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University of Minnesota: MSID Senegal (Outgoing Program)

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  • Locations: Dakar, Senegal
  • Program Terms: Academic Year, Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: UM Learning Abroad Center 
  • Restrictions: U of U applicants only
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Program Start Date Program End Date
Fall 2024 06/01/2024 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA
Academic Year 2024-2025 06/01/2024 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA
Spring 2025 11/01/2024 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Program Type: Global Internship Click here for a definition of this term Global Internship Type: Partial
Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA: 2.5 Click here for a definition of this term Housing Type(s): Homestay
Click here for a definition of this term Home Campus: U of U: Utah Campus Click here for a definition of this term Credit Type: Undergraduate Transfer
Click here for a definition of this term Language(s) of Instruction: French, Other Click here for a definition of this term Minimum Language Prerequisite: Advanced English Language Fluency, Check with Affiliate
Click here for a definition of this term Badge Opportunities: Career Development, Community Engagement, Independent Options, Language Immersion Click here for a definition of this term Field of Study: Education, Education, Culture, & Society, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Science, International Studies, Languages & Literature, Public Health, Social Work, University Studies
Click here for a definition of this term Eligibility: Good Academic & Judicial Standing, Minimum Age: 18, OPEN to ALL Majors Click here for a definition of this term Pre-departure Requirements: Learning Abroad 101, Pre-Departure Orientation, Participation Requirements for Learning Abroad, Post-Decision Health Assessment, Pre & Post Commitments
Click here for a definition of this term Program Cost: $$$
Program Description:
 

MSID Senegal

Study international development in Senegal, a fascinating French-speaking country seen as a bridge between Africa and the West. You’ll also contribute through an internship or research project with a nonprofit organization while you are there. Explore the complexities created by issues such as environment, globalization, public health, and social justice.

Academics

  • Learn about international development.
  • Gain hands-on experience by participating in a community internship.
  • Take French or Wolof language classes.

This program appeals to students who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Senegal's culture through field experience.

  • Program type:
    MSID Senegal is an experiential program. Learn about Senegal through classes, field trips, internships, and research.
  • Level:
    3,000-4,000 level courses.
  • Term:
    Fall semester, spring semester, academic year, and optional pre-session.
  • Prerequisites:?
    2.5 GPA, juniors and seniors
  • Courseload:
    16 credits for fall or spring semester and 32 for the academic year. Add 4 credits for optional pre-session.


    Faculty

    Dr. Ousmane Sène of the Department of English, Université of Cheikh Anta Diop, directs the program. Waly Faye is the program coordinator, and Senegalese faculty provide all instruction.

    How to Apply

    Click the button below to visit this program's web page for more information about the application process for this program.

    Apply Now!

    About This Program

    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, with internship sites scattered throughout the country. Heated by the African sun while surrounded on three sides by cool Atlantic waters, Dakar has a climate often described as "eternal spring."

    Three photos from previous trips

    Homestays are an integral component of the MSID learning experience. All students live and share most meals with at least one family, and many with two different families--one during the classroom phase and one during the internship/research phase. Students with internships in the main city typically choose to remain with the same family throughout.

    Language Pre-Session: An optional intensive French language course is taught over a four-week period and awards 4 undergraduate credits. The Senegal program offers fifth-semester French language instruction. The syllabus focuses on language skill development and daily oral practice. Housing is with host families, and local excursions are included.

    Internship and Research: The internship and research experience is the cornerstone of the MSID program and may be where you will learn the most. Your placement will be with an agency engaged in grassroots work related your selected track and will immerse you in the social realities of the poorer strata of the population. 

    About Learning Abroad Center

    The Learning Abroad Center in the Global Programs and Strategy Alliance is the University of Minnesota's comprehensive resource for study, service-learning, work, intern, volunteer, and travel experiences worldwide.

    The Learning Abroad Center is a leader in providing innovative international learning experiences that expand and redefine the world for a diverse population of students, colleagues, and staff. The Learning Abroad Center staff and University of Minnesota faculty and staff participate in numerous leadership opportunities and serve on the advisory boards of organizations who provide and/or support education abroad programs. Through collaboration and individual attention, the Learning Abroad Center continues to promote empowerment, development, understanding, and responsibility in the global community.

