The College of Education sponsors a 13-day summer course in Senegal. This program offers an immersion into Francophone Africa through cultural and community-based learning. Students will be exposed to a variety of educational settings with visits to several schools in the capital, Dakar. The course also will examine the historical impact of the slave trade and colonial rule on the West African country.

Academic Program

This 3 s.h. course will be offered for elective credit.

ABRD:3729 Colonialism, Postcolonialism and Education in Senegal

Course description:

Explore a variety of schooling and curricular models in a variety of settings

Gain an understanding of Senegalese history, society, culture and educational institutions

Establish a baseline understanding of how slavery evolved and affected Senegal and countries of the diaspora

Foster cultural competencies and appreciation for Senegalese culture through interaction and immersion

For More Information

For more details, contact faculty leader Amira Nash or program coordinator Krista Larson.

Program Dates

For the summer 2025 session, the program dates are:

Depart US: June 8, 2025

Arrive in Dakar, Senegal: June 9, 2025

Return to US: June 22, 2025

Excursions outside of Dakar:

Day trip: UNESCO World Heritage Site Goree Island - This iconic landmark served as a stopover for ships transporting enslaved people to the Caribbean and the United States from the 15th to the 19th century.

Two-night stay: UNESCO World Heritage Site Saint-Louis - Located near the mouth of the Senegal River, Saint Louis was the capital of the colony of Senegal from 1673 to 1902.

Day trip to Ngor Island - This small island just off Dakar's north shore is the westernmost point of Senegal and the mainland African continent. With calm beaches on the bay side and legendary surf on the northern coastline, visitors often come for the day from Dakar to relax, stroll on the beaches, explore the quiet village and have lunch in one of the seaside restaurants.

Visit to Lac Rose – This unique pink-colored lake derives its distinct color from Dunaliella salina bacteria.

Accommodation

Students will stay in tourist class hotels and will be transported by chartered bus companies when necessary. Dining will include a mixture of group meals and self-selected restaurant options.

Travel Arrangements

Students will make their own travel arrangements with advice and information provided by the program coordinators.

Students are advised NOT to purchase tickets until the program's status is confirmed. In late March, students will be informed whether there is sufficient interest to offer the trip. Instructions for purchasing tickets will be shared at that time.

Important notice for students without a valid U.S. passport, or whose passport will expire before December 2025:

Those with valid passports should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months PAST the anticipated return to the U.S. from studying abroad, i.e., through December 2025.

Students who do not yet have a passport are advised to apply for one as soon as possible.

A special note to international students

Depending on your country of origin, it may be necessary for you to apply for a tourist visa before you can enter Senegal for this summer's program. You can check this Senegalese government website for more information.

If you do need one to enter Senegal, UI Study Abroad will supply you with documents to support your application.

To return to the United States after the class, you will need a valid form I-20 or DS-2019 endorsed for travel abroad and an F-1 or J-1 student visa that is valid through the date that you plan to return to the United States. You can obtain a travel signature from an advisor at International Student and Scholar Services, 1111 University Capitol Centre.

Eligibility

Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing prior to applying to the program. A minimum 2.5 GPA or consent of the program director and study abroad is required for acceptance.

Demonstrated preparedness and maturity: Students must meet entry requirements for the countries and venues visited by the program. Students must demonstrate preparedness to take on the heightened responsibilities associated with international study and travel and demonstrate a commitment to behave responsibly abroad while respecting cultural differences. Students are expected to obey both local laws and program directives conveyed to participants before and during the program. The University of Iowa Code of Student Life applies to all program participants while abroad.

Good academic and disciplinary standing: Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa, or at another U.S. college or university where the applicant is enrolled in a degree program. Students placed on either academic or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad on a University of Iowa program. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of the India Winterim program.

Accessibility: On a daily basis, participants will need to be able to walk over terrain and along streets that may be bumpy or uneven. Accessibility standards in Senegal differ from those in the United States.

Application Deadline

February 7, 2025. Early applications are encouraged; courses will be filled with eligible students based on the date of the application submission.

Costs

There is a $50 application fee.

Summer 2025 Cost Sheet

How to Apply

The application form is available by clicking on the following link: Application beginning January 1, 2025.

UI students who apply to this program will be U-billed the $50 application fee. The application form, along with a copy of the information page of your passport, should be submitted by the application deadline.

Program admission decisions will be based on several factors:

• Course eligibility requirements met;
• Submission date of complete application; and
• Course selection

Enrollments must meet at least 12 students in order for the course to be offered.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

You may be able to use financial aid for summer courses, particularly if you already use it for fall/spring. Speak with the Financial Aid office to see what might be available to you.

Summer study abroad students are also able to apply for Study Abroad scholarships. Please visit the Study Abroad Scholarships website for more detailed information on the available scholarships and to review eligibility criteria.

Health & Safety Planning

Students should carefully review the following materials starting at least two months prior to departure:

Prepare for Departure

Health and Safety

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travelform with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

Flights

Students will receive instructions for booking flights after the confirmation deadline. A suggested group flight will be shared with the group and students will make their own arrangements. Those who do not have extensive travel experience are encouraged to book the suggested group flight.

Immigration/Visa

UI Study Abroad and your program provider/host institution abroad will provide you with immigration instructions prior to departure.

It is essential that you thoroughly review all of your immigration materials before you leave for Senegal to ensure that they are absolutely complete and accurate. It is entirely your responsibility to ensure that all of your immigration materials are in order and fully accurate before you leave for your host country. If any of your immigration materials contain inaccurate information of any kind, contact your UI study abroad advisor immediately to discuss your options.

Do not take steps to complete Senegalese immigration requirements until you receive more information from UI Study Abroad.

Review the information under the Visa heading our Prepare for Departure page for further guidance on the immigration/visa process.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These may be in addition to orientations provided by your on-site provider. See below for more information.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs ICON course "Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation" prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals, and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions, you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu.

Program-Specific Orientation

A mandatory, in-person orientation will be facilitated by the faculty leader and program coordinator before departure and will cover content specific to your program and host country.