Arts + Sciences at University of Ghana
Unique Experiences
Immerse yourself in West African culture
by living with a Ghanaian family or in on-campus housing, complementing your studies with everyday life experiences
Take classes at the prestigious University of Ghana
ranked seventh best university in Africa, where you can explore a wide range of disciplines
Venture beyond the Legon campus
on exciting field trips and excursions that showcase the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the equatorial region
Your Destination
Legon is home to Ghana’s premier university community and offers students the chance to experience life in a fast-growing capital shaped by innovation, culture, and tradition. Located within the greater Accra area, Legon provides easy access to bustling markets, contemporary art spaces, historic landmarks, and a dynamic music and food scene. Ghana’s welcoming culture and strong sense of community create an environment where local traditions and global perspectives come together. Whether you are studying the arts or sciences, humanities or social sciences, Legon offers a rich academic experience enhanced by meaningful cultural engagement. From exploring Accra’s diverse neighborhoods to discovering Ghana’s history, natural landscapes, and creative industries, Legon is an inspiring and rewarding place to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Academic Courses: Choose from host institution courses and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
- Community Impact Initiative: Get involved with local organizations through service opportunities that address real community needs while building cross-cultural connections and hands-on experience.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Legon will open doors for you to explore Ghana's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Visit the Ashanti Region to explore traditional chieftaincy, cultural heritage, and the influential role women play in shaping leadership among the Ashanti people
- Experience regional highlights like Aburi Botanical Gardens, Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm, Lake Volta, Tafi-Atome monkey sanctuary, and the W.E.B. Dubois Center
- Travel to Cape Coast and Elmina to see slave castles and the starting point of the Transatlantic journey
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
Exploring Ghanaian Cuisine!
When people asked what I was most excited about when preparing for my semester abroad I replied with "dance, music, and food!" In regards to food specifically, I was looking... keep reading
Arrival In Accra, Ghana: First Impressions and Observations
Who let me book a solo flight to Ghana?! This is what I thought in the days leading up to my departure. I viewed the trip ahead with much anticipation... keep reading
One Village, One History, One Craft
Vume is a small town in the Volta Region of Ghana, which is known for the art of clay pottery. When the craft was introduced, the people of Vume were... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Legon offers various housing options, which include homestays, off-campus hostel, and off-campus apartment-style housing. Housing options are located around the Legon campus, with convenient access to downtown Accra (roughly 60 minutes drive) but are close to the CIEE Legon study center on campus (30 to 45 minutes drive).
Standard Housing: Includes a single/double room at a homestay or a triple or quad-room at an off-campus hostel located within a 30-minute drive from CIEE Legon. (Estimate an additional 15-30 minutes commute time when traffic is heavy or there is difficulty in getting public transport.) Homestays boast a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with a host family or bathroom ensuite rooms. The off-campus hostel offers triple or quad-occupancy en-suite rooms, with shared common spaces such as the fitted kitchen and 2 lounge areas.
Select Plus Housing: Includes a single-occupancy air-conditioned room in apartment-style housing off-campus, located within 20 minutes from CIEE Legon. (Estimate an additional 15-30 minutes commute time when traffic is heavy or there is difficulty in getting public transport.)
Select Plus housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
- Homestay: Hosts provide breakfast and dinner during the week, and students get lunch on their own. Hosts provide all three meals on weekends.
- Hostels/Apartment-style Housing: Meals are not included. Students prepare meals (facilities are limited) or eat on or off campus from the myriad of food places available.
Academics
CIEE Legon: Study on the University of Ghana’s campus, located in the quiet suburbs of Accra. CIEE Legon features three main classrooms, a general space that can also serve as a large classroom, a modest library, a lounge area for relaxation, and a vast outdoor space (with a mini football field and a basketball court).
The University of Ghana (UG): UG is the oldest, most diverse campus community and largest university in Ghana. UG welcomes more than 53,000 students from 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. 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.
Arizona State University: Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
Academic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Health Professions and Related Programs
History, Philosophy, Religion
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
University of Ghana (UG)
Review the UG Student Handbook to explore undergraduate course descriptions and prerequisites, by school or department. Course offerings vary by semester and are subject to change.
When considering courses choose even-numbered courses for the Fall term and odd-numbered courses for the Spring term.
Course levels are identified by the first digit:
- 100-level: First-year courses
- 200-level: Second-year courses
- 300-level: Third-year courses
- 400-level: Fourth-year courses
Review all prerequisites before selecting a course.
