Study the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship in Dakar, the metropolitan and cosmopolitan capital of Senegal. Deepen your understanding of Senegal's economic structure through a 6-week internship or research placement that will increase your understanding of microfinance and social entrepreneurship, as well as the role the Senegalese culture and history plays in these areas.

About

Known as a melting pot of populations, Senegal is home to a dynamic array of ethnic groups and immigrants from Europe, Africa, and other parts of the world. These differing populations drive the economy and entrepreneurship efforts in Senegal. On this program, you will learn directly from the Senegalese people and study the intricacies of entrepreneurship in the capital of Dakar. You will also participate in a 6-week internship or research placement that will help you deepen your understanding of microfinance and social entrepreneurship, as well as the role the Senegalese culture and history plays in these areas.

Homestay

You will live with a homestay family throughout your time in Senegal. If you choose an internship or research placement outside of Dakar, you will have a second homestay.

Homestay families provide breakfast and dinner daily; you will be responsible for providing your own lunches. Host families can typically accommodate a variety of dietary needs, but if you have severe food allergies and/or restrictions, you should discuss your situation with the program team prior to applying.

Homestays are an integral component of the learning experience and often a highlight for participants. Your family provides not only housing and most meals but is also a connection to Senegalese culture. Nearly all families have hosted program participants before and have been chosen for their genuine interest in sharing Senegalese life with an MSID program participant.

Excursions

Although excursions change from year to year, you can expect to visit a variety of sites that may include local markets, development organizations, and areas of interest in and around Dakar. Your entrepreneurship course will include a day-long excursion near Dakar, to bring course content to life.

A five-day academic excursion to the rural Toubacouta region is considered a highlight of the semester. This takes place half-way through the classroom phase and illustrates how many of the theories learned throughout the classroom phase are put into practice.

Flight

The Learning Abroad Center works with Village Travel, a local travel agency, to arrange a coordinated flight for program participants. The flight is optional, and is arranged for those who want to fly with other program participants. Group flight information is typically available by the program application deadline, if not before.

You will be met at the airport in Dakar (DSS). If you take the group flight, or are able to arrive just before the group flight, our staff will meet you at the airport and bring you to your arrival hotel at no added cost. If you do not take the group flight, we will arrange a taxi for you, but you will need to pay for it on your own. Specific arrival instructions will be sent out prior to your departure.

For immigration purposes, you should purchase a round-trip ticket, since you must be able to show your entry and exit dates from Senegal.

Learning Outcomes

Foster an understanding of the global context through classroom and experiential learning
Cultivate awareness and appreciation for critical global issues through engagement with local communities
Translate insights gained into thoughtful and respectful long-term perspectives on concepts of social justice and sustainable development
Strengthen communication skills through acquisition of local languages and cultural awareness
Gain cross-cultural competencies through extended engagement at a local grassroots organization