Academic Year in Senegal

  Senegal

Dakar,  Saint-Louis

Term: Academic Year 
Dates: Mid Oct-Late Jun

Description: Academic Program

The UW-Madison program in St. Louis integrates language training, direct enrollment in university courses (taught in French), and independent fieldwork research. A full year of University of Wisconsin-Madison credit is given upon successful completion of the program, ensuring the quality of credits earned and simplifying the transfer of credits to colleges and universities throughout the United States.

The program begins in mid-October with an intensive four-week language training program in Dakar, Senegal, where students begin studying Wolof, the predominant African language spoken in the region. The four-week period in Dakar also includes in-depth orientation activities and lectures about life in Senegal, with a focus on Dakar. The program then moves to St. Louis in mid-November in time for the beginning of the academic year at the University Gaston Berger de St. Louis (UGB), the country's second largest university. The program runs through the end of June.

Students enroll alongside regular UGB degree-seeking students in UGB courses, most of which are taught in French. Students also continue studying Wolof and undertake an independent fieldwork research project. Faculty members at both UGB and UW-Madison assist students in designing the research project, accessing relevant source materials, and making local contacts. Fieldwork projects are submitted to and assessed by faculty at UW-Madison.

A four-day orientation is held in Madison, Wisconsin, in mid-September, at which participants in the program meet the Resident Director, discuss Senegalese higher education and culture with UW-Madison faculty and program coordinators, and begin planning the fieldwork research project. Family members of participants are invited to a special 'Parent's Day' luncheon, which is typically held on a Saturday at the culmination of the orientation.

Highlights:
* A Chance to Explore a New Culture
Senegal is home to a variety of cultures strikingly different from the ones most Americans are familiar with. Living accommodations are in a family home stay during the first month in Dakar, and in university dormitories on the UGB campus during the academic year. An on-site staff person serves as the Resident Director.

* Application Process
The program's regular application deadline is the first Friday in February. Applications will be accepted after this date on a space available basis, generally through mid-May. Students are notified of their acceptance status 4-6 weeks after they apply. Selection is made on the basis of the following qualifications: Junior or Senior Standing, cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, French language ability (four semesters at the college level or equivalent), and an interview (when necessary).

* Fees & Financial Aid
Students who do not qualify for financial aid for the program at their home colleges may be eligible for aid through the University of Wisconsin-Madison, provided they have submitted their program applications and completed the necessary financial aid application by the appropriate deadlines.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: WI Residents - USD 11,800; MN Reciprocity - USD 13,550; Non-Residents - USD 16,850

Experience Required: no

Participants Travel to Senegal Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home