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CIEE: Dakar - Language & Culture

Program Information

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Program Provider:

CIEE

Location:

Dakar, Senegal

Official Website:

Visit Official Website

Language Requirement:

None

9 reviews

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If you are interested or majoring in French/Francophone studies, African studies, international relations, or development studies and are seeking an opportunity to live and study in a French-speaking West African country considered by many to be one of the most developed and democratic nations in that region, then this program is right for you. The ...

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Student Reviews

Jamayca Williams

01/23/12

Senegal: Learning from your Failures

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Not Helpful

Not very much work but that is a good thing in this case because getting use to the culture and customs takes a long time, and since the program is about cultural integration it was better not to have as much work as we usually do in the states. view full review

Liz Malik

09/21/11

Senegal; Buckle Up and Let Teranga Take You For a Ride

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Not Helpful

Realize that you are dealing with a culture that is very unlike what you have at home, and that it's ok to make mistakes, look stupid, or feel uncomfortable; that's all part of the experience that makes living in Dakar so rewarding. A student who is seriously considering living in Senegal needs to be accepting of challenges and open to new, exciting experiences on a daily ... view full review

Sajel Tremblay

08/02/11

Senegal : the importance of people

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Not Helpful

Teaching style was more similar to french -- lecture and less student participation but professors were encouraged to have more class discussion. Local language classes (wolof) were no larger than 6 per class and very discussion based, excellent wolof language professors. The grading system was easier that my American university. The topics were very relevant to Senegal an... view full review

Eli Burnham

04/29/11

Dakar, Senegal: Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy

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Not Helpful

From studying abroad, I gained a much better sense of what it is and what it takes to interact with and become close to people from a background and culture alien to my own. I learned how to better connect to those who are different from me in myriad ways, and how to carry out respect for that difference. Through study abroad, I was able to improve enough in French (and ga... view full review

Katherine Gehron

12/24/10

Senegal and away

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Not Helpful

It was a great time to work on being independent. The best times during the program when I had one on one moments with Senegalese where I had to use my language skills and learned a lot about the culture. The best week was when we all got separated and had to work on how to be on our own and become a part of the community. view full review

Kiersten

07/14/10

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Not Helpful

Be ready for all kinds of adventures, keep and open mind, and be ready to meet lots of people and go out and make lasting friendships! view full review

ahargreaves

07/12/10

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Not Helpful

I loved study abroad. It was definitely the best part of my college experience so far, and it has caused me to rethink my future plans. Instead of applying to grad school right away, I am applying to the Peace Corps. view full review

kjones

12/09/09

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Not Helpful

It's a life-changing experience in many ways and one of the greatest adventures of your life. Not a good program for students who are not interested in adapting to cultural expectations (students who just want to drink/party or go out all the time which is looked down upon in this culture and will cause a lot of tension with host families). You must be flexible and open to... view full review

Hayley Droppert

06/10/09

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Not Helpful

Absolutely. I never could have imagined what I would find there and I laughed cried and everything in between about everything. Nothing like America which I guess is exactly what I wanted. view full review

digitized review by Barnard

Traveling on the weekends and during breaks with friends throughout Senegal and in surrounding countries.

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