    A variety of program options--300 programs in over 80 countries--have been developed to address the diverse needs of students. Programs vary in length, level, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and degree of independence demanded of the participant.




 

WHAT IS A GLOBAL INTERNSHIP?

A Global Internship is a Learning Abroad Program that provides unique workplace experiences abroad.  Global Internships are coordinated by one of our Affiliates – partner organizations that have been evaluated and approved by the University of Utah. Through direct relationships with companies, organizations, and governments in the host country, our Affiliates can connect you with your ideal internship opportunity. Internships are available in both English and the host language, depending on your preference. Many Affiliates provide helpful services such as visa support, housing, knowledgeable on-site staff to help you navigate your host country, and cultural field trips and excursions. 

WHY CHOOSE A GLOBAL INTERNSHIP?

Global Internships are immensely beneficial to your personal, academic and professional goals. While participating on a Global Internship, you can develop valuable skills such as:

  • Cross-cultural Communication
  • Project Management Experience
  • Time Management
  • Flexibility & Adaptability in unexpected or challenging situations
  • Foreign Language Proficiency

Global Internships are an invaluable addition to your academic career at the U – take advantage of this opportunity to prepare for your professional career!

APPLYING TO A GLOBAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

  1. Complete Learning Abroad 101. This is a short information session about programs, applications, financial aid, and scholarships.  You can complete Learning Abroad 101 online.
  2. Submit your Applications. You will submit TWO Applications for this Program.  These Applications can be completed at the same time.
    • U of U Application- Click Apply Now at the top of your screen to get started.
    • Affiliate Application- Click on the Homepage link above to find your Affiliate Application. Contact the Affiliate if you have questions.
  3. Commit to your U of U Application.  You will receive an acceptance email to your Umail account. Log into your U of U Application and Commit to your Program within 3 business days of acceptance!
  4. Complete the Post-Decision Steps. Finish the Post-Decision steps in your U of U Application by the deadlines provided.

ACADEMICS & ACCOMMODATION

DATES & TRANSPORTATION

  • TENTATIVE dates are listed above.  Compare the dates to the University of Utah academic calendar to avoid scheduling conflicts.
  • You are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the host country for most Programs.
  • Do NOT purchase your flight until you read the instructions in the Learning Abroad Handbook.

LEARNING ABROAD BADGES

Students enrich their time abroad by earning Learning Abroad Badges such as:
Badge Opportunities
This Program is eligible for the Badges listed in the Fact Sheet above. Some Programs offer opportunities to earn additional Learning Abroad Badges through independent options. If you earn Badges during your Program, you may be eligible to receive a co-curricular certificate through the Global U Program.

This program is eligible for the Career Development Badge:

  • As part of the program, students develop an understanding of the relationship between culture and the workplace by engaging in professional experiences with local agencies and companies.  
  • This provides excellent insight into your career, gives you a global context for your field of study, and offers hands-on experience that can be highlighted on resumes and during job interviews.

FINANCES

  • Scholarships and Financial Aid may be available! Visit our Financial Aid and Scholarships page for more information!
  • Contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to determine if your financial aid and scholarships can be applied to your Learning Abroad program
  • Information about Program Costs, Billing timelines & Due Dates are available to help you plan. 
  • Affiliate Program Fees (non-billable) are established by the Affiliate and are in addition to any fees paid to the University of Utah. These fees are paid in lieu of University of Utah on-campus tuition and housing costs. Click on the homepage link above for more information on Affiliate fees and inclusions. 
  • Read the full Withdrawal & Dismissal Penalty Policy BEFORE applying.

PROGRAM ADVISING

LEARNING ABROAD HANDBOOK

Interested in learning more about the academic, financial, and logistical aspects of our Programs? The Learning Abroad Handbook outlines the University of Utah's financial, disciplinary, administrative, academic, and logistical expectations. You’ll find videos, tips, and resources that help you make the most of your experience before, during, and after your Program.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

It is your responsibility to read, understand, and adhere to the terms and conditions of your Program.  Terms and conditions are outlined in the Learning Abroad Handbook, Learning Abroad website, and in your Program Application.  Terms and conditions may also be communicated to you through digital, verbal, and hard copy communication. Contact Learning Abroad with any questions or concerns.



Program Reviews:
Spring 2018 Participant
100% everything you could ask for from a French immersion program and a really genuine experience in Senegalese cultural immersion.