Lawence University Francophone Seminar
Seminar Description and Costs
The city of Dakar
Founded in 1857 by French colonial settlers, Dakar is a vibrant modern city.
The former capital of French West Africa, Dakar still has an interesting
veneer of French colonial culture. It is the seat of the Université de
Dakar, one of the finest institutions of higher learning in French-speaking
West Africa.
Family living
Nene teral ganam yi. Def be bu nene sa ker mu mel ni kerem.
Always receive a stranger like a brother. Make him feel at home in your house.
(Wolof adage)
The Senegalese refer to their country as the land of hospitality (Senegal
rewu teraanga). Prior to departure for Dakar, the Baobab Center (Aftican
Consultants International) makes arrangements
with Senegalese families with whom the students live for the duration of
their stay in Senegal. Former participants in the program have thoroughly
enjoyed the warmth and hospitality
of their
Senegalese
host
families.
The Baobab Center (ACI)
The Baobab Center (ACI) is a resource center that works with a number of
American university programs
in Senegal, providing language instruction in French and Wolof.
It also organizes cultural orientation workshops designed to prepare participants
for an understanding of Senegalese lifestyle and ease their integration into
the society. Students
attend classes at
the Center and can rely on the faculty there to answer questions or concerns
throughout their stay.
Cultural activities
Students take part in a variety of cultural excursions in Dakar and other
cities and towns of Senegal, including an optional weekend village stay.
In the past, students have made trips to Gorée (the historic slave
fort), Saint-Louis (for the annual jazz festival), Touba (Senegalese
Islamic holy
city),
Toubab
Dialaw, Lac Rose, and the Women’s
Museum (Museé des femmes), as well as a five-day trip to the Gambia.
Program costs
The program fees cover tuition, room, and board including:
• round-trip airfare
• home stay
• transportation from the airport to the home of the host family
• all cultural excursions and hotel accommodations
Participants are responsible for their passport fee, immunizations, and personal
expenses (books, gifts, etc.)
Health insurance
Participants are required to have health coverage abroad and to sign
a waiver that they have comprehensive coverage. Evacuation insurance
is provided by Lawrence. Students who don’t
have health coverage should contact Alice Serra, Off-Campus Programs advisor,
International House (ext. 7354).
Below: Professor Vetinde and students display batik pieces they made in a workshop at Toubab Dialaw.
Eligibility
Senegal
at a Glance
Courses
and Recent Faculty
Deadline
and Contact Information
Francophone
Seminar
Off-campus
Programs
Lawrence
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