Information for term Arts + Sciences
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenAre you on the hunt for a study abroad destination relevant to your degree and capable of enriching your worldview? Look no further than Ghana, one of the wealthiest pan-African countries in West Africa!
Immerse yourself in one of Ghana's central suburbs, Legon, where you'll quickly adapt to Ghanaian life. Ranked the seventh best university in Africa, you'll take classes alongside local and international students at the University of Ghana in courses like humanities, basic and applied sciences, education, health sciences, biology, dance, economics, history, music, political science, public health, sociology, and more. During your program, you can enroll in a full course load or combine your courses with CIEE electives like internships, directed independent research, and more.
All your courses are complemented with co-curricular activities and excursions organized by CIEE beyond the classroom to enhance your intercultural understanding. From a trip to the Ashanti Region – one of the most significant cultural hubs of the country – to a tour of Cape Coast – a historic city that helped shape the continent – you will have various opportunities to participate in hands-on activities that connect you to local Ghanaian communities.
Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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Learn about West Africa
outside of the classroom by living with a Ghanaian family or in on-campus housing, volunteering, interning, and observing day-to-day life.
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Take classes
at the University of Ghana - ranked 7th best university in Africa - in humanities, basic and applied sciences, education, and health sciences.
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Explore beyond Legon
with field trips and excursions around this equatorial region.
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miles from Accra, Ghana’s capital city
7.5 -
students at University of Ghana
53K -
degrees north of the equator
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Location & Culture
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Your Destination
Legon’s well-educated citizens welcome other international students with open arms to their quiet suburban town, just northeast of the city center in the Accra Metropolis District. The sprawling University of Ghana campus is ranked as the 1st in West Africa and 15th in Africa.
Students also enjoy access to a large shopping mall and several grocery stores, as well as restaurants and bars. Beyond campus, the equatorial region includes full of rainforests, wildlife parks, and beaches to explore.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Legon.
The Culture
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Travel to Cape Coast and Elmina to see slave castles and the starting point of the Ttransatlantic journey.
- Visit the Ashanti region to explore the traditional chieftaincy institution, history, and culture as well as the role women play in the making and unmaking of chiefs among the Ashanti people.
- Experience regional highlights like Aburi Botanical Gardens, Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm, Boti Falls, Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, Lake Volta, Tafi-Atome monkey sanctuary, and the W.E.B. Dubois Center.
- Get involved on- campus by joining a music, theater, or art group, or meeting up with Ghanaian students for soccer, running, swimming, field hockey, or tennis. Basketball and baseball are also getting popular.
- Take advantage of campus lectures, discussions, and receptions.
Projects
Volunteering. Get involved with local Ghanaians through service work. Volunteer at after-school programs such as the Play and Learn Foundation, an orphanage, an environmental NGO, an educational NGO, or similar organizations.
Community Service. Join other CIEE students for a group-service project, like painting, tree planting, mentoring kids at an orphanage and providing tutorials in basic Math and English, teaching IT skills, collecting donations, or building water filtration systems.
Community Engagement. Immerse yourself in the Ghanaian culture while giving back to your host community. In the past, students have volunteered at daycare centers, elementary and junior high schools, taught computer literacy, coached soccer, and mentored disadvantaged youth. CIEE Legon also undertakes community service every semester. Past projects have included painting, weeding, cleaning a special needs center, collecting donations of clothing items, and building a water filtering system for a village.
Peer Support. Have the support of a U-Pal – a CIEE-trained University of Ghana student who will help you get settled and connected in Legon socially and academically.
Internships. Gain important real-world experience and academic credit by pursuing an internship. Opportunities include shadowing doctors and nurses during ward rounds at the West Africa AIDS Foundation and International Health Care Center; teaching English or math and mentoring children at the Future Leaders Underprivileged Care Center; assisting with research and advocacy governance think tanks like the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition and Ghana Integrity Initiative, or working alongside entrepreneurs in various fields of business and social enterprises.
