arts + sciences

Quick Info

By Term

• Fall 2013
• Spring 2013
• Spring 2014
• Academic year 2013-2014

Stay Connected

Program Overview

Whether you want to explore the political and economic challenges facing sub-Saharan Africa and developing nations, or study West African cultural practices in various musical and dance forms, the Arts and Sciences program in Legon, Ghana is designed to indulge your varied interests.

This program also offers wonderful opportunities, in the classroom and community, for students interested in critical issues of public health, development, and African history and culture. Through these mechanisms you will become participants in, and a contributor to, Ghanaian intellectual, cultural, economic, and social life.

Study abroad in Legon and you will:

• Get to know life in West Africa by living with a Ghanaian family, volunteering with a local organization, doing an internship, or simply observing day to day life
• Directly enroll in a wide range of courses, including West African performing arts, Twi language, African studies, social work, politics, economics, and religion
• Experience firsthand the issues challenging Ghana today
• Enjoy CIEE-led travel excursions to different parts of the country
• Receive extensive and ongoing support from CIEE staff and CIEE-trained University of Ghana “U-Pal” students

The CIEE Difference

Coursework

The Arts and Sciences study abroad program in Legon provides an opportunity for students from all academic disciplines to study in Ghana. Popular areas of study for CIEE participants include political science, history, dance, and music, but a full range of academic areas are provided and available to participants. Every CIEE student is required to take a Twi language course, which is the predominant local language in Ghana.

Volunteering and Community Service

Give back to your host community through various community involvement opportunities:

You may volunteer at local businesses, social services, and cultural institutions, as well as in local schools. 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, and law and human rights organizations.

As part of the Corporate Social Responsibility of the program, the CIEE Study Center in Legon also undertakes community service every semester. Past projects have included painting, weeding, and scrubbing at a special needs center, donation of cloth items and water tanks, and the building of a water filtering system at a village.

Excursions

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, Dubois Center, and Nkrumah Mausoleum.

Dates, Deadlines & Fees

We want to make sure you get the most out of your experience when you study abroad with CIEE, which is why we offer the most inclusions in our fees.

• Tuition and housing
• Pre-departure advising and optional on-site airport meet and greet
• Full-time program leadership and support
• Field trips and cultural activities
• CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits

Please note, program dates are subject to change. Please contact your CIEE Study Abroad Advisor before purchasing airfare. Click the button to view more detailed information about dates and fees.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Fall 2013 (19 wks)

Extended to: 04/15/2013

08/01/2013

12/10/2013

$13,850

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$11,575

Housing ***

$1,700

Insurance

$102

Visa Fees

$173

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

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

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee *

$1,800

International Airfare **

$1,850

Local Transportation

$400

Books & Supplies

$250

Personal expenses

$2,000

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* For students in dormitory; homestay students only need to budget for lunches during the week, estimated at $500 for one semester.

** round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

Spring 2013 (18 wks)

11/15/2012

01/18/2013

05/26/2013

$13,850

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$11,575

Housing ***

$1,700

Insurance

$102

Visa Fees

$173

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

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

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee *

$1,800

International Airfare **

$1,850

Local Transportation

$400

Books & Supplies

$250

Personal expenses

$2,000

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* For students in dormitory; homestay students only need to budget for lunches during the week, estimated at $500 for one semester.

** round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

Spring 2014

11/01/2013

to be announced

to be announced

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

Estimated Additional Costs

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

Academic year 2013-2014

Extended to: 04/15/2013

08/01/2013

to be announced

$26,400

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$22,425

Housing ***

$3,400

Insurance

$102

Visa Fees

$173

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

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

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee *

$3,600

International Airfare **

$1,850

Local Transportation

$800

Books & Supplies

$500

Personal expenses

$4,000

Expenses during break ***

$500

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* For students in apartments; homestay students only need to budget for lunches during the week, estimated at $500.

** round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

*** Academic year students are responsible for meals during the break between semesters.

Eligibility

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

Recommended Credit

Total recommended credit for the semester is 15–18 semester/22.5–27 quarter hours. + (EXPAND) With the exception of courses in the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana course contact hours are 39–42 hours and recommended credit is 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours per course.

Courses in the Institute of African Studies, designed for first-year students at the University of Ghana, have a recommended credit of 1 semester/1.5 quarter hours and 13–16 contact hours.

The CIEE Twi language course has 48 contact hours and recommended credit is 3 semester/ 4.5 quarter hours.

Program Requirements

Students will take the required Twi language course and a minimum of four additional courses chosen from the regular offerings at the University of Ghana. Students are required to take at least one course in a subject related to Africa. Students may also take the CIEE Seminar on Living and Learning in Legon as an elective.

About The City

Legon is a fairly quiet suburb about 20 minutes north of the capital city, Accra, and roughly 30 minutes from the coast and its beautiful beaches. The sprawling University campus and its many students comprise a large portion of the town. A large shopping mall is located approximately 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.

