ACI Baobab Center

Studying Abroad in Senegal with ACI Baobab was one of the best decisions I made in college. It gave me a greater understanding of full cultural immersion by living with a host family that only spoke French and Wolof. Understanding the culture, food, and be a student at the same time gave me more than I could learn in a book or by watching movies. It was tough using my rusty French but once I was there I could find myself speaking more fluently. The excursions and trips were eye opening as well and gave me a better understanding of daily life in Senegal as well as religion and customs.

I spent one month studying Wolof, French, and cultural studies at ACI Baobab through George Mason University in the summer of 2007, and it was one of the most fantastic abroad experiences I ever could have hoped for.

The staff at ACI Baobab was incredibly supportive, our classes were well run, and we hardly ever were lacking for great activities, excursions, or courses.

Our host families were fantastic as well -- I ended up being paired with a family that had two daughters my age and a 4-year old nephew (who, by the way, kicked my butt at dancing... naturally). In true Senegalese style, they welcomed me into their family and -- years later -- hope to see them again some day :)

Also, their cultural training before the start of our homestay was incredibly helpful and just another reason why I'd rank them as supportive and fantastic with their academics!