Program Details
Location
Dakar,
Senegal
Term
Winter Break
Summer Session
Housing
Homestay
Languages Taught In
French
Program Eligibility
Student Type
UofM Students
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisite
Minimum 3 semesters college-level French
Photos
Videos
Intensive French in Senegal
About
Senegal has long been seen as a crossroads where black African, Islamic, and European civilizations have met, clashed, and blended. Today it is still seen as a bridge between Africa and the West. Yet it is also a place where Senegalese people remain deeply attached to traditional values and cultures. This program is based in Dakar, Senegal's cosmopolitan capital. Heated by the African sun while surrounded on 3 sides by cool Atlantic waters, Dakar has a climate often described as "eternal spring."
This 3-week program provides you with the opportunity to study French in a West African francophone context. The Intensive French in Senegal program can be combined with the MSID Senegal semester or academic year program for an extended experience abroad.
Program Model
Housing & Meals
Homestay
Homestays are an integral component of the learning experience and are often a highlight for participants. Your family provides not only housing and most meals, but is also a connection to Senegalese culture. Nearly all families have hosted program participants before and have been chosen for their genuine interest in sharing Senegalese life with you.
Homestay families provide breakfast and dinner daily; you will be responsible for providing your own lunches. Host families can typically accommodate a variety of dietary needs, but if you have severe food allergies and/or restrictions, you should discuss your situation with the program team prior to applying.
Excursions
Excursions to locations of cultural interest in and around Dakar are included in the program. The program will also include a weekend excursion out to the Lac Rose area.
Accessibility
If you have a disability and plan to study abroad, visit our Accessibility Abroad page to learn about considerations, answer questions, and request accommodations before you go abroad.
Flight
The Learning Abroad Center works with Village Travel, a local travel agency, to arrange a coordinated flight for program participants. The flight is optional, and is arranged for those who want to fly with other program participants. Group flight information is typically available by the program application deadline, if not before.
You will be met at the airport in Dakar (DSS). If you take the group flight, or are able to arrive just before the group flight, our staff will meet you at the airport and bring you to your arrival hotel at no added cost. If you do not take the group flight, we will arrange a taxi for you, but you will need to pay for it on your own. Specific arrival instructions will be sent out prior to your departure.
For immigration purposes, you should purchase a round-trip ticket, since you must be able to show your entry and exit dates from Senegal.
Learning Outcomes
- Foster an understanding of the global context through classroom and experiential learning
- Cultivate awareness and appreciation for diverse communities
- Strengthen communication skills through acquisition of local languages and cultural awareness
Onsite Faculty & Staff
There are several staff members on the Intensive French in Senegal program, all of whom are there to assist you during your time in Senegal. Use them as a resource and as your first contacts for emergencies or concerns related to housing, academics, health, safety, culture shock, and much more.
Serigne Ndiaye, Ph.D.—Program Director
Serigne Ndiaye, Ph.D., is a certified Intercultural Communication facilitator and a seasoned lecturer in African Studies. He holds a pre-doctoral degree in English from Cheikh Anta Diop University and earned his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from Emory University. After completing his doctoral studies, Serigne returned to Senegal, where he has been actively engaged in international education as both an administrator and educator. With over two decades of experience in academia and cross-cultural training, Serigne has worked extensively with both international and local students and faculty. Before joining SIT and MSID, he served as the Director of the English Language Institute in Dakar. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Serigne is multilingual—fluent in English, French, Serer, Wolof, with conversational proficiency in Spanish. Outside of his academic pursuits, Serigne enjoys spending time on the farm, embracing the tranquility of rural life.
Mohamed Gueye—Program Coordinator
Mohamed Gueye is an experienced Program Coordinator with a strong background in education and student services. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Master's in International relation from the University of District of Columbia (UDC). Throughout his career, Mohamed has worked closely with students from different backgrounds and academic programs, bringing a passion for community building and educational access to every role he takes on. In addition to his work in academia, Mohamed is an avid sports enthusiast who believes in the power of athletics to build discipline, leadership and teamwork - values he carries into his professional life.
