Overview

Spend a summer exploring one of the most vibrant countries in West Africa. Through the Summer Ghanaian Studies program, you’ll gain an appreciation of Ghana’s rich culture and tradition. Learn how slavery, colonization, independence, and Pan-Africanism have influenced the country’s present-day society; and develop a better understanding of Ghanaian people through the academic courses, co-curricular activities, and volunteer projects.

Study abroad in Ghana and you will:

• Take innovative courses in Ghanaian history, politics, music, and dance taught by faculty from the premier institute of higher learning in Ghana
• Learn firsthand about Ghanaian society through volunteer opportunities at local orphanages NGOs, schools, and other service organizations
• Explore Ghana’s rich history and culture through a series of CIEE excursions to sites including Aburi, Cape Coast, Elmina, and Kumasi
   

The CIEE Difference

Coursework

Cultural Activities and Excursions

Summer study abroad in Ghana includes a series of field trips, site visits, and cultural events. The aim of each trip, visit, and event is to enhance your understanding and appreciation of life and society in Ghana. Possible excursion and field trip destinations include Aburi, Cape Coast, Elmina, and Kumasi.

Community Engagement

Community engagement is one of the central components of this summer study abroad program. CIEE Resident Staff arrange volunteer projects for all interested participants in various organizations throughout the Legon and the greater Accra area. The projects are designed to give you a firsthand look at the challenges facing Ghana as a developing nation.

CIEE has an established network of community partnerships with local schools and orphanages. Previous projects have included teaching English and math skills to young children and creating activities for children at an orphanage,. Students who elect to volunteer commit a minimum of four to six hours per week.

The program includes guided visits to sites of historic and cultural importance in and around Gaborone, including a weekend camping trip to the Khama Rhino Sancturay and a safari drive in the Mokolodi Nature Reserve.

Recommended Credit

Total recommended credit for the summer program is 6 semester/ 9 quarter hours.

Course contact hours are 45 hours and recommended credit is 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours.

Program Requirements

Students are required to enroll in two courses.

About Legon

The CIEE Study Center is located in Legon, approximately 10 miles from Ghana’s capital city, Accra, at the University of Ghana. A large shopping mall is located roughly 10 minutes away, and several grocery stores are easily accessible to students. There are local restaurants and bars within the Legon area that many students enjoy. While still characterized by a vibrant atmosphere, Legon has a slower pace than the bustle of central Accra. However, due to its close proximity to Accra, students are able to experience firsthand the challenges of a large urban environment within an African context. Additionally, Legon is roughly 30 minutes from the coast and its beautiful beaches.

Where You’ll Study

University of Ghana

As the oldest and largest of the six public universities in Ghana, the University of Ghana has an enrollment of more than 28,000 students and a faculty of over 900. The University comprises faculties of agriculture and consumer sciences, arts, law, medicine, science, and social sciences; schools of business, nursing, and public health; and three agricultural research stations. The University also has institutes for African studies; international relations; journalism and communication; population studies; and statistical, social, and economic research, among others.

Housing & Meals

Housing is included in the program fee. Students may choose from the following options:

Off-Campus Student Hostel—Most students in the summer program live in a private student hostel near the University of Ghana campus in East Legon. East Legon is one of the safest neighborhoods in the greater Accra area and is within close proximity to the University. The hostel is a short walk to a major bus and taxi stand, allowing students to travel easily to the University or downtown Accra. The hostel is also close to shopping malls, Internet cafés, and various restaurants. Students share air-conditioned double rooms with other CIEE students.

Homestay with a Ghanaian Family—A limited number of study abroad homestays with local Ghanaian families are also available. This option provides an excellent opportunity for immersion in the local culture and is strongly recommended for students who wish to take full advantage of their experience studying abroad in Ghana.

Students who live in the off-campus hostel can either prepare their own meals at the hostel or eat at local restaurants. Meals are not included in the program fee for those in the hostel. Students in homestays eat breakfast and dinner with their host families daily, and lunch is at the student’s expense. Some additional meals are provided on CIEE field trips and excursions.

Academic Program

The seven-week summer program is based on the University of Ghana campus, and all courses are taught by University of Ghana faculty. The program provides an opportunity for students from all academic disciplines to live and study abroad in Ghana, learning firsthand about the country and its people, while continuing to pursue their own academic goals. The program includes a community-based volunteer component designed to help students better understand Ghanaian history, politics, and societal values and traditions.

Academic Culture

Teaching methods at the University of Ghana typically involve a mixture of lectures and seminars. The system is geared toward the serious student who is motivated, self-sufficient, and deeply interested in the subject matter. Each course meets four times a week for two hours each session, with additional time reserved for student volunteer projects, program activities, and excursions. The Music and Dance Forms of Ghana course includes rehearsals, group work, and several performances.

Nature of Classes

Participants take classes with other CIEE students only.

Grading System

Assessment for both the Politics in Ghana since Independence and History of Ghana courses is based on a combination of class participation, short papers, and a final examination. The Music and Dance Forms of Ghana course grade is based on student participation, written assignments, and several practical assignments and performances.

Language of Instruction

English

Faculty

All courses are taught by faculty from the University of Ghana.