Dakar: African Politics and French Language (CANCELED)
Dakar, Senegal
Dates
- Summer 2 Semester - July 2 – August 2, 2013
Application Deadline
- Summer 2 Semester - Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and program may fill at any time. Final deadline – January 24.
Description
Faculty Leaders: Prof. William Miles, Political Science (b.miles@neu.edu) and Prof. Loiza Miles, World Languages Center (l.miles@neu.edu)
Study Abroad Coordinator: Colleen Boyle (c.boyle@neu.edu)
Information Session: Next Session When Faculty Returns from Senegal in mid-January
Summer II
Courses: POLS4937 Government and Politics – Learning Abroad in Senegal & FRNH 1302 Elementary French Immersion 2 OR FRNH 2301 Intermediate French Immersion 1
Description: Since independence in 1960, Senegal – a French-speaking, Muslim nation in West Africa – has maintained one of the most robust democratic systems on the entire African continent. That it has managed to do so in the face of persistent poverty is little less than remarkable. This course will introduce students first-hand to one of the most intriguing (and hospitable) countries in the annals of African and Islamic politics, history, culture, and economic development. Classes, in English, at the West African Research Center (WARC) in Dakar will be supplemented by excursions throughout the city and elsewhere in the country. Successful completion of the French language component of the course helps satisfy Northeastern’s foreign language requirement.
Courses
- POLS4937 Government and Politics – Learning Abroad in Senegal
- FRNH1302 - Elementary French Immersion 2 OR FRNH2301 Intermediate French Immersion 1
Host University
West African Research Center (WARC) in Dakar (www.warccroa.org/home)
Eligibility Requirements
Minimum 2.5 GPA. Priority to applicants who have successfully completed at least one semester of French at Northeastern (FRNH 1101) or its equivalent. Equivalency is determined by the World Languages Center; contact Prof. Loiza Miles (l.miles@neu.edu). Preference will also be given to students who have successfully taken Politics of Developing Nations (POLS 3487) or an equivalent course.
Application Procedure
- Online Dialogue of Civilizations application (available on OISP website)
- Unofficial transcript which you can download and print from MyNEU
- One copy of passport ID page – To be given directly to your faculty leader after acceptance.
- 2-3 page essay answering the following questions:
- What are your personal and academic reasons for wishing to participate in this Dialogue of Civilizations program?
- How will the program further your academic and career goals?
- What is your previous travel and language experience, if any?
- What courses have you taken which are directly relevant to the program?
**Faculty may require additional information and/or interview (after application deadline)
**Please note that prior to 11/15/12 your unofficial transcript and essay should be handed in to OISP. After 11/15/12, please send them directly to your faculty leader
Cost
Tuition: $9,830
DOC Fee: $2,750
Tuition and DOC Fee cover 8 Northeastern credits, round-trip airfare from Boston, housing for program duration, International SOS assistance, as well as some local transport, excursions and group meals.
Accommodations
Accommodations will be “home stay” – living with a Senegalese family in Dakar, the nation’s capital. Students are welcome to take meals with their host families, provided they are home at the family’s normal eating times. Although some host families may be within walking distance of the host institution WARC, where needed the program includes a budget for taxi travel to and from classes. Depending on family habit, laundry is done at the home either once or twice a week. Free internet access (both wireless and with PCs) is provided at the host institution, WARC. Relatively few homes in Senegal enjoy access to the Internet. Cell phone usage is widespread and relatively inexpensive.
Destination
Most of the program takes place in Dakar, capital of Senegal. Several excursions outside of Dakar are also planned, most with overnight stays (included in program cost) in international class resorts and hotels.