International Development in Senegal

Key Benefits:

When you study at the University of Minnesota Senegal Study Center, you'll take French language courses, elective courses, and participate in internships or research in French, all within a program designed specifically for American students. While study center programs typically offer less exposure to local students and follow a more American-style curriculum compared to local universities, this program provides a highly experiential learning environment, making it ideal for an interdisciplinary approach to both your major and language acquisition. MSID supports you with pre-departure advising & support, visa-related support, airport reception, onsite orientation, onsite staff support, 24/7 emergency assistance, comprehensive global medical insurance, housing & meals, cultural activities, excursions, personal and professional development, and optional flight assistance.

Level of Immersion
Language(s) of Instruction:
French
Features
Courses with Study Abroad Students
Internship Opportunities
Language Intensive Program
Research Opportunities
Study Center Program

Housing Abroad

Homestay

Program Dates

Fall Semester: late August to mid-December
Spring Semester: mid-January to mid-May

Housing at Seattle University

Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.

Housing Residence Life

Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preferenceas best as they can.

Housing Application

Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates

Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May

Disciplines

Courseload

Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.

Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the students' time abroad.

Credit Range: 16
Credit System: U.S. Semester Credits
Typical Course load: 4
Credit Per Course: 4

Credit Conversion
Transcript Issued By: University of Minnesota
Credit Conversion Rate: 1 U.S. Semester Credit = 1.5 SU Quarter Credits
Quarter Range: 24

EAO Historic Course Search

Academic Policy

Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:

Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

Transfer of Credit & Placeholder Course

Transfer Credits

Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.

Placeholder Course

The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.

Program Fees

Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.

Fall Semester: $10,000
Spring Semester: $10,000

Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate

Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.

Budget Worksheets

Fall Semester Spring Semester

Participation Costs

For SU-Sponsored programs, you will be billed for Seattle University (1) Tuition, (2) Technology Fee, and (3) Program Fee per term abroad. These and estimated additional expenses are outlined in the program's detailed Budget Worksheet. Students are encouraged to complete the Budget Worksheet and discuss applicable financial aid with Student Financial Services.

Payment

For SU-Sponsored programs, pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.

Seattle University handles payments to University of Minnesota on your behalf for the program cost. Additional expenses not included in Seattle University’s Program Fee, like special course fees, housing upgrades, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by University of Minnesota. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.

Insurance

Comprehensive global medical insurance is provided by the program provider.

Scholarships

There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.

Scholarship Opportunities Cost Comparison Calculator

Student Journey

Approximate Timeline	Phase	More details
Sept-Jan	Exploration	Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals.
Feb 1	Apply	Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st.
Late Feb/Early Mar	Nominations	Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs.
Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring)	Preparation	Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc.

Application Steps

Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.

If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!

Climate

Spring (March to May): Hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). The coast is cooler due to sea breezes, while inland areas are hotter.
Summer (June to August): Rainy season, with temperatures from 26°C to 33°C (79°F to 91°F). Frequent rain showers, especially in the south, and high humidity levels.
Autumn (September to November): Warm, with decreasing rainfall as the dry season approaches. Temperatures average 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F).
Winter (December to February): Cool and dry, with mild temperatures between 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). This is the best season for travel with low humidity and pleasant conditions.

Travel Resources

Air: Major international airport is Blaise Diagne International Airport near Dakar. Domestic flights connect Dakar to other regions like Ziguinchor.
Train: Limited railway service is available, though a new line connects Dakar to Blaise Diagne Airport.
Public Transport: Buses, shared taxis (sept-place), and minibuses (ndjaga ndjaga) operate within cities and between regions. Taxis are common in Dakar.

Cultural Resources

Historical Sites: Key attractions include Gorée Island (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Lac Rose (Pink Lake), Niokolo-Koba National Park, and the bustling Sandaga Market in Dakar.
Language: The official language is French, and Wolof is widely spoken. Other local languages include Pulaar, Serer, and Jola.
Festivals: Major events include Dakar Biennale (Art Festival), Saint-Louis Jazz Festival, and Magal of Touba, a pilgrimage celebrating the Mouride brotherhood.

Food & Diet

Cuisine: Traditional dishes include thiéboudienne (fish and rice), yassa (marinated chicken or fish with onions), maafe (peanut stew), and fresh tropical fruits.
Dietary Needs: Vegetarian options are available, though many traditional dishes include fish or meat. Larger cities, especially Dakar, offer diverse dining options.

Embassy/Consulate

U.S. Embassy in Dakar: Route des Almadies, Dakar (Phone: +221 33 879 4000)

Identity-Specific Considerations

Accessibility: Accessibility may be limited in many areas, though some modern buildings and facilities in Dakar are equipped for individuals with disabilities.
LGBTQ+: Senegal is socially conservative, and same-sex relationships are criminalized. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise discretion.
Religion: Senegal is predominantly Muslim, with Islam deeply influencing its culture and daily life, alongside smaller Christian and indigenous spiritual communities.
Race & Ethnicity: Senegal is ethnically diverse, with major groups including the Wolof, Fula, and Serer, coexisting largely peacefully, though disparities in resources and opportunities can exist.
Gender: Gender equality is progressing in Senegal, with increasing female participation in education and politics, but traditional gender roles and challenges such as gender-based violence remain significant, particularly in rural areas.

Visa Requirements

What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.

Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by University of Minnesota.

U.S. passport holders are required to obtain a visa for Senegal (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates). At this time, there is no charge for a Senegalese visa. University of Minnesota will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in University of Minnesota’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.

International Development in Senegal

About this Program

Program Highlights

Level of Immersion

Features

Housing Abroad

Program Dates

Housing at Seattle University

Housing Residence Life

Housing Application

Disciplines

Courseload

Credit Conversion

Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:

Transfer Credits

Placeholder Course

Program Fees

Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate

Budget Worksheets

Participation Costs

Payment

Insurance

Scholarships

Student Journey

Application Steps

Climate

Travel Resources

Cultural Resources

Food & Diet

Embassy/Consulate

Identity-Specific Considerations

Visa Requirements

What is a Visa?

The experience at a glance

Map