Intensive French in Senegal

Rapidly improve your French skills in less than four weeks in an advanced language course, through conversations with your host family, and by interacting daily with local Senegalese. Explore the vibrant, multicultural city of Dakar, capital of Senegal and the westernmost point in Africa.

Academics

 This program appeals to students who are interested in completing an advanced French language course during a short-term winter or summer program.

• Program type:
  Study center program with a focus on language acquisition
• Level:
  Fourth, fifth, or sixth semester
• Term:
  Winter break, summer session
• Prerequisites:
  2.5 GPA; sophomores, juniors, and seniors
• Courseload:
  4 credits. Classes are taught by local faculty and specifically designed for students learning French. Enroll in one of the following courses, based on your linguistic ability and previous coursework: Intermediate French II, Advanced French I, Advanced French II, or Advanced Language through Current Events.

Faculty

Dr. Ousmane Sène of the Department of English, Université of Cheikh Anta Diop, directs the program. Ousmane Aly Pame assists with program coordination, and Senegalese faculty provide all instruction.

How to Apply

Click the button below to visit this program's web page for more information about the application process for this program.

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About This Program

Senegal has long been seen as a crossroads where black African, Islamic, and European civilizations have met, clashed, and blended. Today it is still seen as a bridge between Africa and the West; yet it is also a place where Senegalese people remain deeply attached to traditional values and cultures. This program is based in Dakar, Senegal's cosmopolitan capital. Heated by the African sun while surrounded on three sides by cool Atlantic waters, Dakar has a climate often described as "eternal spring."

Homestays are an integral component of the learning experience. All students live and share most meals with a family in order to gain deeper cultural insight into life in Senegal. 

One language course is taught over a four-week period and awards 4 undergraduate credits. The syllabus focuses on French language skill development and daily oral practice; excursions to locations of cultural interest in and around Dakar are included in the program. You may also participate in this program as a language pre-session for the MSID Senegal program.

About the Learning Abroad Center

The Learning Abroad Center in the Global Programs and Strategy Alliance is the University of Minnesota's comprehensive resource for study, service-learning, work, intern, volunteer, and travel experiences worldwide.

The Learning Abroad Center is a leader in providing innovative international learning experiences that expand and redefine the world for a diverse population of students, colleagues, and staff. The Learning Abroad Center staff and University of Minnesota faculty and staff participate in numerous leadership opportunities and serve on the advisory boards of organizations who provide and/or support education abroad programs. Through collaboration and individual attention, the Learning Abroad Center continues to promote empowerment, development, understanding, and responsibility in the global community.

A variety of program options--300 programs in over 80 countries--have been developed to address the diverse needs of students. Programs vary in length, level, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and degree of independence demanded of the participant.