Overview

Discover the heart of West Africa through an unforgettable journey that blends education, language, and cultural exchange.

Our Senegal Short-Term Immersion Program offers students a chance to live and learn in one of Africa’s most vibrant, safe, and culturally rich nations- where tradition and modernity meet on the shores of the Atlantic.

Spend two to four weeks in partnership with local schools in Dakar or Saint-Louis, study alongside Senegalese peers, and immerse yourself in the French language and Senegalese way of life.
Whether you’re joining as an individual student or as part of a school group, this program is designed to open minds, strengthen confidence, and connect you with a part of the world that radiates warmth, rhythm, and resilience.

Program Dates

• Available year-round– during the school term or holiday breaks
  • Most popular sessions: Spring (March- April) | Summer (June- July) | Autumn (September- October)
  • Duration options: 2 weeks or 4 weeks
  • Early application recommended (12 weeks in advance)

Costs & Inclusions

What’s Included:
✅ Classroom immersion in partner Senegalese schools (bilingual or French-medium)
✅ Safe boarding accommodation or host family placement
✅ Three daily meals (local and international cuisine)
✅ Orientation upon arrival in Dakar or Saint-Louis
✅ Guided cultural activities and weekend excursions
✅ 24/7 local support and supervision
✅ Certificate of completion and progress report
✅ Airport pickup and group transfers

Not Included:
✈️ Flights to and from Senegal
🧳 Visa application fees (if required)
💼 Travel/medical insurance (required)
💰 Personal spending and optional add-on excursions

Eligibility

• Ages 13- 17 (individuals or school groups welcome)
  • Open to English or French-speaking students
  • Ideal for students studying French, African studies, or global citizenship
  • Must hold a valid passport and meet Senegal’s entry requirements
  • Curious, respectful, and eager to experience new cultures

Academic Experience

Students will participate in classroom lessons alongside local peers, learning through immersion and cross-cultural collaboration.

The program includes:
• Enrollment in partner middle or high schools
• Morning academic sessions (core subjects + language learning)
• Afternoon workshops in culture, arts, and leadership
• French language support for English-speaking students
• Certificate of completion and teacher evaluation report

Bonus: Many of our partner schools offer bilingual instruction- allowing students to practice both English and French in real-world settings.

Accommodation

Two safe, student-centered options are available:

🏫 On-Campus Housing
• Located within the partner school or supervised student residence
• Shared rooms with same-gender peers
• Daily housekeeping, Wi-Fi, and common spaces
• 24/7 supervision by trained residential staff

🏡 Host Family Stay
• Experience authentic Senegalese hospitality with a screened local family
• Practice French (or English) daily in a home environment
• Enjoy traditional dishes like thieboudienne (Senegalese rice & fish) and yassa
• Ideal for full cultural and language immersion

Activities & Excursions

Learning extends beyond the classroom- every moment in Senegal is a lesson in history, music, and community.

Highlights include:
🌊 Dakar City Tour –  Explore local markets, museums, and coastal landmarks
🏝️ Gorée Island Visit –  Step into UNESCO World Heritage history
🎶 Drumming & Dance Workshop –  Learn traditional sabar rhythms
🎨 Art & Craft Sessions –  Try batik making or beadwork with local artists
🌅 Saint-Louis Excursion –  Visit the historic colonial capital
🐘 Nature & Service Day –  Visit wildlife parks or join a community project

Sample 2-Week Itinerary

Week 1
✈️ Arrival in Dakar, orientation & city tour
🏫 Classroom integration and French language sessions
🎶 Senegalese drumming and storytelling workshop
🏖️ Weekend excursion to Gorée Island & Dakar Plateau

Week 2
📚 Continued school immersion
🌍 Visit to local NGOs and cultural centers
🍲 Cooking class: learn to make thieboudienne
🎭 Cultural showcase & farewell dinner
🎓 Certificate presentation & reflection session

Why Choose Senegal?

Senegal stands out as one of Africa’s most welcoming and stable destinations, offering:
🌍 Safe, student-friendly learning environments
🎓 French language practice with real immersion
🎨 Rich cultural heritage and artistic expression
🤝 Genuine community connections and service opportunities
🎯 Transformative perspective-building for global-minded students

For American and international students, this is a chance to expand their worldview.
For African students, it’s an opportunity to explore leadership, language, and cultural identity within the continent.