Have a look at some for-credit internship options:
Directed Independent Research. Receive supervision from local professors while you embark on independent research. Over the years, some areas that have been independently researched and successfully supervised are HIV/AIDs in collaboration with Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Reseach, Post-Colonial Ghanaian Literature, African Religion, Haitian History, Marine Biology, and Economics. At the end of the course, there is an opportunity to present your findings before a group of local experts.
Directed Independent Research
Receive supervision from local professors while you embark on independent research. Over the years, some areas that have been independently researched and successfully supervised are HIV/AIDs in collaboration with Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Reseach, Post-Colonial Ghanaian Literature, African Religion, Haitian History, Marine Biology, and Economics. At the end of the course, there is an opportunity to present your findings before a group of local experts.
Program Blogs
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Daily Life
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HOUSING
Homestay. Living with a Ghanaian family is the ultimate way to soak up local language and culture. Expect to use public transportation for a 30- to 40-minute commute to campus from homes in the greater Accra region.
International Students’ Hostel. If you choose a University of Ghana dorm stay, you’ll live on campus with a roommate from CIEE, Ghana, or another country. Students share simple double rooms, shared bathrooms and basic kitchen facilities. Dorms are a 10-minute walk from the CIEE Legon Center.
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MEALS
Homestay: Hosts provide breakfast and dinner during the week, and students get lunch on their own. Hosts provide all three meals on weekends.
International Students’ Hostel: Meals are not included. Students prepare meals in their dorms (facilities are limited) or eat on or off campus. Academic-year students have a three- to four-week break between semesters - they can remain in housing during this break, but must cover all meals and expenses.
Legon, Ghana Where You'll Study
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A
CIEE LEGON
Legon
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UNIVERSITY OF GHANA
Legon
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C
Getting Around
Students can walk from dorms to classes. Homestay students take public transportation, no more than 30- to 40-minutes to campus.
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
This program welcomes students from all academic disciplines who want to continue their studies while learning about Ghana, its people, and the predominant language, Twi. Popular areas of study include political science, public health, biochemistry, economics, history, dance, and music.
Students join the University of Ghana (UG), the oldest, most diverse campus community and largest university in the country. UG welcomes more than 53,000 students from over 87 countries and about 1,250 faculty members from 22 countries. Programs include agriculture (featuring three research stations), consumer sciences, economics, computer science, engineering, performing arts, law, medicine, natural sciences, social sciences, business, nursing, public health, African studies, international relations, mathematics, journalism and communication, population studies, statistical research, social research, and economic research.
Courses are taught by faculty members from the University of Ghana.
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
Additional Requirements
Students must be at least sophomores. 
Recommendations
College-level African studies courses are recommended, but not required.
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Program Requirements
15-18 semester/22.5 - 27 quarter credits comprised of University of Ghana and/or CIEE courses
Program Credit
Total credit: 15-18 semester/22.5-27 quarter credits
Course Credit
- CIEE courses: 3 semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
- CIEE Internship: 3 semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours
- CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 semester/4.5 quarter credits; 20 faculty advising hours, 120 research hours
- University of Ghana courses: 1-3 semester/1.5-4.5 quarter credits; 13-48 contact hours
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Academic Culture
Students notice striking differences between education systems. The university follows a British model, which is less structured and requires students to take more responsibility and initiative. Professors expect students to spend significant time studying outside of class. Attendance is mandatory. There are mandatory tutorials by Teaching Assistants.
Class Format
Students enroll in UG courses with Ghanaian and other international students. Students may also enroll in optional CIEE courses with other CIEE students.
Grading
Students are assessed based on midterm and final exams. Attendance and participation count toward final grade.
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Language of Instruction
English
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Courses
Click to OpenCourse Information
- Students should review their academic plan with their academic advisor before departure. Students will select their courses upon arrival.
- For the 2023/2024 Academic year, Odd-numbered courses are offered in the Spring, and even-numbered courses are offered in the Fall term. This may switch in the following year, and if so, will be communicated.
- Second-year courses are numbered from 200-299.
- Third-year courses are numbered from 300-399.
