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Class status:	3rd Year, 4th+ Year	Type of program:	Specialized courses for study abroad students
Language of instruction:	English, French	Language courses offered in:	French, Wolof
Prior language study required:	Yes	Required GPA:	2.75

The Program

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.

The Academics

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. The two elective courses are chosen from a selection of English or French-taught courses, including CIEE courses taught in English; Baobab Center courses taught in French; a community service project or internship; or, when possible, regular university courses at UCAD for academic year or spring semester students with advanced French-language skills.

In order to earn credit at UConn for courses completed on this program, individual courses must be approved by a designated UConn course evaluator and assigned a UConn course number. Complete instructions for this process can be found under Getting Academic Credit on the navigation bar on the left of the Study Abroad Homepage.

The Experience

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.

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.

Included in the program cost are day trips to historic Gorée Island, including the Slave House and Women's Museum; Lac Rose; the village des Tortues; and to Toubab Dialaw, a fishing village and artist's colony. In previous semesters, students have also had weekend trips to Saint Louis, the former capital of French West Africa, and to other parts of Senegal where they experienced rural life. Additional trips and group outings in and around Dakar may be organized depending upon student interests.

Click here for information on applying to a CIEE program.