Senegal: National Identity and the Arts

  Senegal

Dakar

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: September-December/February-May

Description: Senegal plays a key role in West Africa's arts, culture, and politics, despite its small size and population. For the last three centuries, Senegal has inspired poets, novelists, and researchers, emerging as one of the most significant patrons of the arts in all of Africa. Led to independence by internationally acclaimed poet and philosopher Leopold Senghor, Senegal has throughout its history emphasized the role of arts and culture in society.

Dakar, an exciting cosmopolitan city, juts into the ocean on the Cap Vert peninsula. From its shores you can see Gorree Island, once witness to the forced migration of enslaved Africans, today a relaxed, pedestrian-only community of artisans and craftspeople. Excursions to Petite Cote, a region known for its preservation of traditional and local cultures, and the city of Saint-Louis, famed for its rich colonial heritage and architecture, add to your appreciation of Senegal's enormous contribution to African arts and culture.

Prerequisites: Three recent semesters of college-level French or equivalent and the ability to follow coursework in French, as assessed by SIT.

Highlights: Six-week homestay in Dakar and one week in a rural location.

The program includes field trips to the Sine-Saloum Delta, Gorree Island, Saint-Louis, eastern Senegal, and the Petite Cote.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: contact sponsor

Experience Required: yes

Prerequisites: Three recent semesters of college-level French or equivalent and the ability to follow coursework in French, as assessed by SIT.

This Program is open to American and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Senegal Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement: SIT Study Abroad is the accredited higher education institution of World Learning, a private, nonprofit international organization promoting international and intercultural understanding, social justice, and economic development through education, training, and field projects around the globe. SIT prepares students to be interculturally effective leaders, professionals, and citizens through SIT Study Abroad, undergraduate, field-based academic programs operating in more than 50 countries worldwide, and thorough short-term professional training and graduate degrees in language teaching, conflict transformation, international education, social justice in intercultural relations, management, and sustainable development.

Year Founded: 1932