Most courses are year-long. All instruction at the University is in French, but intensive Wolof instruction is provided. Students live in Mt. Holyoke-owned house near campus. Five semesters of college French and one course on Africa are required prerequisites. Differences in the Kalamazoo and Smith calendars make it impossible for Smith students to return to Smith for spring semester.
Students live in homestays with local families or in program housing during the academic year.
Two years of college level French are required. For single semester or full year study abroad, spring entry generally allows the greatest ease of entry both academically and socially. Direct enrollment at the Pietermaritzburg branch, which is the flagship campus of the University and offers degrees in Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences, or the Durban branch of the University of Natal, following the southern hemisphere academic calendar. August - November. Full year or semester enrollment.