Study Abroad in Legon

College Study Abroad

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study abroad legon

Explore Legon, Ghana

Just three degrees north of the equator, Legon draws students and locals alike to its rainforests, wildlife parks, pristine beaches, and vibrant restaurants. The university campus makes up a good portion of this quiet suburb with Ghana’s vibrant capital, Accra, less than 10 miles away.

When you study abroad in Legon, you’ll immerse yourself in Ghanaian life and experience the vibrant heritage and culture of this fascinating city. Studying abroad in Legon allows students to explore everyday life in Ghana, from the lively University of Ghana campus and authentic restaurants to pristine beaches and wildlife parks.

ghana location legon accra
studying abroad in legon
programs in legon

Every CIEE semester program has frequent cultural excursions and a multi-day study tour uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Legon, past study tours and excursions have included:

  • Trips to Cape Coast and Elmina to see slave castles and the starting point of the transatlantic journey
  • Visits to the Ashanti region to explore the traditional chieftaincy institution, history, and culture
  • Weaving classes to learn how to make traditional baskets 
  • Tours of local highlights, like the Aburi Botanical Gardens, Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm, Boti Falls, and Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum
  • Cooking classes for traditional Ghanaian meals like Jollof and Kelewele

If you’re a student looking to explore a quiet suburban town just over 7 miles from Ghana’s capital, CIEE’s tours and excursions in Legon allow you to do just that! Whether you want to learn the Twi language, eat traditional Ghanaian dishes, or learn about Legon’s equatorial region, studying abroad on one of CIEE’s Legon programs offers something for everyone.

university of legon ghana

Where Students Study

CIEE Legon
CIEE Legon is located within the University of Ghana and sits just 10 miles from the capital city of Accra. With botanical gardens, zoos, restaurants, markets, and top universities nearby, students have convenient and walkable access to the city's top sites.

University of Ghana
University of Ghana, Legon campus, is the oldest and largest university in the country, welcoming more than 39,000 students and 1,000 faculty members. One of 13 Ghanaian national public universities, studying abroad at the University of Ghana includes programs from international relations, business, and public health to arts, law, and African studies.

intern or volunteer in Legon Ghana

Internships & Volunteering

Depending on their program of study and availability, students may be able to participate in an internship or volunteer in Ghana. Students looking to intern in Legon can gain real-world experience and academic credit by shadowing doctors and nurses at the West Africa AIDS Foundation and International Health Care Center, teaching at the Future Leaders Underprivileged Care Center, and more.

Students interested in volunteering in Legon can get involved with local Ghanaians through service work or by volunteering at a hospital or rural health clinic, government think-tank, NGO, day-care center, or similar organization.

Study Abroad Programs in Legon

Pocket Guide to Legon

  • Currency
    Ghanaian Cedi

    Spoken Languages
    Twi, English

    Available Transportation
    Minivan (trotro), taxi, Uber, Bolt, Yango

    Famous Local
    Kofi Annan - Ghanaian diplomat, former UN Secretary-General awarded the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize

  • Climate
    Tropical climate year-round

    Did You Know?
    Ghana has the largest market in West Africa, called "Kejetia Market" - locals buy crafts, beads, sandals, second-hand clothes, meats, fruits, and vegetables here

  • Airport
    Kotoka International Airport (ACC)

    Social Norms
    Using your left hand to shake, touch, eat food, handle money is considered rude and unsanitary

    What to Pack
    Backpack, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, water bottle, sunglasses

Frequently Asked Questions

IS LEGON, GHANA, A GOOD PLACE TO STUDY ABROAD

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Located just three degrees north of the equator, Legon, Ghana, is a good place to study abroad for students looking to learn about Ghahaian language, culture, art, and more. With the University of Ghana serving as a main focus of the town, students will experience a lively college-town atmosphere with much to explore, from abundant wildlife and parks to authentic restaurants and shops. 

WHAT IS LIFE IN LEGON, GHANA, LIKE

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Life in Legon, Ghana, is known for a much slower, more relaxed lifestyle with warm and hospitable people. Living in Ghana as a student is a one-of-a-kind experience very different from Western life that’s sure to leave a positive impression on students.

IS LEGON, GHANA, SAFE

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In one of the safest countries in Western Africa, Legon is a safe study abroad destination for students. As with any city, we recommend that students stay aware of their surroundings, keep their belongings safe, and travel in groups when possible.

WHAT IS DIVERSITY LIKE IN LEGON

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In order to ensure our students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered while studying abroad, CIEE staff completes comprehensive diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) training. Staff provide students with advice, resources, and ongoing support both before and during their study abroad program in Legon.
For more detailed information on diversity in Legon, visit our Diversity in Legon page.

Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants

courses in legon

APPLY IN 1,2,3!

You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Legon. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Legon to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:

  1. Search for and apply to your dream program
  2. Review all available funding opportunities
  3. Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application

legon university ghana

STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIPS

NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS

Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible. 

MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible. 

OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS

Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status. 

VIEW OUR SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS

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Legon Study Abroad Reviews

  • "CIEE Legon has been a wonderful program full of fun weekend trips and extracurricular activities. They did a great job of coordinating events geared toward learning more about the culture and people."

    Ogechukwu I., Davidson College
  • "This has genuinely been one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life, and I believe that everyone should jump at an opportunity to study abroad, especially CIEE Legon."

    Rachel K., Indiana University-Bloomington