- Fourth-year courses are numbered from 400-499.
- A list of University of Ghana (UG) courses is available on the UG website within the Student Handbook. Not all courses within UG Colleges or Schools are appropriate for program participants. Students are advised to be flexible in course selection and not necessarily expect to fulfill specific major requirements from their home institution, due to possible changes in the courses offered each term.
Fall 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenAcademic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
History, Philosophy, Religion
Social Sciences
Host Institution Courses
Click to OpenUniversity of Ghana (UG)
College of Humanities
Business School
School of Law
School of Arts
School of Languages
School of Social Sciences
School of Performing Arts
College of Basic and Applied Sciences
School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences
School of Biological Sciences
School of Agriculture
School of Engineering Sciences
School of Veterinary Medicine
College of Health Sciences
School of Nursing
School of Pharmacy
School of Public Health
College of Education
School of Information and Communication Studies
School of Education and Leadership
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships
Click to OpenScholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- Stohl International Undergraduate Research Scholarships
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.
See more scholarship infoDates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 14 weeks | Deadline Passed | Sep 18, 2023 | Dec 24, 2023 |
$18,950
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Program FeesCIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $14,953 ** Housing = $3,500 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $18,950Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $2,800 † International Airfare = $1,550 †† Local Transportation = $700 Books & Supplies = $150 Visa Fees = $240 ††† Personal expenses = $1,100 Other = $500 †††† Total Estimated Costs = $7,040Financial AidCIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants. 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 by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 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 † for students in dormitory; homestay students only need to budget for lunches during the week, estimated at $700 for one semester †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† Visa application in the US+non-citizen ID card †††† Yellow Fever Vaccination - All travelers must present a vaccination card upon entry to Ghana. Costs and insurance coverage may vary. CIEE recommends booking an appointment for the vaccine well in advance, as supplies are limited AND Covid test to return to the US. Travellers are also required to produce a negative COVID test result within 72 hours before boarding a flight to leave Ghana. |
| Academic year 2023-2024 14 weeks | Deadline Passed | Sep 18, 2023 | TBD |
$36,950
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Program FeesCIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $28,703 ** Housing = $7,750 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $36,950Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $2,800 † International Airfare = $1,550 †† Local Transportation = $1,200 Books & Supplies = $300 Visa Fees = $240 ††† Personal expenses = $1,100 Other = $500 †††† Expenses during break = $1,800 ††††† Total Estimated Costs = $9,490Financial AidCIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants. 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 by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 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 † for students in dormitory; homestay students only need to budget for lunches during the week, estimated at $700 for one semester †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† Visa application in the US+non-citizen ID card †††† Yellow Fever Vaccination - All travelers must present a vaccination card upon entry to Ghana. Costs and insurance coverage may vary. CIEE recommends booking an appointment for the vaccine well in advance, as supplies are limited AND Covid test to return to the US. Travellers are also required to produce a negative COVID test result within 72 hours before boarding a flight to leave Ghana. ††††† academic year students who wish to stay onsite are responsible for arranging their housing and meals during the semester break |
| Spring 2024 17 weeks | Nov 1, 2023 | Jan 23, 2024* | May 18, 2024* |
$19,850
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $15,106 ** Housing = $4,250 *** Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $19,850Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $1,350 † International Airfare = $1,550 †† Local Transportation = $500 Books & Supplies = $300 Visa Fees = $240 ††† Personal expenses = $190 Total Estimated Costs = $4,130Financial AidCIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants. 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 by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's School of Record will be charged a $500 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 † For Student Hostel. Students at Homestays should budget $500 †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure ††† Visa application in the US+non-citizen ID card |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Looking for funding?
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Hannah Amma Konadu Appiah
Center Director
Amma is PhD Candidate at the Regional Institute of Populations Studies at University of Ghana. She has a Bachelors degree in English and a Masters in Population Studies all from University of Ghana
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Rachel Akata
Program Coordinator
Rachel is responsible for student life coordination at the center and assists the director with housing, internship, and volunteer placements.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! -
2
CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. -
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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