Meet The Staff

Kwasi Gyasi-Gyamerah

Prior to becoming Resident Director in 2006, Kwasi Gyasi-Gyamerah served as Resident Coordinator for CIEE in Ghana. Born and raised in Ghana, Kwasi received his B.A. and M.Phil. in Psychology from the University of Ghana. He serves as Resident Director for the Arts and Sciences program in Ghana. His research interests are adolescent sexuality and mental health issues, and he provides probono psychological services to the Juvenile Correctional Center in Accra.

Read More

Akwaaba (welcome) to Ghana, a beautiful tropical country only a few degrees north of the equator. Ghanaians are a very friendly, warm, and hospitable people, and visitors to the country time after time describe their experience as meaningful and exciting. Ghana’s rich cultural heritage is a huge attraction in terms of language, religion, and family life. The ability to explore the country’s past and present is limitless.

At the CIEE Study Center you have tremendous opportunities to experience, learn, and immerse yourself in every facet of Ghanaian and West African life and culture. Here, you study Twi, Ghana’s most widely spoken language; take courses at the University; and study West African performing arts, such as music and dance. The variety of housing options also allows you to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the Ghanaian people. Volunteer and internship opportunities add value to your learning goals. If you’re interested in exploring economic development, Ghana provides an excellent case study.

— Kwasi Gyasi-Gyamerah, Resident Director

“”

Ruth Asante

Ruth Boatemaa Asante, Program Assistant, assists with day-to-day student welfare services and housing coordination. She also assists the Resident Director in the teaching of the Seminar on Living and Learning. Ruth received her B.Sc. in Administration from the Business School of the University of Ghana.

Read More

“”

Janet Boafo

Janet Anarfi Boafo, Resident Coordinator, assists the Resident Director and helps students with academics, student welfare, volunteer and internship placements, and day-to-day matters. Janet obtained her B.A. from the University of Ghana.

Read More

“”

Abena Owusua Gyamera

Abena Owusua Gyamera, Program Assistant, is responsible for housing coordination. Abena obtained her Associate’s in Youth Development from the University of Ghana.

Read More

“”

Where You'll Study

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 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 and students have the choice of two housing options:

On-Campus Dormitory—Students are placed in a University of Ghana dormitory on campus that is shared with either a CIEE, Ghanaian, or other international student. The students share double rooms and basic kitchen facilities. Meals are not included in the dormitory option. Students can prepare their own meals with the limited cooking facilities in the dormitory or eat at establishments on or off campus. Students living on campus can expect fewer amenities and more basic accommodations but do benefit from close interaction with Ghanaian and other African peers. The dormitories are a short walk from the CIEE Study Center.

Homestay with Ghanaian Family—This option provides an excellent opportunity for immersion into the local culture and is strongly recommended for students who wish to take full advantage of their experience in Ghana. Breakfast and dinner are provided during the week; breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on weekends. Lunches during the week are the responsibility of the student. Since homestay families are located throughout greater Accra (beyond Legon), in most cases students are required to utilize public transportation to and from the University, a 30- to 40-minutes commute.

Orientations

You'll begin your study abroad experience in Legon even before leaving home by participating in a CIEE online pre-departure orientation. Meeting with students online, the resident director shares information about the program and site, highlighting issues that alumni have said are important, and giving you time to ask questions. The online orientation allows you to connect with others in the group, reflect on what you want to get out of the program, and learn what others in the group would like to accomplish. CIEE’s aim for the pre-departure orientation is simple—to help you understand more about the program, and identify your objectives so that you arrive well-informed and return home having made significant progress towards your goals.

Once in Ghana, you'll take part in a week-long mandatory orientation The goal of the mandatory orientation is to introduce you to the country, culture, and academic program, as well as provide practical information about living in Legon and Ghana. Throughout the week you'll participate in activities including excursions and lectures on topics such as health and safety, cross-cultural communication, academics, and life in Ghana. Faculties from the University of Ghana provide additional orientation lectures on Ghanaian history, culture, religion, economy, and family life. Ongoing support is provided by CIEE on an individual and group basis throughout the program.

Culture

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, running, swimming, 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, will assist you with day-to-day matters, organize social events, and help you adjust to your 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.

Academics

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. Popular areas of study for CIEE participants include political science, history, dance, and music, but a full range of academic areas are provided and available to participants. Every CIEE student is required to take a Twi language course, which is the predominant local language in Ghana. This is achieved through the academic program in Legon, integrated study with Ghanaian students, and immersion into the cultural and social life of the university and the surrounding community.

Internship

The resident director assists qualified students in finding an internship or in organizing an independent research project. Students must receive permission from their home institution prior to the start of the semester to enroll in an internship or independent research for credit. Similarly, internships must be planned well in advance, and prospective participants must have their proposals approved by CIEE and their home institution prior to the start of the program. More information on the independent research and internship options can be found in the course listing.

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 laboratory classes in the sciences courses..

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, 13 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.

Nature of Classes

Participants take Twi language with other CIEE students only. The remainder of their courses are taken alongside Ghanaian, CIEE, and other international students.

Grading System

Students are normally graded solely on a final examination. CIEE issues official academic records for all participants of the CIEE Study Center at the University of Ghana in Legon.

Language of Instruction

English
Twi

Faculty

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

Course Description

Program Blog

Read More