International Development in Senegal
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About this Program
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. Students can select from the following tracks: Entrepreneurship, Health, Human Rights, Sustainability
Program Highlights
- Language(s) of Instruction:
- French
- Courses with Study Abroad Students
- Internship Opportunities
- Language Intensive Program
- Research Opportunities
- Study Center Program
- Homestay
- Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
- Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
- Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May
Level of Immersion
Features
Housing Abroad
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 preference as best as they can.
Housing Application
Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates
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 student's 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
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 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
Participation Costs
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
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.
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.