Description

Cross-Cultural Research and Service Learning in Poverty Alleviation Through Education

The Global Education Office, the African American Studies Department, and the Psychology Department are pleased to offer 2 unique opportunities for students to conduct research in Ghana (Cross-cultural research) or participate in a Service Learning experience (Service Learning in Poverty Alleviation through Education). Students can enroll in only one of these 2 tracks.

* The registration deadline is mid- to late-February.

Course and credit options

Students will enroll in AFAM 491 or PSYC 491 for 3 credits, and HUMS 391 for 1 credit. (All students must enroll in the HUMS 391 course in addition to selecting either the AFAM or PSYC course).

Course description

Ghana: Cross-Cultural Research
This track will provide an educational experience in designing and conducting research in a non-western cultural environment. Participants will study important issues in Cultural Psychology, learn about Ghanaian culture, and conduct research in Ghana. Students will explore Ghanaian society while identifying and describing cultural themes and perspectives in the field of cultural psychology. This program will take you on an academic and experiential journey into the captivating complexity of Ghanaian culture.

Ghana: Service Learning in Poverty Alleviation Through Education
This track will provide an educational experience in poverty alleviation strategies in a developing country context. Students will have a service learning experience in collaboration with a Ghanaian organization that aims to alleviate poverty in youth through the provision of high quality education in a rural environment. Students will tour some rural and urban sites and Ghana be exposed to a variety of aspects of Ghanaian culture.

Vivian Dzokoto, Ph.D., is originally from Ghana. She graduated from the University of Ghana and worked as a teaching assistant at the University of Ghana during the 1997/1998 academic school year. Dzokoto conducts research in Ghana every year and has worked on research projects involving various Ghanaian sub-populations, focusing on mental health, economic psychology and emotion. She has been involved in two cross-cultural immersion programs in Ghana with the School of International Training's Experiment in International Living (EIL) and Global Leadership Adventures (GLA).

Highlights

While in Ghana

Students tour of historical sites in Ghana's capital city, Accra. There will be excursions to the following cultural sites: Akosombo Dam, a Bead-Making Factory, and Shai Hills Resource Reserve in Ghana's Eastern Region (day trip); Cape Cost Castle and the Kakum National Park in the Central region of Ghana (over night stay); and the Manhyia Palace and Bonwire Kente Weaving Village in the Ashanti region of Ghana (overnight stay). Transportation for group tours will be buses provided by AG Leisure Services Ltd. For culture exposure, students will take public transportation in groups for some class exercises.

Participants will be housed at the University of Ghana's Ford Foundation Guest Center in Legon, Accra, Ghana or the Apaade Lodge in Tesano, a suburb of Accra. The final decision about accommodations will be based on availability, which depends on the total number of students enrolled in the program. Most meals are included.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• African-american Studies
• Psychology

Cost in US$:

Approx. USD2,300 + airfare + VCU tuition

Program Fees Include:

The program fee is approximately USD2,200 - USD2,400and includes the following:
* Accommodations
* In-country meals
* Guest lectures
* Study visits and tours
* On-site Program Director
* Application fee and deposit
* Pre-departure orientation
* VCU administrative fees
* International Student Identification Card

The following are not included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:
* Airfare
* VCU tuition and fees
* Passport application fee
* Visa fee
* Personal expenses during the program (estimated at USD500)
* Anything not specifically mentioned above

Please budget for these additional expenses.

Airfare is not included. Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements from the U.S. to Accra, Ghana, and from Accra, Ghana, to the U.S. Dr. Dzokoto will assist participants in identifying low-cost options and a preferred itinerary.

Experience Required

yes

Eligibility This program is open to students from varied backgrounds. It is assumed that students who sign up for the research track will have some background in one or more of the following by May, 2012: * Statistics (equivalent to an undergraduate course in applications of statistics) * Research Methods in a Social Science/Humanities area * African American Studies, African Studies, International Studies, (equivalent to at least one undergraduate course in either). For the service Learning program, students should have completed a course in at least one of the following by May, 2012: * African American Studies, * African Studies, International Studies, (equivalent to at least one undergraduate course in either). Students must have a 2.0 GPA or higher in order to participate in the VCU summer study abroad program. An academic letter of reference is not required.

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Home-stays
• Other

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-4 weeks

Year Founded

1838