Explore Senegal!

This trip is open to adults 18 years and older who are eager to immerse themselves in learning about a vibrant and dynamic culture in one of Africa’s most intriguing countries. This course is open to everyone — no prior enrollment in our noncredit programs is needed! Participants must already have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond November 6, 2026. 

Registration opens January 2026.

Enrollment is non-refundable after September 6, 2026. 

Refund and Cancellation Policy:

Receive a 50% refund if you withdraw from the course before September 6, 2026. Request must be made in writing to WCCELanguages@HowardCC.edu. Enrollment is non-refundable after September 6, 2026. 

Howard Community College reserves the right to cancel the program if enrollment is insufficient or due to unforeseen circumstances. In the event of cancellation, we will notify you as far in advance as possible and issue a full refund.

The cost of the trip is $3,420^{1, 2}

Course fees INCLUDE:

• Pre-departure orientation 
• In-country transportation, including airport transfers from Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) in Senegal
• Accommodations (rate is for double occupancy) 
• Meals 
• All planned activities, including entrance fees 

Course fees DO NOT INCLUDE:

• Airfare to and from Dakar, Senegal
• Supplemental charge for single room 
• Health insurance coverage for international travel 
• Out of pocket expenses 

¹ Rates are subject to change based on fluctuating exchange rates and inflation.
² Senior tuition discounts, financial aid, and waivers are not offered.

The travel dates are Thursday, November 6 — Saturday, November 15, 2026.
The itinerary below is subject to change as needed.

Day 1: Thursday, November 6

• Arrive at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) in Dakar. 
• Transfer to program accommodation.
• Afternoon: welcome and program orientation 
• Evening: dinner and academic session on Teranga (Senegalese hospitality)

Day 2: Friday, November 7

• Ferry trip to Gorée Island and visits to Memorial to the Martyrs, House of Slaves, guided walk through Gorée 
• African Renaissance Monument in Dakar 
• Welcome dinner 

Day 3: Saturday, November 8

• Academic session on urbanization and development 
• Dakar city tour, including Museum of Black Civilizations, Kermel Market, and Independence Square 
• Non-Government Organization visit 
• Senegalese cooking class

Day 4: Sunday, November 9

• Lac Rose guided tour on salt harvesting and environmental impact 
• Toubab Dialaw fishing village and artist colony 

Day 5: Monday, November 10

• Depart Dakar for Saint-Louis 
• Thies tapestry factory 
• Mekhe Leather artisans 
• Walking tour of Saint-Louis’ colonial heritage 
• Academic session on colonial legacies and post-independence identity

Day 6: Tuesday, November 11

• Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary tour and ecological lecture 
• Free afternoon 

Day 7: Wednesday, November 12

• Gaston Berger University, including university lectures and student interaction 
• Sanar and Nayobe village visits 

Day 8: Thursday, November 13

• Bandia Wildlife Reserve safari 
• Return to Dakar 

Day 9: Friday, November 14

• Academic session: West African Research Centre 
• Door of the Millennium 
• Farewell dinner

Day 10: Saturday, November 15

• Check out 
• Transfer to airport for departure

Arrival and Departure 

• Arrival day is Thursday, November 6, 2026. Airport transfers will be arranged for anyone arriving on this date. Participants arriving before this time will need to arrange their own transportation to the hotel in Dakar. 
• Activities begin in the afternoon of Thursday, November 6, 2026. 
• The scheduled trip ends Saturday, November 15 with a late afternoon transfer to the airport in Dakar.  
• Please note: In the unlikely event HCC must make changes to the program's arrival or departure details, we will notify all participants as soon as possible. You may be required to make flight adjustments and may incur fees imposed by the airline.

Passport 

Participants must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond November 6, 2026. 

Visa 

U.S. citizens are not required to obtain a visa for stays in Senegal of less than 90 days in any 12-month period. 

Currency 

The official currency in Senegal is the CFA franc (XOF) and is only available in West Africa. The euro and the U.S. dollar can be easily changed in big cities, banks, and some hotels.   

Health Concerns 

• Vaccinations: Yellow fever vaccinations are required for entry. See the CDC website for more information.  
• Activity: This is an active trip with a busy itinerary that includes a fair amount of walking.