Internships in Senegal: Bienvenue!

Senegal Fast Facts

• Main Industries: Agriculture and food processing, mining, chemicals, tourism, information technology
• Popular Destinations:Dakar, Touba, Thies, Kaolack, Saint-Louis
• Cost of Living: ~$1000 per month (NUMBEO)
• Visa: There are no special visa requirements for travelers visiting up to 90 days.

Popular Internship Fields

• Human Rights/Law: There are several internship opportunities related to human rights advocacy in Senegal. Interns and volunteers can have the chance to learn about Senegal's intentional legal system and talk to experts in the human rights field. Senegal is a great place to make your difference in the world, all under the guidance of a local human rights group and organized internship program.
• International Business and Development: Although Senegal is not well known in the U.S., many entrepreneurs and investors from Europe pay close attention to developing business opportunities in Senegal. As a relatively developed country in Africa, Senegal is a great place to test out the waters for new business. If you are interested in business, international relations, or development, Senegal is the place to go! Internship opportunities in business development will vary based on different internship program providers.

Planning Your Internship in Senegal

When and Where to Look for an Internship:

Many internships in Senegal are relatively flexible in terms of their duration. Depending on the type of internship you have, you may choose to intern in Senegal over the summer, during a semester, or for an entire year. Some internship projects tend to be more long-term, and extend past the period of one semester. The easiest way to intern in Senegal is to apply to an internship program. These programs often have pre-established relationships with local businesses and organizations, as well as other resources to ease your transition in Senegal. Be sure to do your research and ask any questions you have early on.

Cost of Living in Senegal:

The cost of living in Senegal is much less than that in the U.S. With the conversion rate of 1 CFA Franc BCEAO (XOF) approximately equal to 0.00198 U.S. dollars, most travelers from abroad will not find themselves with any financial burden. With that said, living in the city center in Dakar will still be noticeably more expensive compared to other towns. International products also tend to be more costly. Here are some examples of costs in Senegal are reported with the estimated U.S. Dollar equivalent to avoid giving you a headache. For a detailed breakdown of costs in Moldova, see NUMBEO.

• 1 bedroom apartment in City Center: $860
• 1 pair of jeans: $98
• 1 bottle of water: $1.33
• 1 way transportation ticket: $0.50

Work Culture in Senegal:

• Etiquette: The majority of Senegal's population is Muslim, and observant of Islamic tradition. The influence of religion is extremely noticeable in the culture: the Senegalese place high value on hospitality and positive communication. Greetings are an extremely important aspect of Senegalese culture, as well as a sign of respect, so be sure to shake hands with everyone whenever you walk into a new space. Also, always use your right hand when you eat or shake hands with others to avoid disrespect, and avoid confrontation at all costs. The Senegalese people are extremely friendly and polite, although they tend to communicate with each other rather indirectly.
• Language: Due to Senegal's heavy French influence, French remains the official language of the country, and is often used in schools and businesses. However, Wolof, a native language of some Senegalese people, is more prominently spoken in local atmospheres. In that respect, it may be easiest to first brush up on your French, and then take on the challenge of picking up bits of Wolof to help with you cope with any communication woes.
• Networking: Building personal relationships with your fellow interns and co-workers is simply another great way to get to know more people and possibly learn more about a different worldview. Professional networking is also quite popular, especially in the major cities such as Dakar. Some internship programs may provide special networking opportunities for interns to meet with professionals or work directly with them. If you are interested in joining a more structured or formal networking group, check out Senegal Professional Networking or Dakar Networking.

Work and Labor Laws in Senegal

Most of the attention to Senegal's labor laws has been directed to the country's newer policies and programs to eliminate child labor. Issues with Senegal's work and labor conditions have inspired many human rights platforms and projects. With that said, most internships in Senegal are unpaid, especially since the country is still battling high unemployment rates.

Why Intern in Senegal?

A culturally and historically rich country on the edge of West Africa, Senegal is a unique place to pursue an international internship. For those interested in human rights work and international business development, Senegal is the perfect place to obtain some real work experience in a growing country. While it doesn't seem like the first place you would go to pursue an internship, living and working abroad in Senegal will expose you to a different way of life--one not necessarily considered glamorous, but most definitely filled with rich culture and experience.