ciee - council on international educational exchange
apply now for a ciee study abroad program

Search this site:
are you an advisor?
  
CIEE Annual Conference
Sign up for our newsletter
featured programs

Study in China
beijing - chinese language + culture

Study in France
paris - critical studies

Study in Nicaragua
managua - liberal arts

Study in the Czech Republic
prague - film studies

Study in Italy
naples - liberal arts

Study in Italy
naples - classical studies

Study in Germany
berlin - language + culture

Study in Thailand
khon kaen - community public health

Study in Australia
perth - sustainability + the environment

Is this program right for you?

If you are interested or majoring in French/Francophone studies, African studies, international relations, or development studies and are seeking an opportunity to live and study in a French-speaking West African country considered by many to be one of the most developed and democratic nations in that region, then this program is right for you. 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.

Program Snapshot

  • Ideal for students interested in African studies, development studies, anthropology, and sociology
  • Homestays with Senegalese families provide strong cultural immersion
  • Opportunities for community service and internships, and participation in African art, dance, and music
  • Excursions to such places as Gorée Island, Toubab Dialaw, Saint Louis, and the Sine-Saloum region; rural stays with Peace Corps or NGO staff

 

Subject Areas

  • African Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Cultural Studies
  • Culture (host country)
  • Development & Planning
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Environmental Studies
  • French Language
  • Gender Studies
  • History
  • Internship
  • Language (host country)
  • Literature
  • Public Health
  • Senegalese Studies
  • Urban Studies
  • Wolof Language

About Dakar

The Republic of Senegal, which achieved independence in 1960 after more than a century of French colonial rule, is arguably one of the most democratic and developed countries in West Africa. Senegal has a population of nearly twelve million, with two and a half million living in Dakar, the political and economic capital 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 percent Muslim.

Where You'll Study

Suffolk University - Dakar Campus

The CIEE Study Center in Dakar is operated in conjunction with Suffolk University-Dakar Campus. The CIEE Study Center office is located on campus, and language instruction and CIEE area studies courses take place there. CIEE students have access to the library, computer labs, and other facilities at Suffolk University-Dakar Campus, but should understand that they will study exclusively with other CIEE students.

Thoughts From Abroad

Dakar, Senegal’s capital city and home to the CIEE Study Center, is an excellent place to be immersed in cultural diversity and historical legacy. In addition to its numerous museums, cultural centers, theaters, and wide variety of restaurants and nightclubs, Dakar is famous for its lively intellectual life and rich socio-cultural landscape that draw from both Africa and the West. Dakar is also known for its dynamic press, which has contributed greatly to Senegal’s multiparty democratic political system. Yet a mere 15-minute ferry trip from downtown Dakar lies lovely Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, infamous for its role in the enslavement of Africans and home to La Maison des Esclaves, a museum that provides a living memory of a despicable chapter in world history.

In keeping with the idea of global cultural exchange so precious to the poet Léopold Sédar Senghor, the country’s first president and co-founder of the intellectual and literary movement known as Negritude, Senegal takes pride in its legendary reputation as the Country of Téranga (the Wolof word for hospitality). So welcome to the land of Téranga and enjoy the experience of a lifetime!

— Serigne Ndiaye, Resident Director

Staff Bios

Dr. Serigne Ndiaye became the Resident Director in the fall of 2002. Born and raised in Senegal, Dr. Ndiaye completed his undergraduate and graduate studies in English and American Literature and Civilization at Université Cheikh Anta Diop, and his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature at Emory University. His primary research and teaching areas include Francophone African and Caribbean literature and culture and post-colonial theory. Dr. Ndiaye has taught at both Emory University and SUNY-Albany and is quadri-lingual in English, French, Serer, and Wolof.

