Overview
The SIT Senegal: Global Security and Religious Pluralism program explores how Senegalese society has cultivated peaceful coexistence in religiously plural settings—coexistence rooted in indigenous philosophies that permeate the cultural landscape to this day. Senegal provides a model of religious coexistence in which radicalization is unusual, and Sufi Islam has an unusually close relationship with the government.
Academics
On this program, you will critically examine global security discourse and see how Senegal's fascinating mix of religions presents a model for global peace from a decolonial perspective. You will take coursework that explores the following topics, Senegal: Colonialism, the State and Society, Re-thinking Global Security: Politics and Religious Pluralism in Senegal, Research Methods and Ethics, French or Wolof Language Options, and Independent Study Project (ISP).
Program Features
You will live with a Senegalese family in Dakar starting after orientation and continuing until the end of the semester. The homestay will allow you to experience Senegalese daily life and special cultural events in Dakar.
Since SIT believes in learning by experience, you will participate in various excursions throughout Senegal and Morocco.
Eligibility
Review eligibility to ensure that you meet all Columbia requirements to study abroad.
Review the external program webpage to understand any additional program prerequisites.
Application Instructions
To apply, you must complete the two steps below. Deadlines vary, and some applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Therefore, you should complete the steps below simultaneously:
- To apply for Columbia clearance (approval) to study abroad, click on "Start Your Application" on this webpage. Clearance applications are approved on a rolling basis until the application deadline listed on this webpage.
- To apply for program admission, complete an external application directly on the program webpage. Note that this deadline may be in advance of the Columbia clearance deadline.