CIEE Summer Ghanian Studies Program in Legon, Ghana

Location: Ghana: Legon

Term: Summer

Dates: 7 weeks: mid June-late-July

http://www.ciee.org

300 Fore Street Portland, ME 04101 United States

Call Us

Phone: 207-533-4000;
Toll-free: 800.40.STUDY

Fax: 207-553-5000

Description

The summer Ghanaian Studies study abroad program in Legon, Ghana is designed for a wide variety of students, including those interested in the political, historical, and economic challenges facing Ghana today and those with an interest in studying Ghanaian cultural practices through various musical and dance forms.

This program is also appropriate for students who want to combine in-class studies with firsthand opportunities to examine critical issues of development, education, and public health through volunteer projects and other community-based activities. Through this intensive and rewarding combination of classes and community-based experiences, this summer program allows students to become participants in, and contributors to, Ghanaian intellectual, cultural, economic, and social life.

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 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.

Highlights

* Spend a summer exploring one of the most vibrant countries in West Africa
* 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 NGOs, schools, and other service organizations
* Explore Ghana's rich history and culture through a series of CIEE excursions to such places as Aburi, Cape Coast, Elmina, and Kumasi

Cultural Activities and Field Trips
The program includes a series of field trips, site visits, and cultural events. The aim of each trip, visit, and event is to enhance students' 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 program. CIEE Resident Staff arrange volunteer projects for all participants in various organizations throughout the Legon and the greater Accra area. The projects are designed to give students a firsthand look at the challenges facing Ghana as a developing nation. CIEE has an established network of community partnerships with local NGOs, schools, and orphanages. Projects range from teaching English and math skills to young children or creating activities for children at an orphanage to working on training programs for young women or helping officials with urban healthcare projects. Students volunteer a minimum of eight to 10 hours per week.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program

Cost Includes:

Cost Include Description:

The CIEE fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing, orientation, cultural activities, field trips, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits. *Two meals a day are included for students in homestays.

Credit Available

no

Experience Required

yes

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participant.

Typical Living Arrangements
  • Home-stays
  • Group living

Participants Travel to Ghana

Independently

Application Process Involves
  • Letters of Reference
  • Other
  • Transcript
  • Written Application
CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947

GoAbroad.com