Description

The Arts and Sciences study abroad program in Legon, Ghana is designed for a wide variety of students, including those interested in studying the political and economic challenges facing sub-Saharan Africa and developing nations, and those interested in studying West African cultural practices in various musical and dance forms. This program also offers wonderful opportunities, in the classroom and in the community, for students interested in critical issues of public health, development, and African history and culture. Through these mechanisms students become participants in, and contributors to, Ghanaian intellectual, cultural, economic, and social life.

Academic Program
The University of Ghana has a wide range of traditional offerings similar to undergraduate programs at U.S. colleges and universities. The CIEE Arts and Sciences 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. This is achieved through integrated study with Ghanaian students and immersion into the cultural and social life of the university and the surrounding community.

Academic Culture
Students are required to undertake a full program of courses, including all prescribed assignments and written exams. Teaching methods at the University normally involve a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars and, in the sciences, laboratory classes. Students often notice striking differences between their home educational system and the Ghanaian system. Following the British-model, this system offers a less structured environment that requires students to take greater responsibility and initiative. Courses may involve relatively few contact hours each week, since professors expect a great deal of individual study. Learning by rote is the model most often used in classes. This entails professors reading from notes or books, with the expectation that students copy word for word their recitation. Most classes at the University of Ghana are very large, thus making classroom interaction with the professor very rare.

For semester participants, the program includes one week of orientation, thirteen weeks of instruction, one week of review, and three weeks of final exams. For academic year participants, the program includes one week of orientation followed by two semesters; there is a three- to four-week break between semesters. Students can stay in their housing during this time, but they are responsible for the cost of meals.

Highlights

Culture
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
The academic program is supplemented with field trips and excursions to various points of interest. Past semesters have included field trips and excursions to Kumasi, Dodi Island, Elmina, Cape Coast, Aburi Botanical Gardens, and the Wli Falls in the Volta Region, as well as day trips to the National Museum, the Dubois Center, and the Nkrumah Mausoleum. Local conditions dictate which field trips and excursions are offered each semester, and are subject to change.

Immersion
Volunteering
Students may volunteer in local businesses, social services, and cultural institutions, as well as assist in local schools. Students who want to volunteer or get involved in a non-credit community service project are encouraged to do so. Previously, students have volunteered in hospitals and rural health clinics, the Ghana National Museum, various NGOs, day care centers, elementary and junior high schools, media houses (print media), domestic violence support centers, law and human rights organizations, and a Liberian refugee camp.

Student Activities and Clubs
Opportunities are available to join music, theater, or art groups; participate in athletics; and attend lectures, discussions, and receptions. Sports such as soccer, basketball, field hockey, and tennis are popular with Ghanaian students. Basketball and baseball are fast gaining popularity among University of Ghana students as well.

U-Pals
Local university students, called U-Pals, assist CIEE participants with day-to-day matters, organize various social events, and help students adjust to their new environment, both at the University and in Legon. These students are recruited and trained by CIEE and are a true hallmark of the program.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, excursions, field trips, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, immersion activities, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.

*Students placed in Homestays will have breakfast and dinner provided during the week and three meals a day on weekends.

Experience Required

yes

• Overall GPA 3.0
• Junior standing and above
• College-level coursework in African studies

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays
• Dormitory
• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Scholarships are Available

We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

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