legon-fishing-boats-aerial-coastline
Legon, Ghana

Arts + Sciences (GIMPA)

Study Program

Tentative Dates

-

17 weeks

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your Arts + Sciences program in Legon lasts a full semester and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Ghanaian culture. Live and learn in Legon! 

Unique Experiences

Explore major world heritage sites

such as the Asante Traditional Homes and Kakum National Rainforest

Connect with the campus community

and get the opportunity to be part of career-oriented student clubs like the Project Management Institute – GH (Ghana) club

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Enjoy hands-on and immersive cultural activities

like local fabric dyeing, beading workshops, or chocolate making

Experience
  • legon students jumping in the black star square

Your Destination

Legon is Ghana’s cultural capital, celebrated for its deep history, vibrant arts scene, and growing influence in West African innovation and education. The city seamlessly blends traditional heritage with contemporary energy, offering colorful markets, historic landmarks, and a thriving music and dance culture. Whether you are studying the arts or sciences, Legon provides engaging academics and a strong sense of community. With its lively atmosphere, rich cuisine, welcoming locals, and dynamic city life, Legon is the perfect place to study abroad.

legon-hssa-students-carrying-kids-shoulders

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.
  • Cultural Projects: Volunteer with members of the local community, join university clubs to socialize with your peers, and attend local workshops and events to get to know your host city. 
legon-students-medina-market-beads

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:   

  • Travel to Cape Coast and Elmina to see slave castles and the starting point of the transatlantic 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, and the W.E.B. Dubois Center 

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are 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!

By Kylea C.

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

By Kylea C.

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

From CIEE

One Village, One History, One Craft

By CIEE Legon at CIEE

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
Academics

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 Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA): GIMPA was founded in 1961 through a partnership between the Ghanaian government and the United Nations. It began as the Institute of Public Administration to help improve Ghana’s public service. Today, GIMPA offers programs in business, leadership, public administration, technology, and social sciences. Courses are designed to be engaging and practical, with a strong focus on real-world application of knowledge. GIMPA is known as one of Ghana’s top schools for management and leadership training. The campus is just five minutes by public transport from CIEE Legon.

Arizona State University (ASU): 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.    

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All Legon Arts + Sciences students enroll in 4-6 courses for a total of 12-18 semester credits, choosing from:  

  • 3-6 courses at GIMPA 
  • Up to one CIEE course 
  • Up to two ASU online courses (max 8 total credits) in session B 

Program Credit

Total Credit: 12-18 U.S. semester credits/18-27 quarter credits.    

Course Credit

  • GIMPA Courses: 3 semester/4.5 quarter credits; 39 contact hours 
  • CIEE Courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours  
  • ASU Online Courses: Typically, 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student engagement. Similar to classes at U.S. institutions, students should expect to spend an average of two hours of preparation and study for each hour in CIEE classes.    

CIEE courses typically run from Monday through Thursday, providing students with a concentrated schedule that allows for intensive study and exploration. This condensed format encourages students to fully engage with the material and make the most of their time. Attendance is mandatory for CIEE courses. 

GIMPA’s academic scene is designed to be engaging and practical, focusing on real-world application of knowledge. They are in-person classes that typically involve case studies, problem-solving, and incorporating industry insights from visiting experts. Classes may take a collaborative learning approach, particularly in business-related fields. 

ASU Courses: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.  

Class Format

CIEE classes are for CIEE students only. Classes are small, typically with up to 15 students per class, and emphasize communication and work in small groups. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas.    

GIMPA classes typically meet once a week for two to three hours. Class sizes average 30 to 40 students. Courses are taught in English, and likely include group projects and presentations. 

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.  

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. In CIEE courses, students are graded on the basis of attendance, class engagement, homework, project work, presentations, and mid-term and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.    

GIMPA’s courses will typically be graded based on  a final exam score, a mid-term exam score, and in-class presentations. CIEE reports final grades for host institution courses using recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, following a predetermined grade conversion scale. 

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students. 

