senegal, which are crucial aspects of the culture. While French is the official language of the country, Wolof is most commonly spoken in the homes of CIEE host families, and CIEE students will realize the challenges of living in a multi-ethic, multilingual society as they learn to function in both languages.

Host families tend to view U.S. students as "adopted children" and expect them to eat meals and spend time with their family and friends. Homestay placements are determined on the basis of a preliminary questionnaire and confirmed on-site in consultation with the Baobab Center's housing coordinator. It is important to keep in mind that the Senegalese live simply and amenities such as washing machines, microwaves, and home entertainment centers are not common features. Meals are also simple and less varied than in the U.S.; rice and fish are considered staple foods in Senegal. A weekly meal stipend is given to students so that they may supplement and/or vary their diet.

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Program Dates & Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester: (August 24, 2008 - December 21, 2008)
  • Application Deadline: March 1
• Spring Semester: (January 3, 2008 - May 11, 2008)
  • Application Deadline: October 1

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Program Costs

Program Fees:

• The program fee for the CIEE program in Dakar, Senegal is $11000

Program fees include:

• Tuition
• Housing
• On-site orientation
• On-site and U.S. based staff support
• Insurance
• Credit transfer assistance
• Optional on-site airport meet and greet
• Meals plus a supplemental food stipend
• Cultural activities such as visits to Toubab Dialaw, a fishing village; and an artist's colony, a weekend trip tp Saint Louis, the former capital of French West Africa

Sample Program Budget

See our What Does It Cost page for more information on fees & deposits you may be responsible for.

Financial Aid

Most forms of financial aid and scholarships apply to the cost of study abroad programs. Students should consult with a financial aid counselor at their home campus for specific information about awards and eligibility. You can also visit our What Does it Cost web page.

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Eligibility

• Minimum GPA: 2.75
• Minimum Class Standing: Sophomore
• Language Requirement: 2 qtr. college level language or equiv.
• Other Info: Requires 2 quarters college-level French or equivalent.
• Good academic standing
• No current disciplinary record
• An interview may be required

How to Apply

Before you begin your application, we highly recommend that you see a study abroad advisor to ensure that you have all the information you need about program logistics and eligibility. CWU students can call 963-3622 or drop by the International Center, Room 101 (across from L&L), to schedule an appointment.

• Apply Here

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More Information

Prices and dates are subject to change without notice. Contact Study Abroad & Exchange Programs for more information.

The program begins with a two-week orientation held at the Baobab Center. Sessions are devoted to Senegalese customs, living with a family, and personal safety and medical issues. Students also have daily instruction in French and Wolof during orientation. In addition, a program of expanded orientation activities fosters integration by having students explore specific places or organizations in Dakar, in some cases with Senegalese students. Orientation is maintained on an individual and group basis throughout the program.

Computers with e-mail access are available for student use at the Baobab Center, and at the West African Research Center where CIEE holds an institutional membership. Students also have access to the Internet at the numerous cyber cafés in the Baobab Center neighborhood.

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