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UMN MSID International Development in Senegal

A bright sun, low to the horizon, illuminating Dakar's skyline.




Semester students: There is a $7500 scholarship for students studying in Sub-Saharan Africa. Apply today to the Ambassador John E Lange Scholarship for Study Abroad in Africa. Deadline September 29.

Senegal, Dakar

Offered through the University of Minnesota, the MSID International Development in Senegal program is an approved UW affiliate program. On this program, you will learn Wolof language while taking courses and participating in an internship or research project related to International Development. Course work will be in English and French.

There is also an optional 3 week intensive French language course offered prior to the start of the fall and spring semesters.

You will be working closely with both IAP and the University of Minnesota on this program.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only. All other students should apply directly through UMN.

  • 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Language pre-requisite: 4th semester French - students who've completed 3rd semester French are eligible if they enroll in the pre-session option

  • Junior, Senior, Sophomore
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA in all French language courses
  • Language Prerequisite(s):
    Variable (see notes) French
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Provider

Subjects

French or Wolof language, international development topics and required internship or research project.

Classroom Language

French, Wolof

Housing

Local Hosts

Program Duration

Fall: Late August – Mid-December (French pre-session starts in early August)

Spring: Mid January – Late April (French pre-session starts in late December)

Application Deadline(s)

Fall 2026-27 3/20/2026 Cost Details
Fall 2026-27 - [Pre-session + Fall] 3/20/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 10/2/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 - [Pre Session + Spring] 10/2/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

Study international development in Senegal, the crossroads of African, Islamic, and European cultures and traditions. The program includes a six-week internship or research project with a grassroots organization focused on entrepreneurship, health, human rights, or sustainability.

You will select to participate in one of four academic tracks:

MSID - Entrepreneurship in Senegal
MSID - Health in Senegal
MSID - Human Rights in Senegal
MSID - Sustainability in Senegal

Below you will find the course equivalents listing for the program.

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents