An Outstanding Academic and Cultural Experience

If you are interested in an experience where your perception of the world is challenged then this program is perfect. The academic environment provided by DIAS promotes an immersion approach to both French and Wolof languages as well as other interesting courses. Most specifically these other courses allow for the opportunity to learn in a classroom in which you can engage in conversation with other Senegalese students, providing a unique entry into African Studies, and other related disciplines. In regards to the housing situation, the host families that DIAS provides are amazing. Personally, I am still in contact with my host family as they were and are people that are very welcoming and hospitable. Being in a new country that is so different from our Western way of life, having a host family that is understanding and helpful makes the world of a difference. If you are interested in travelling this program is also a fit. DIAS does a great job in balancing the class schedule and the experiential learning that is done through the field trips. The field trips to other places in Senegal allow you to become closer to not only the other American students in your program but to also establish true friendships with the Senegalese peers. Altogether, this program was very formative for me and I apply a lesson I learned via this program in my everyday life.