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June 24- July 24, 2007
Don't miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity to study in Senegal. Senegal is a stable democracy in West Africa with a beautiful Atlantic Coast. French is the official language, although most of the population also speak native languages such as Wolof or Sérèr.
Senegal was a French colony from the mid- 18th century until 1960, when it gained its independence. Since then it has been a presidential democracy. Senegal has a rich cultural tradition, especially music. While you are in Senegal you will be able to hear music based on centuries of tradition as well as pop music based on West Africa's musical heritage.
Dakar, the capital of Senegal, is a vital thriving city with more than a million inhabitants. It is a mix of cultures, architectural styles, traditions and cosmopolitan attitude that you will find in few places. There are museums, restaurants, clubs and multinational firms side by side with traditional open air markets and street traders.
You will be hosted at the Baobab Center in downtown Dakar. The Baobab Center has over 10 years experience hosting American university students in Senegal.
Upon arrival you will have an intensive orientation on Senegalese life and culture. It will include city tours as well as an introduction to Senegalese culture and information on health and safety to prepare you for the rest of your experience. For the orientation you will stay in a guest house with the group. After the orientation you will move in with your host family.
During the first week of the program you will have lessons in Wolof, the local language. Learning Wolof will allow you to communicate more effectively with the Senegalese. You aren't expected to say anything perfectly but you can be sure that all of your attempts will be greatly appreciated. Your Wolof classes also form an integral part of the core course of the program and you will focus on such topics as 'Senegalese history' and 'senegalese family life' during the classes.
In the remaining weeks you will hear guest lectures speak on topics such as Islam in West Africa, Goreé Island and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, Senegalese Family Structure and Senegalese literature in addition to instruction by the faculty director.
You will also go on several excursions to different parts of Senegal including: a day trip to Goreé Island, a four day, 3 night trip to Saint Louis (former French West African capital) and a day trip to the religious city of Touba.
This kind of opportunity doesn't come along every summer- don't pass it up
For More Information on Senegal:
www.senegal-tourism.com
www.au-senegal.com
You may need to get additional immunizations or take other health precautions before you travel to Senegal. Please read the information sheet from the Centers for Disease Control.
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/wafrica.htm
The credits for this program will be divided into two components: a core course and second course.
The core course will involve Wolof lessons in Senegalese culture, lectures by Prof. Fyfe and other guests and the cultural excursions. For the core course students select one of the following options:
For the second 3 credits of the program students will be able to pursue their specific interests and major by completing a research project (due after the return to the US) based on research done in Senegal. Students will develop a reading list in conjunction with the Faculty Director. For this part of the course students are highly encouraged to engage in volunteer activity (specifically with the organization TOSTAN- www.tostan.org) Students select one of the following credit options:
*Course numbers not yet determined
If your interest is in a field not listed, please contact the Faculty Director and the Program Officer as we may be able to accommodate you. (Please do not wait until the last minute to ask about other courses.)
To see the syllabus please visit Professor Fyfe's webpage.
You will live with Senegalese host family to have the chance to really experience Senegalese culture.
Before you arrive in Senegal you will fill out a host family profile form that the Baobab Center will use to help match you with a host family. You can request either a single or a double room and the Baobab center will try to accommodation your request. All of the host families are carefully chosen and most have hosted American students before. Your host family will be a great resource and many returned students think that staying with a family was the best part of their study abroad experience.
You will eat all of your meals with your host family while you are in Dakar. Vegetarians can be accommodated. Anyone with dietary restrictions is encouraged to speak with the program officer so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Please realize that Senegal is a developing country and accommodation standards vary greatly from those you may be used to in the United States.
Faculty Director: Professor Laura Fyfe, Department of Modern and Classical Languages, GMU.
The program is open Mason students, non-Mason students, staff, faculty, alumni and the general public. To obtain credit, students need at least a 2.25 GPA.
Program Fee: Approx. $4,750
The program fee includes:
The program fee does not include:
Financial aid may apply. You may also apply for a Center for Global Education Scholarship.
Center for Global Education reserves the right to make any necessary changes including adjustments in cost in the event that unforeseen circumstances arise.
Deadline: April 6, 2007
To apply, first, consult the How to Apply section and then complete the online application. You must pay the non-refundable $75 application fee for your application to be considered.
For more information, attend a study abroad info session or contact.
Program Officer: Erin Mateu