Program Structure
Program Level
Various levels
Courseload
4 credits
Coursework
One French language course is taught over a 3-week period and awards 4 undergraduate credits. All classes are held at the University of Minnesota’s partner organization at the West African Research Center (WARC), a local study center. Language courses are taught by experienced instructors who are native speakers. Small class sizes allow you many opportunities to practice your language skills and receive feedback from the instructor. You will be in class with other program participants. Homestay experiences enhance skills learned in the classroom.
You may also participate in this program as an optional language pre-session for the MSID Senegal program.
Global Identity
Global Identity: Connecting Your International Experience with Your Future is an optional 1-credit online course that helps you process your international experience and apply what you've learned upon your return. Global Identity gives you the opportunity to work individually with a trained cultural mentor, helping you articulate your newly acquired skills and differentiating you from your peers.
To access more information about the course, visit the Global Identity Course Information page.
Full Course List
Classes are taught by local faculty and specifically designed for learning French. You enroll in one of the following courses, based on your linguistic ability and previous coursework.
Intermediate French II
Course ID
SNGL 1004
Terms
-
Winter Break
-
Summer
4
Credits
This course is designed as an intensive course for intermediate-advanced and advanced French students. The linguistic skill development in this course is equivalent to 4th semester French.
Language Taught In
- French
Prerequisite
FREN 1003 or equivalent
UofM Equivalent
FREN 1004
Advanced French I
Course ID
SNGL 3015
Terms
-
Fall
-
Winter Break
-
Spring
-
Summer
4
Credits
This French language and grammar course focuses on advanced practical skills while emphasizing conversation and vocabulary building in the Senegalese context. This course covers linguistic skill development equivalent to 5th semester French.
Language Taught In
- French
Prerequisite
FREN 1004 or equivalent
UofM Equivalent
FREN 3015
Advanced French II
Course ID
SNGL 3016
Terms
-
Fall
-
Winter Break
-
Spring
-
Summer
4
Credits
This French language and grammar course focuses on advanced practical skills while emphasizing conversation and vocabulary building. This course covers linguistic skill development equivalent to 6th semester French.
Language Taught In
- French
Prerequisite
FREN 3015 or equivalent
UofM Equivalent
FREN 3016
Advanced Language through Current Events
Course ID
SNGL 3201
Terms
-
Fall
-
Winter Break
-
Spring
-
Summer
4
Credits
This course focuses on advanced practical speaking and listening skills while emphasizing conversation and vocabulary building through discussion of current events while living in a French-speaking country, Senegal, through language instruction and interaction with native speakers. The prerequisite is completion of 6th semester French (FREN 3016).
Language Taught In
- French
Prerequisite
FREN 3016 or equivalent
Reading & Writing through Current Events
Course ID
SNGL 3202
Terms
-
Fall
-
Winter Break
-
Spring
-
Summer
4
Credits
This course focuses on advanced practical skills while emphasizing reading and writing through the analysis of works by critical Senegalese authors. The prerequisite is completion of 6th semester French (FREN 3016).
Language Taught In
- French
Prerequisite
FREN 3016 or equivalent
Program Dates
Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:
This program runs annually during the terms listed on the Snapshot page. Program dates are typically posted within a month of when each application cycle opens.
Orientation Dates & Locations
The Learning Abroad Center provides pre-departure orientation in preparation for your time abroad. It is your responsibility to know the information shared at these orientations.
Orientation consists of several sessions, all of which are created to support your preparation to go abroad:
- Online Health & Safety Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory.
- LAC Program Orientation: Program-specific and important UofM registration information will be covered (academic registration, finances, arrival, housing etc.). Details will be sent to you via email.
The Learning Abroad Center also offers 2 optional orientations:
This program runs annually during the terms listed on the Snapshot page. Program dates are typically posted within a month of when each application cycle opens.
Winter Break 2025-26
Application Open Date: May 1, 2025
Application Deadline: October 15, 2025
| Schedule | Date |
|---|---|
| Depart from US | Dec 27 |
| Arrival in Dakar | Dec 28 |
| Last day of program | Jan 16 |
| Depart from Dakar | Jan 17 or 18 |
Summer 2025 (Language pre-session)
Application Open Date: Dec 1, 2024
Application Deadline: May 1, 2025
| Schedule | Date |
|---|---|
| Depart from the US | Aug 2 |
| Arrival in Dakar | Aug 3 |
| Last day of program | Aug 22 |
| Depart from Dakar | Aug 23 or 24 |
Fees
University of Minnesota participants pay the program fee instead of on-campus tuition and fees for the term they are abroad.
