CIEE: Dakar - Language & Culture
CIEE
Senegal is one of the region’s most developed, democratic, and friendly nations, making seaside Dakar a prime spot to explore Senegalese culture and learn French and Wolof – a sub-Saharan language. Take a combination of language and content course... read more
All Reviews
I was able to experience life in a middle-class family in Senegal that was eye-opening and fun. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I learned the usual things about yourself that you learn while traveling, but in particular who I am as a person under stress. This was mostly to do with my lower level of French. I gained a few good friends that I still talk to, both Senegalese and American, and a better understanding of Western African politics, environment, p... Natasha G - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I believe I gained a lot of knowledge about a completely different culture. I improved my French language skills. I expanded my dietary limits. I made new friends. It was definitely worthwhile! Francisco Atila S - Berea College View Entire Review
I gained a totally new perspective on what it means to be a minority and how it feels to be blatantly targeted as that minority. I have such an appreciation for the family-centered and communal culture that Senegal has, and I also revere their insistence on peaceful coexistence of people of all religions and ethnicities. I also ... mkshrimpton - Barnard College View Entire Review
It was absolutely worthwhile, I learned a lot of things about myself, confronted a lot of personal struggles, and this experience also helped me figure out my future plans. Chelsea A S - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Senegal changed the way I not only think about issues like African development, but also just the way I think and approach problems and obstacles in general. Kathleen S - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Yes, learned a ton and was able to take a much needed break from college. Tessa G - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Yes, definitely Jamayca W - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I understand development issues and what role I can play to improve conditions. I am more aware of social justice issues and want to pursue a career in public health as a doctor in a developing country. Sajel T - DePauw University View Entire Review
It was very worthwhile. I learned a lot about what I want and what I don't want. It was really amazing in all respects. Katherine G - The College of William and Mary View Entire Review
I loved study abroad. It was definitely the best part of my college experience so far, and it has caused me to rethink my future plans. Instead of applying to grad school right away, I am applying to the Peace Corps. Abbey H - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Absolutely. I never could have imagined what I would find there and I laughed cried and everything in between about everything. Nothing like America which I guess is exactly what I wanted. Hayley D - Tufts University View Entire Review
Friendship. Reno K - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I definitely learned a lot from the people who were NOT students. Had run-ins with people and personalities I would otherwise never meet. Sometimes it could be frustrating, but in the end, it was incredibly rewarding. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I am very flexible and adaptable. I can live without hot water and air conditioning. A student - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
time shouldnt exist in the way that we(americans) think it does. family and friends are valued more than money....so much more...it was incredibly worthwhile. Danielle O - Ithaca College View Entire Review
I definitely gained self confidence and learned about my comfort zone. A student - University of Rochester View Entire Review
YES. I'm so much more independent and aware of my emotions/reactions to things. Senegal often challenged my preconceived notions and certainly taught me a lot about Islam. I now feel like Americentric; I know what at least one lifestyle outside the US is and the ways in which its superior and inferior to living in America. Emily D - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I don't know if I can fully answer the above question yet, since I haven't been back for very long. I think the effects will continue showing up for months and maybe years afterwards. The changes are big and overwhelmingly positive. I am now abroad for a second time in Europe, and so far I think that my experience in Senegal was... Nicole J - Barnard College View Entire Review
My cultural awareness has honestly skyrocketed; I think that if I had to sum it up in one word, the thing Dakar gave me most was perspecive. I really enjoyed almost everything I did in Senegal, and I am also pleased that my passion for my proposed career is even stronger after my semester abroad. I will not, however, be joining ... Liz M - Trinity University View Entire Review
From studying abroad, I gained a much better sense of what it is and what it takes to interact with and become close to people from a background and culture alien to my own. I learned how to better connect to those who are different from me in myriad ways, and how to carry out respect for that difference. Through study abroad, I... Eli B - Birmingham-Southern College View Entire Review
FANTASTIC. Kiersten K - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Yes. New perspective. Changed my future plans (made me really appreciate my home state and the connections I have with my family and community; convinced me that I was not, after all, interested in working for an NGO). Changed the way that I view happiness, the world, etc. Katiana J - University of Northern Colorado View Entire Review
About
All courses are complemented with CIEE co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
- Academic Year
Instruction Language(s):
- French
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- African Studies
- French Language, Literature
- International Law
Minimum GPA:
2.5Website
N/AStatistics
CIEE Scholarships
Qualifying programs: all summer, semester or year-long CIEE programs
$2,500 toward semester program costs, or $750 toward summer program costs
Current attendee at an MSI
$2,000 for semester, $1,000 for internship, $500 for summer
Open to all CIEE alum and participants from high school and college study abroad, teach abroad, and tefl certifcations.
$200
Travel costs to and from study abroad or internship program. Pell-eligible; first-come, first-served.
$1,000
Qualifying programs: CIEE’s Sustainability and the Environment, or Tropical Ecology and Conservation summer, semester or year-long programs.
$2,500 toward semester program costs, or $750 toward summer program costs
Qualifying programs: CIEE summer, semester, or year-long programs that offer research opportunities. Please check the home page of your program of interest to see what awards are offered for that program.
$2,500 toward semester program costs, or $750 toward summer program costs
Deduction off of non‑consecutive in‑person terms for CIEE alumni or sibling of alumni.
10% discount
Qualifying programs: CIEE summer, semester, or year-long programs in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Please check the home page of your program of interest to see what awards are offered for that program.
$2,500 toward semester program costs, or $750 toward summer program costs
Qualifying programs: CIEE’s Community and Public Health summer, semester or year-long programs.
$2,500 toward semester program costs, or $750 toward summer program costs
Enroll in more than one four-week summer session
20%
Federal Pell Grant-eligible students can receive a GAIN Travel Grant up to $1,000 when they complete their CIEE Scholarships and Grants application by our published deadlines. Gilman Scholarship applicants can receive a CIEE Go Global Grant AND a GAIN Travel Grant totally up to $4,000!
Up to $1,000 per student
CIEE offers substantial grants for students who choose our innovative Open Campus Block program. Available at 13 CIEE Global Institutes around the globe, Open Campus invites students across majors to study in up to three international locations in one semester.
Up to $3,000 per student
To increase access to study abroad by more students from Minority Serving Institutions (MSI), CIEE will cover 100% of program fees and travel costs for 10 students from 10 different MSIs to participate in an intensive 4-week, 3-credit summer study abroad program. To become a Frederick Douglass Global Fellow, students must be nominated and receive letters of recommendation.
100% of program fee and travel costs
Students who enroll in more than one four-week session receive a 20% discount off each additional session.
20% discount
Qualified applicants not chosen for a full fellowship are guaranteed a $1,500 program grant and possible university match, $3,000***
$1,500 per student
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