Academic Programs Abroad (APA): Dakar - Summer Program
Academic Programs Abroad (APA)
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Spend your summer in Dakar, Senegal’s vibrant coastal capital, through an immersive French-language program combining academics, language learning, cultural exploration, and meaningful engagement with Senegalese life. Academics During the six-week... read more
All Reviews
Yes, I would still say it was worthwhile because I was able to be immersed in a Francophone country and forced to challenge myself in ways I never could had I stayed back in the US for the summer. There are things I learned that I'm still thinking about how to articulate and that can't be summed up simply in this review. Even if... Seneca S - Vassar College View Entire Review
I greatly improved my grasp of the French language, which was my main academic goal in choosing this program. First-hand experiences in the African context were also extremely valuable to me in expanding my worldview. Julia Jesko - Grand Valley State University View Entire Review
About
Spend your summer in Dakar, Senegal’s vibrant coastal capital, through an immersive French-language program combining academics, language learning, cultural exploration, and meaningful engagement with Senegalese life.
Academics
During the six-week program, students enroll in two 4-credit courses, taught in French by local professors. Courses explore Senegal and the broader West African region through subjects such as African Literature, Francophone African Cinema, West African Economics and Development, Senegalese Society, Cross-Cultural Management, French Language, and Urban Languages & Cultures.
Courses are open to local students from Institut Supérieur de Management (ISM), giving APA students the opportunity to learn alongside Senegalese peers and bring different perspectives into classroom discussions. Site visits and guest speakers further connect coursework to the people, institutions, and communities of Dakar.
Students receive dedicated academic and French language support, including individualized language instruction.
Extend Your Summer
Turn six weeks in Dakar into eight weeks with an optional two-week extension. Choose one of four tracks based on your interests and goals:
- Intensive Wolof to continue your language studies
- Internship in your preferred industry
- Independent study exploring a topic connected to your coursework
- Volunteer experience with an NGO in Dakar or in a rural Senegalese community
The extension is also a great option for students who need an eight-week program to meet summer funding requirements.
Cultural Immersion
Learning in Dakar extends well beyond the classroom. APA’s cultural program introduces students to Senegalese history, arts, languages, and contemporary life through performing arts events, African arts workshops and seminars, and weekly conversational Wolof lessons.
Students also explore beyond Dakar with a weekend excursion to the Sine Saloum Delta and day trips to Gorée Island and Lac Rose.
Homestay
Students live with a carefully selected Senegalese host family, providing an opportunity to experience everyday life in Dakar, practice French and Wolof, and build meaningful relationships within the local community.
Students have a private bedroom with linens and access to shared household spaces, with meals and weekly laundry service included. Living with a host family allows students to experience Senegalese hospitality firsthand and become part of the rhythm of family and community life.
Personalized Support
APA provides personalized support before and throughout the program, including pre-departure guidance, airport pickup, orientation, homestay placement, academic and language support, and assistance navigating health, safety, and everyday life in Dakar. Dedicated on-site staff help students make the most of their experience while developing greater confidence and independence abroad.
Language
The Dakar Summer Program is designed for students with an intermediate level of French (approximately B1 or higher). All courses are taught in French, creating an immersive environment where students strengthen their language skills through academics and daily life.
Students also receive weekly individualized French language support and take part in conversational Wolof lessons. Combined with a Senegalese homestay, courses alongside local students, and everyday interactions in Dakar, the program provides opportunities to build confidence and improve language skills both inside and outside the classroom.
To start your application, visit our website: apaparis.com/apply
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Summer
Instruction Language(s):
- French
Language Requirement(s):
- French
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Area, Ethnic and Group Studies
- Area Studies
- African Studies
- Regional Studies
- French Studies
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Foreign Languages and Literatures
- African Languages, Literature
- French Language, Literature
- Literature
- Liberal Arts, General Studies
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Global Studies
- Anthropology
- Economics
- International Relations
- Political Science and Government
- Sociology
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Music
- Business
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business
- International Business
- History
- Art History, Criticism and Conservation
Minimum GPA:
3.0Website
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Academic Programs Abroad (APA) Scholarships
Become the voice abroad for APA with regular blog and social media postings. Semester awards begin at $500 and summer awards begin at $300. Eligible for bonuses at the end of term for outstanding work.
$300 - 500.00
Deadlines:
Fall Semester/Academic Year: March 1
Summer: April 1
Spring Semester: October 1
Guidelines/Requirements:
Previous scholarship recipients have had a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater, previous experience running social media accounts for a business or organization, shown a keen interest in engaging in French and Francophone culture, and have had a serious desire to take part in a full-immersion program.
Become your cohort’s photographic or videographic historian for your term abroad. Your photos and/or videos may be featured on the APA website or in future promotional materials!
$300 - 500.00
Deadlines:
Fall Semester/Academic Year: March 1
Summer: April 1
Spring: October 1
Guidelines/Requirements:
Previous visual media scholarship recipients have had a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater, experience in photography and/or videography, shown a keen interest in engaging in French and Francophone culture, and a serious desire to take part in a full-immersion program.
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