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Course Information/Notes

  • Students should review their academic plan with their academic advisor before departure. Students will select their courses upon arrival.   
  • In the Fall term, courses ending with odd-numbered are offered (e.g. 203, 403), and in the Spring term, courses ending with even-numbered are offered (e.g. 204, 404)

The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA)

Below is a sample list of courses. Not all of the following courses are available every term.    

  • Accounting Foundations
  • Accounting Information Systems
  • Administrative & Office Management
  • Advanced Data Communication & Networking
  • Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms
  • African History & Culture I
  • African Studies
  • Applied Econometrics 2
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Auditing and Assurance
  • Biostatistics
  • Business Case Project
  • Business Communication 1
  • Business Communication 2
  • Business Economics 1
  • Business Economics I
  • Business Economics 2
  • Business Finance
  • Business Intelligence and Data Mining
  • Business Mathematics 1
  • Business Mathematics 2
  • Business Process Re-Engineering
  • Business Simulation
  • Business Statistics 1
  • Business to Business Marketing
  • Calculus for Business
  • Calculus I
  • Calculus II
  • Cisco Certified Network Security (CCNA Security)
  • Commercial Law II
  • Communication I
  • Communication II
  • Communication Skills I
  • Communication Skills II
  • Company Law
  • Company Law II
  • Computer and Information Security
  • Computer Applications
  • Computer Applications 1
  • Computer Applications 2
  • Computer Applications in Business
  • Computing Project Management
  • Conflict of Laws II
  • Conflict of Laws II / International Trade & Investment Law II
  • Constitutional Law I
  • Constitutional Law II
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Corporate Financial Strategy
  • Criminal Law II
  • Culinary Theory
  • Current Issues in Public Sector Management
  • Customer Service
  • Data Communications and Computer Networking
  • Database Design I
  • Database Systems
  • Development of Public Admin.
  • Digital Electronics
  • Directed Readings
  • E-Business
  • Economic Science
  • Electronic Circuits
  • Entrepreneurship of the Self - Career Planning (Seminar)
  • Ethics and Values
  • Finance and Economic Growth
  • Financial Accounting
  • Financial Management
  • Financial Markets
  • Financial Statement Analysis
  • French for Business I
  • French for Business II
  • Front Office Management
  • Fundamentals of Computing
  • Fundamentals of Web Technology & Internet Programming
  • Health and Safety
  • Health Data Analytics & Visualisation
  • Health Services Management
  • Hospitality Information Systems
  • HR Performance Management
  • Human Computer Interaction
  • Human Resource Information System
  • Information & Network Security
  • Information Security and Privacy in Health
  • International Trade & Investment Law II / Conflict of Laws II
  • Intellectual Property Law II
  • International Business Management
  • International Finance
  • International Logistics
  • International Marketing
  • International Trade & Investment Law II
  • Introduction to Accounting
  • Introduction to HRM
  • Introduction to Operations Management
  • Introduction to Public Administration
  • Introduction to Statistics and Probability
  • Investment Management
  • IT Auditing
  • IT Entrepreneurship / Innovation
  • IT Project Management
  • Jurisprudence II
  • Labour Relations and Collective Bargaining
  • Law and Ethics Seminar II (Elective)
  • Law and Technology II (Elective)
  • Law of Contract I
  • Law of Contract II
  • Law of Equity and Succession II
  • Law of Immovable Property II
  • Law of Torts II
  • Leadership Ethics & Social Responsibility
  • Legal Methods
  • Legal Systems
  • Legal Writing and Research I
  • Legal Writing and Research Law II
  • Legal Methods
  • Linear Algebra
  • Logic & Critical Thinking
  • Macro Economics
  • Management Accounting Strategy
  • Management Information Systems

CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% 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

 

Program Options
Program Options

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

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:

  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

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 2026 17 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*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.

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 and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

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

Staff

Our Staff

Amma Appiah

Center Director

Amma is passionate about intercultural learning in international education and embraces the idea of empathetic study abroad management. As a person living with a chronic illness, Amma also dedicates time to raising awareness on autoimmune rheumatic diseases and advocates for persons living with such in Ghana. 

Rachel Akata

Program Coordinator

Rachel supervises student life coordination at the center and assists the director with housing, internship, and volunteer placements.

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

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.

Request Info