UMN: MSID - Human Rights in Senegal
Program Details
| Program Location |
Dakar, Senegal
|
| Sponsor |
University of Minnesota |
| Program Type |
Co-sponsored |
| Duration |
Semester
|
| Upcoming Program Dates |
| Spring 2026 |
01/18/26 to 05/09/26
|
| Spring 2026 |
12/28/25 to 05/09/26
|
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice
Overview
The Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID) program in Senegal allows you to study international development with a focus on Human Rights in Senegal - a fascinating country seen as a bridge between Africa and the West.
Senegal is home to a population of more than 18 million people coming from a vast range of diverse backgrounds. These include ethnic groups, cosmopolitan peoples, and immigrants with a wide array of languages spoken and religious beliefs.
This melting pot culture makes Senegal the perfect location to study human rights issues and the development of human rights policies. On this program, you will be based in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, where the blend of people can be seen on a daily basis. Study in the classroom as well as on field excursions to learn more about the unique how human rights policies are legislated at both the policy and grass roots level. You will also participate in a 6-week internship or research project to work directly with the most vulnerable populations, including but not limited to women, children, and indigenous and ethnic groups.
For more program information, please visit the
program website.
This program is sponsored by:
University of Minnesota.
Eligibility
The program is open to Purdue students in good standing who have completed at least two semesters of university study by the start of the program. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity, and a desire to experience another culture.
GPA Requirement:
2.5 on a 4.0 scale
Language Requirement: 4 Sem French
Purdue Credit
Direct Credit
available from the following:
[
College of Liberal Arts]
Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.
Academic Program
Spend seven weeks engaged in coursework in Dakar, followed by six weeks working as an intern or conducting a research project with a local grassroots organization. All classes are taught in French by local faculty and take place at the West African Research Center (WARC).
You will enroll in four required courses, including an internship or research project:
- Historical & Political Context of Senegal
- Human Rights Course
- Language - study either French or Wolof in a level that corresponds to your current language level
- Internship or Research
Students may also choose to add-on to their program with the
Intensive French in Senegal program, offered ahead of the semester in either January or August. This 3-week program allows you to get a jump start by participating in French language courses ahead of your semester starting. Please indicate in your academic plan portion of your application if you are interested in adding on this option.
Excursions
Although excursions change from year to year, you can expect to visit a variety of sites that may include local markets, development organizations, and areas of interest in and around Dakar. Your human rights course will include a day-long excursion near Dakar, to bring course content to life.
A five-day academic excursion to the rural Toubacouta region is considered a highlight of the semester. This takes place half-way through the classroom phase and illustrates how many of the theories learned throughout the classroom phase are put into practice.
Housing
You will live with a homestay family throughout your time in Senegal. If you choose an internship or research placement outside of Dakar, you will have a second homestay for the second half of the program.
Homestay families provide breakfast and dinner daily; you will be responsible for providing your own lunches.
Estimated Program Costs
Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss. Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location. This will vary by program. The program fee includes tuition, advising, orientation, and program activities.
Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are
for: Fall 2025
|
Costs per semester to be billed by Purdue
and Co-sponsor
|
| Program Fee |
$15,391.00
|
| Study Abroad Fee |
$914.10 |
| Housing |
$3,224.00 |
| Insurance |
$280.00 |
| Program Discount for Purdue Students |
- $1,000.00 |
|
Approximate additional costs per semester
|
| To be paid by the student.
|
| Round-trip Airfare |
$2,000.00 |
| Books and Supplies |
$150.00 |
| Meals |
$320.00 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses |
$0.00 -
$1,250.00 |
| Travel Documents (passport, photos) |
$175.00 |
Financial Aid
Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should
NOTE: Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad. Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.
Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.
Application Deadlines
For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents (typically an essay, transcripts, 1-2 recommendations, and copy of passport) before or by the application deadline. Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To ensure a place in a program, apply early.
As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.
| Program Application Deadline
|
| Fall Semester Programs |
Mar 1 |
| Spring Semester Programs |
Sep 15 |
Returnees Information
Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted. If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in.
Resources
The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.
For more information on this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office by phone (765) 494-2383
or email
studyabroad@purdue.edu.
