French and African Studies
in Western Africa - Senegal

Spring Semester 2008 closed

January 6 - May 31, 2008

Sponsored by the College of Arts & Letters in conjunction with the African Studies Center

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

Study in Dakar, Senegal for the spring semester on a program affiliated with the Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD). Senegal is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in Africa and yet remains relatively little known. A stable democracy, friendly people, moderate climate and an efficient communication system combine to make this one of the most accessible of African nations. Gain first-hand experience and study in this fascinating country that combines a history of gold and slave trade, the impact and residue of French colonialism, and a contemporary vibrant Islamic culture.

The program runs from early January to late May with a spring break in late March/early April.

Where does it take place?

Located on the Atlantic coast of West Africa, Senegal has long been seen as a crossroads where black African, Islamic, and European civilizations have met, clashed, and blended. Today, Senegal is still seen as a bridge between Africa and the West, and also where Senegalese people remain deeply attached to traditional values and cultures. This program is based in Dakar, Senegal's cosmopolitan capital. The rainy season runs from July to October and the dry season, which makes up the rest of the year, tends to be very hot and arid, except in the coastal regions (such as Dakar) where the temperature and humidity are modified by ocean breezes.

The program is affiliated with the Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD) and the West African Research Center (WARC) that allows a combination of specially arranged and university courses. Founded in the early 1950’s, the university follows the French model of education and enrolls 25,000 students. WARC, located near UCAD, opened in 1994 and serves as an international crossroads and portal to the Americas, and a regional center of international and scholarly activity.

What can I study?

The Institut de Francais pour Etudiants Etrangers (IFE) is a part of the UCAD University system that specializes in the teaching of French language and the literature and culture of French-speaking (Francophone) countries. All participants are required to take at least one French language course; these courses at IFE are available based on students’ command of the French language. Because students live with host families, students are required to enroll in Wolof, the prominent local language.

All courses are taught in French and are equivalent to three US semester credits. Courses to be offered in 2007 were as follows (2008 courses will be determined in Fall 2007):

• Intermediate and advanced levels of French language (grammar, composition, phonetics) through the Institut de Francais pour Etudiants Etrangers (through IFE); required of all participants.
• Introductory Wolof: This course is required of all participants and will focus on basic conversational Wolof. The essential vocabulary, grammar and structure of Wolof will be presented and the emphasis will be on communication.
• Topics in Contemporary Senegalese History, Culture and Society: Professors from Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD) will teach this course, which will focus on the recent history of West Africa and Senegal, in particular, and the changes that have occurred in West African societies in response to globalization, development, and political and economic challenges. Included will be topics such as social dynamics and the caste system; African traditional religion and Christianity; women and women issues; the transfer of cultures from West Africa to the American South; Senegalese diplomacy in the era of the African Union and the NEPAD (New Partnership for the African Development); and Senegal and the global economy.
• Francophone African Literature: Students will be introduced to major Francophone writers through the analysis of selected literary texts. Students and professors will discuss literary trends, cultural contexts and current issues as they are presented in the literature. Included will be topics such as Senegalese Colonial literature; Senghor's work; Senegalese literature in the 60's; Les Bouts de Bois de Dieu by Ousmane Sembene (social novel); poetry and tales; and new trends in African Literature.
• Islam in Senegal. The aim of this course is to reveal the real and hidden facets of Islam as it is practised in Senegal. Students will actively interact with Muslim leaders (imams and marabouts), griots and university teachers to widen and strengthen their own understanding of the history and development of the various practices of Islam in the country’s rural and urban areas. The following themes will be discussed: The Omarian Islamic Conquest, Cheikh Omar Foutiyou’s Islamic Vision, Islam and Christianity, The Fulani’s role in the expansion of Islamic values, Islam and Conflict management, Women’s Status in Islam, Soufism and Religious Brotherhoods, Islam: Politics and economy, Individuals and Society in Islam , Is lam in Urban Areas, Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba’s Legacy.
• Conflict Resolution in Africa: African countries are frequently beset by conflicts arising from internal causes (ethnicity, unstable political situations etc.). Also, many African communities are regulated at the same time by the rules of modern, western-inspired legislations and by traditional jurisprudence and customs. What are the mechanisms put in place, or to be developed, in order to face such challenges for the resolution of conflicts on the African continent?
• Sociology of Development: This course will discuss how development is a process that not only requires securing a number of material and physical assets but which also calls on people's mindsets, attitudes, approaches and outlooks. Several questions relating to the issue of development will be addressed:

1. How do people in developing countries adjust to precariousness?
2. How do they view the present and contemplate the future?
3. How do they view their living environment as compared and contrasted to living environment in the  First World?

Many other sociological issues will also be addressed in the course as they apply to development as a human process but also to development as a complex of social, cultural, economic realities etc.

Additionally, students with sufficient language ability in French may enroll in a wide variety of courses in the social sciences and humanities such as Arabic, other African languages, Islamic studies, Sociology, Philosophy, History, or Geography through the Faculté des Lettres et Sciences Humaines at UCAD. Senegalese instructors will teach all courses in French. Due to the possibility of course interruptions, it is recommended that students take no more than one UCAD course.

Transcripts will be issued directly from Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD). Therefore, participants must ensure that their home institution will accept credits from UCAD in order to receive transfer credit upon completion of the program. Students will be required to enroll in a minimum of twelve (12) semester credits consisting of four core courses.

Students may also participate in initiatives carried out by Senegalese students such as reforestation projects and medical initiatives. By working with Senegalese students in organizing and carrying out these projects, participants will gain hands-on experience with problems, and potential solutions, in Africa. These projects, as well as volunteer work or internships, may fulfill an optional service-learning element of the program. Students with advanced French skills and some knowledge of Wolof could have independent research projects substitute for course work. Arrangements for such activities will be done on a case-by-case basis.

What are the requirements?

Students must be in good academic standing, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher at the time of application and have at least junior status by January 2008. Applicants must have a minimum of three semesters of college level French prior to participation – four semesters of French language is recommended.

Additionally, students must also submit an essay with their application stating why they wish to participate in this program.

Study at UCAD will be an exciting adventure and challenge, but students must adequately prepare themselves in advance. The MSU Office of Study Abroad and the African Studies Center will offer extensive orientation.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

Students will live with local families, with most meals provided. Host families are selected for the central location of their homes and for their interest in hosting a US student.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Safoi Babana-Hampton
Department of French, Classics and Italian
245 Old Horticulture Bldg.
Phone: (517) 432-8739 ext. 118
E-mail: babanaha@msu.edu

Deidre Dawson
Residential College in Arts and Humanities
212 Old Horticulture Building
Phone: (517) 353-0769, ext. 140
E-mail: boudicca@msu.edu

Cindy Felbeck Chalou
Office of Study Abroad
109 International Center
Phone: (517) 432-4345
E-mail: chalouc@msu.edu

Do I need a passport or visa?

A valid passport and visa are required for entry into Senegal.

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter other countries. If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date. If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of twelve weeks are usually required for processing. During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required. Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices. They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the following Web page: http://studyabroad.msu.edu/passports.html

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose. The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early. It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.

For more information about visas visit the following Web page: http://studyabroad.msu.edu/visas.html

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

Students participating in this program are strongly encouraged to receive a series of immunizations specific for travel within western Africa. Students should schedule an appointment to be seen at a travel clinic at least three months before the program to inquire about the recommended and/or required vaccines to consider before departure.

For further health information and recommendations, visit the following Web page: http://studyabroad.msu.edu/health.html

How much does it cost?

The program fee in Spring Semester 2008 is $6,610 and includes the following:

• application fee ($100)
• deposit ($200)
• pre-departure orientation
• accommodations
• some meals
• tuition and fees / services
• accident and sickness insurance
• field trips

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

• airfare (approximately $2,100)
• additional meals
• books and supplies
• passport application fee ($100)
• visa application fees
• pre-departure doctor visits
• pre-departure immunizations (if applicable)
• personal spending money

The estimated total cost for participation on this program is $10,907.

Students may request a cost sheet which estimates these additional expenses not included in the program fee by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid.

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing. This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university. If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.

For further information about financial aid, visit the following Web page: http://studyabroad.msu.edu/finaid/index.html

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA Scholarships. Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need. Requirements are listed in the scholarship application. The deadline to apply for these scholarships is October 15th for spring semester programs.

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit the following Web page:

http://studyabroad.msu.edu/scholarships/index.html. Please check under “external scholarships” for awards specifically for this program.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form by visiting the following Web page: http://studyabroad.msu.edu/applications/index.html

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by October 15th for spring semester participation. We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to this deadline.

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year. Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required. Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program. Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter. You can also read the handbook online at http://studyabroad.msu.edu/abcs/index.html.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.