If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.
Fees or tuition from home institutions may be added to or differ from the University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center fees listed on this page.
Billing & Payments
Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.
Bridging Loan
Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the confirmation deposit and/or flights cost, is available for this program for eligible students going abroad during an eligible term.
Cancellation Policy
Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.
Winter Break 2026
Intensive French in SenegalWinter Break 2026 |
|
|---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
| Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
| Tuition and educational costs | $3,338 |
| International health insurance | $53 |
| Housing and/or mealsBreakfast and dinner are provided daily; lunch is provided on the weekends. Students are responsible for purchasing their lunch during the weekday. | $619 |
| Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $0 |
| Total Program Fee | $4,410 |
| Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $-500 |
| Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $3,910 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
| Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
| Transportation to and from program siteStudents are responsible for booking their flight to and from Senegal. Students will receive details on how/when to book their flight. | $2,000 |
| Passport/photos | $175 |
| Visa/required documentsAt this point, there is no charge for a Senegalese visa. Students should make sure their passport is valid and will not expire while abroad. | $0 |
| Travel clinic/immunizations* | $500 |
| Housing deposit | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $2,675 |
| Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
| Texts/materials | $50 |
| Housing and/or meals not included in program feeWeekday lunches $20/week | $60 |
| Essential daily living expensesInclues the cost of a required cell phone. | $150 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $260 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
| Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $6,845 |
| Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $250 |
| Additional Notes & Information | |
| * Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. | |
Summer 2025
Intensive French in SenegalSummer 2025 |
|
|---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
| Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
| Tuition and educational costs | $3,338 |
| International health insurance | $53 |
| Housing and/or mealsBreakfast and dinner are provided daily; lunch is provided on the weekends. Students are responsible for purchasing their lunch during the weekday. | $619 |
| Transportation (if required and included in program fee) | $0 |
| Total Program Fee | $4,410 |
| Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $-500 |
| Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $3,910 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
| Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
| Transportation to and from program siteStudents are responsible for booking their flight to and from Senegal. Students will receive details on how/when to book their flight. | $2,000 |
| Passport/photos | $175 |
| Visa/required documentsAt this point, there is no charge for a Senegalese visa. Students should make sure their passport is valid and will not expire while abroad. | $0 |
| Travel clinic/immunizations* | $500 |
| Housing deposit | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $2,675 |
| Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
| Texts/materials | $50 |
| Housing and/or meals not included in program feeWeekday lunches $20/week | $60 |
| Essential daily living expensesInclues the cost of a required cell phone. | $150 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $260 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
| Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $6,845 |
| Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $250 |
| Additional Notes & Information | |
| * Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. | |
Prepare
Complete pre-application advising.
If you do not currently have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months past your return date, or are still needing to apply for a new one, start the process as soon as possible. Visit the UofM Passport Office website for more information.
Apply
You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
Complete
After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:
- Essay
- Transcript
If you do not meet the GPA requirement for this program you will be required to submit an additional essay. It will be added to your checklist after you start your application, and you will be notified when it has been added.
Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.
Application Review Process
After your application checklist is complete, your application is reviewed by our program team. You will be notified of an acceptance decision by email. If accepted, you will be assigned a confirmation checklist, which you will complete to confirm your participation in the program. If you decide not to continue with the application process, log into the online application system and submit a Cancel Request.
After You Apply
Before your program begins, review these resources.
Health & Safety
Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.
Power of Attorney
Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.
Student Identity
Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.
Travel Resources
Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.
Program Contact
For further information or questions about this program, send an email to
Ashley Metz at [email protected],
or call at
612.625.9805.
Contact Program Alum
Below is a list of additional students who participated in past program sessions. They are ready and willing to answer your questions about this program. Feel free to contact them during your decision-making process or anytime during your pre-departure preparation to get a student perspective.
- Gabriel B.—Journalism and Political Sciences majors, French minor, Intensive French Winter Session 2023-24