Other CIEE Staff
Courtney Keene, Program Assistant, is originally from Washington, DC, but has lived most of her life in West Africa and South East Asia due to her mother’s Foreign Service career. Her international upbringing has nurtured interests in gender development and environmental sustainability. Before joining CIEE, Courtney worked as a Development Associate for Echoing Green and as a Gender Research Assistant for the United Nations Millennium Project. She was and remains involved in the programs and development of the African Women’s Millennium Initiative on Poverty and Human Rights (AWOMI), a non-profit organization based in Dakar. Courtney has a B.A. in Political Science from Barnard College, Columbia University.

Alain Badiane, Housing Coordinator, coordinates and maintains the homestay program. He meets on a regular basis, both with students and with host families to discuss housing-related issues. Born and raised in Senegal, Alain has worked for many organizations, including the Baobab Center. Alain holds an Associate’s Degree in French.

Recommended Credit

semester: 15-17 semester/22.5-25.5 quarter hours 
academic year: 30-32 semester/45-48 quarter hours

Eligibility Requirements

  • Overall GPA 2.75
  • 2 semesters of college-level French or equivalent

Program Dates

Fall 20098/23/2009 - 12/20/2009
Academic Year 2009-108/23/2009 - 5/16/2010
Spring 20101/17/2010 - 5/16/2010

Application Deadlines

Fall 20093/15/2009
Academic Year 2009-103/15/2009
Spring 201010/15/2009

Click here to check for deadline extensions.

Duration

Fall 200917 weeks
late August - mid-December
Academic Year 2009-1038 weeks
late August - mid-May
Spring 201017 weeks
mid-January - mid-May

CIEE Costs

CIEE program fees, inclusions, and estimated additional costs, are outlined below. Please note that CIEE reserves the right to adjust its fees in the event of significant change in exchange rates or other factors beyond its control. The actual cost of the programs may vary slightly for students from different institutions.

For comprehensive fee breakdowns and estimated additional costs, click the costs below:

  • Fall 2009 $11,900
    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, meals, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, a supplemental food stipend, orientation, cultural activities, a week long rural stay, membership to cultural and/or resource centers and the West African Research Center WARC library, pre-departure advising and a CIEE INext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Medical Insurance$74
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$10,202
    Housing and Meals$1,575
    Visa Fee$49
    Total$11,900

    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, meals, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, a supplemental food stipend, orientation, cultural activities, a week long rural stay, membership to cultural and/or resource centers and the West African Research Center WARC library, pre-departure advising and a CIEE INext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Local Transportation$150
    Personal Expenses$1,400
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$2,100
    Books and Supplies$300
    Total$3,950


  • Academic Year 2009-10 $21,400
    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, meals, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, a supplemental food stipend, orientation, cultural activities, a week long rural stay, membership to cultural and/or resource centers and the West African Research Center WARC library, pre-departure advising and a CIEE INext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Medical Insurance$74
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$18,127
    Housing and Meals$3,150
    Visa Fee$49
    Total$21,400

    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, meals, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, a supplemental food stipend, orientation, cultural activities, a week long rural stay, membership to cultural and/or resource centers and the West African Research Center WARC library, pre-departure advising and a CIEE INext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$2,100
    Personal Expenses*$2,800
    Books and Supplies$600
    Local Transportation$300
    Total$5,800

    *Students on the Acadmic Year program should budget an additional $500 for the break between semesters for meals.


  • Spring 2010 $11,900
    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, meals, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, a supplemental food stipend, orientation, cultural activities, a week long rural stay, membership to cultural and/or resource centers and the West African Research Center WARC library, pre-departure advising and a CIEE INext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Housing and Meals$1,575
    Medical Insurance$74
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$10,193
    Visa Fee$58
    Total$11,900

    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, meals, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, a supplemental food stipend, orientation, cultural activities, a week long rural stay, membership to cultural and/or resource centers and the West African Research Center WARC library, pre-departure advising and a CIEE INext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$2,100
    Personal Expenses$1,900
    Books and Supplies$300
    Local Transportation$150
    Total$4,450


Scholarship Information

For a complete list of scholarships available, please vist our Scholarships section.