MSID—International Development in Senegal

Learning from experience is at the core of the Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID) philosophy. This program puts you in direct contact with the social and economic realities of actual communities and people working within them to address complex issues. Through classes, excursions, and an extended internship or research placement, MSID strives to establish a continual dialogue linking experience with theory and critical analysis. Learn more about the mission and educational philosophy at MSID Philosophy.

Senegal has long been seen as a crossroads where African, Islamic, and European civilizations have met, clashed, and blended. Today, it's still seen as a bridge between Africa and the West and serves as a base for many multinational NGOs and corporations. 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 three sides by cool Atlantic waters, Dakar has a climate often described as "eternal spring."

Winter Pre-Session & Spring 2022: Due to COVID 19, homestays may not be possible, and in that case you would be housed in shared student apartments. Apartments are fully furnished, include cooking facilities.  Apartments are located within walking distance of the program center at WARC. Weeknight dinners will be provided by the program (Monday - Friday). You will be responsible for providing breakfast, lunches and weekend dinners throughout the program.

Homestay placements may become available closer to the start of the program.

Homestay

You will live with a homestay family throughout your time in Senegal. Students who choose an internship or research placement outside of Dakar will have a second homestay. 

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 students with severe food allergies and/or restrictions should discuss their situation with the program team prior to applying.

Homestays are an integral component of the learning experience and 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 an MSID program participant.

Students who choose an internship or research placement outside of Dakar will have a second homestay placement.

Although excursions change from year to year, you can expect to visit a variety of sites that may include local markets, development organizations, and areas of interest in and around Dakar.  Each of the International Development courses will include a day-long excursion focused on the particular topics discussed.  

A five-day academic excursion to the rural Toubacouta region is considered a highlight of the semester by most program participants.  This takes place half-way through the classroom phase and illustrates how many of the international development theories are put into practice.

All students 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.

• Foster an understanding of the global context through classroom and experiential learning
• Cultivate awareness and appreciation for development issues through engagement with diverse communities
• Translate insights gained into thoughtful and respectful long-term perspectives on concepts of social justice and sustainable development
• Strengthen communication skills through acquisition of local languages and cultural awareness
• Gain cross-cultural competencies through extended engagement at a local grassroots organization

A team of dedicated local staff, based in Dakar, work to ensure that your experience is safe, academically enriching, and rewarding.  Combined, the Senegal Staff have decades of experience working with students. 

Dr. Ousmane Sène, Resident Director

The team is led by Dr. Ousmane Sène, who has been a part of the program since 1995.  Dr. Sène chaired the Department of English, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, for 10 years. He received his PhD in literature from the École Normale Supérieure de St. Cloud and the Université Paris III-Sorbonne. He has taught and done research on francophone and anglophone literature at several North American and European institutions. Among his special interests is the portrayal of African social, cultural, and development issues through literature. Dr. Sène is also the Director of the West African Research Association (WARC), the institution housing MSID in Senegal.

Korka Sall, Assistant Director

Korka Sall is the assistant director for the MSID Senegal program and is in charge of the academic planning for the program. In May 2021, Dr. Sall completed a Ph.D. in English from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst). She returned to Senegal after nine years in the US, teaching and taking classes at different universities including UMass Amherst, Mount Holyoke College, and Harvard University. Dr. Sall is a passionate scholar and academic, invested in creating inclusive learning environments, mentoring students, contributing to students’ understanding of themselves as part of a diverse world, and helping them apply transferable skills to their daily life.

Awa Fall, Program Coordinator - Housing & Finances

Marie Guèye, Program Coordinator - Internships 

Papa Samba Niang, Program Coordinator - Student Affairs

• Fall 2022
• Intensive French Summer Pre-Session + Fall 2022
• Spring 2022
• Intensive French Winter Break Pre-Session + Spring 2022

Summer 2022 Pre-Session & Fall 2022 Semester Orientation

Fall 2022

• Fall 2022—Standard
• Fall 2022—Standard plus Intensive French

Spring 2022

• Spring 2022 - Standard
• Spring 2022 - Standard plus Intensive French

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:

• Resume
• Statement of Purpose in English
• Statement of Purpose in French
• Academic Recommendation from a French professor 
  • Students must have a B average in French
  • Students must have taken French within the last academic year or verify advanced level proficiency

• Transcript
• Home Institution Nomination

If you do not meet the GPA requirement for this program you will be required to submit two additional application items—the Low GPA Essay and Special Circumstances Recommendation. Both items will be added to your checklist after you start your application, and you will be notified when they have been added.

Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.

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 an acceptance 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.

• Olivia T: International Relations and Theatre Majors, African Studies and French Minors, Internship, Entrepreneurship Theme, Spring 2022
• Annika G: Accounting Major, French Minor, Internship, Entrepreneurship Theme, Spring 2022
• Clara Z: Economics and French Majors, Global Development Studies Minor, internship with an international financial, economic and social inclusion consulting firm, Entrepreneurship theme, Fall 2021
• Maddie P: Political Science and Strategic Communications Majors, internship with Community Radio Station Afia FM, Education & Literacy track, Fall 2018