Available academic areas include:
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
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
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.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
Ghana's work scene is vibrant and diverse, driven by a growing creative economy in the arts and traditional sectors like trade and services. It reflects a dynamic blend of innovation and cultural heritage, making it a hub across various fields.
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.
Education and Training
Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around the globe.
Health Science
Immerse yourself in global healthcare systems to study cross-border medical practices and address public health challenges.
Get Started
1
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 CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
4
Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
Scholarships & 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) Travel Grants
- Stohl International Undergraduate Research Scholarships
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Scholars Grants
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2027 18 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $17,950 | |
| Program Fall 2027 14 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $17,950 | |
| Program Academic year 2027-2028 32 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2028 17 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Fall 2026 11 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $17,950 |
| Program Academic year 2026-2027 39 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $35,000 |
*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.
Program Fees
CIEE 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 protection with benefits.
| Participation Confirmation | $500 * |
| Educational Costs | $12,506 ** |
| Housing | $4,750 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $17,950 |
Optional Housing
CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Plus Housing Fee | $1,800 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
| Meals not included in program fee | $898 † |
| International Airfare | $1,550 †† |
| Local Transportation | $770 |
| Books & Supplies | $150 |
| Visa Fees | $240 ††† |
| Personal expenses | $1,058 †††† |
| Other | $500 ††††† |
| Total Costs | $5,166 |
*non-refundable fee
**Direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†The listed estimated cost is for students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day and the optional estimated cost for dining out once per week ($336). For students in apartments/residence halls, you should budget approx. $360 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††Visa application in the US+non-citizen ID card
††††Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: taxis, social activities and entertainment, toiletries, cell phone. Does not include personal travel.
†††††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.
Program Fees
CIEE 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 protection with benefits.
| Participation Confirmation | $500 * |
| Educational Costs | $12,506 ** |
| Housing | $4,750 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $17,950 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
| Meals not included in program fee | $739 † |
| International Airfare | $1,550 †† |
| Local Transportation | $770 |
| Books & Supplies | $150 |
| Visa Fees | $300 ††† |
| Personal expenses | $1,030 †††† |
| Other | $500 ††††† |
| Total Costs | $5,039 |
*non-refundable fee
**Direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†The listed estimated cost is for students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day and the optional estimated cost for dining out once per week ($277). For students in apartments/residence halls, you should budget approx. $360 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††Visa application in the US+non-citizen ID card
††††Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: taxis, social activities and entertainment, toiletries, cell phone. Does not include personal travel.
†††††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.
Program Fees
CIEE 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 protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
CIEE 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 protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
CIEE 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 protection with benefits.
| Participation Confirmation | $300 * |
| Educational Costs | $13,206 ** |
| Housing | $4,250 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $17,950 |
Optional Housing
CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Plus Housing Fee | $1,700 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
| Meals not included in program fee | $363 † |
| International Airfare | $1,550 †† |
| Local Transportation | $770 |
| Books & Supplies | $150 |
| Visa Fees | $240 ††† |
| Personal expenses | $202 †††† |
| Other | $500 ††††† |
| Total Costs | $3,775 |
*non-refundable fee
**Direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day and all weekend meals. For students in residence halls/hostels, you should budget approx. $360 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††Visa application in the US+non-citizen ID card
††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
†††††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.
Program Fees
CIEE 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 protection with benefits.
| Participation Confirmation | $300 * |
| Educational Costs | $25,506 ** |
| Housing | $9,000 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $35,000 |
Optional Housing
CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Plus Housing Fee | $1,700 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
| Meals not included in program fee | $363 † |
| International Airfare | $1,550 †† |
| Local Transportation | $770 |
| Books & Supplies | $150 |
| Visa Fees | $240 ††† |
| Personal expenses | $202 †††† |
| Other | $500 ††††† |
| Total Costs | $3,775 |
*non-refundable fee
**Direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day and all weekend meals. For students in residence halls/hostels, you should budget approx. $360 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††Visa application in the US+non-citizen ID card
††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
†††††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.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Amma Appiah
Center Director
Rachel Akata
Student Life Manager
Rachel is responsible for students' welfare at CIEE Legon, including housing, volunteer placements, internships, and assisting the director in providing academic support to all students
Mike Adu Ampofo
Faculty and Custom Program Coordinator
Mike earned his bachelor's in Information Technology from Pentecost University in Ghana. He manages all custom and faculty-led groups that come on-site.
Get Started
1
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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