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Description

The CIEE International Business and Culture program at Ashesi University provides an opportunity for students to live and study in Ghana, learning firsthand about the country and its people, while continuing to pursue their own academic goals. CIEE participants study alongside Ghanaian students and become immersed in the cultural and social life of the University and the surrounding community.

Academic Program
Students may choose from offerings among Ashesi Universitys liberal arts core, business administration, or computer science curricula. In addition, students can select from Ashesi Universitys interdisciplinary Africana Studies Program courses. The Africana Studies Program is a multidisciplinary program with courses in African music and dance, business, history, philosophy, political science, and sociology. This curriculum is further enhanced by incorporating service-learning opportunities into classes. Students are encouraged to take one or more courses in these areas in order to maximize their academic integration with local Ashesi students.

The Resident Director assists interested program participants in organizing an independent study project. More information on the independent study option can be found in the course listing.

Academic Culture
The Ashesi class schedule is based on a semester system, with students typically taking four courses per semester. Ashesi Universitys classes are very interactive, a rare feature in most institutions of higher learning in Ghana. This is made possible due to the low student- professor ratio. At Ashesi, students play an active role in the classroom setting, participating in debates, discussions, and presentations, which counts toward final grades.

For semester participants, the program includes one week of orientation, thirteen teaching weeks, one week of mid-semester exams, one week of review, and one week 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

• Directly enroll in a wide range of courses at one of Ghanas most prestigious private universities; study alongside local Ghanaian and international students
  
• Get extensive support from CIEE-trained Ashesi University U-Pal students
  
• Have the opportunity to participate in service-learning, community service, volunteering, and an independent study project, as well as in University clubs
  
• Partake in excursions to such places as Dodi Island, Cape Coast, Aburi Botanical Gardens, and the Wli Falls in the Volta region

In addition to travel, there are many other ways for students to become involved in Ghanaian society, including volunteerism and student clubs.

Immersion
Volunteering
Students may volunteer in local businesses, social services, and cultural institutions, as well as assist in local schools. Service-learning plays an important role in the Ashesi University curriculum, and students can expect many opportunities to learn outside of the classroom, while also giving back to the local community.

U-Pals
Local Ashesi 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 Accra. 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

Cost Include Description:

The CIEE program fees for 2010-11 include 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, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card, which includes insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required

yes

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

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Home-stays

Participants Travel to Ghana

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
• Transcript
• Written Application
• Other

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