Legon beach with boats lined up
Legon, Ghana

Summer Ghanaian Studies

Study Program

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3-4 semester hours

4.5-6 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3-4 semester hours

4.5-6 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

3-4 semester hours

4.5-6 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Designed for students who want to dive deeply into African history, CIEE's Summer in Ghanaian Studies program is a challenging and fascinating opportunity to explore Ghana's rich history and get a unique perspective of Ghanaian life.

Spend your summer studying and living in one of Ghana's most important suburbs, Legon, where lush forests, diverse animals, and miles of sandy beaches are all within reach. When class is in session, you will learn from CIEE faculty at the University of Ghana, CIEE's partner school, and the country's oldest and largest public university. Classes will provide opportunities for you to practice speaking Twi – a dialect of the Akan language – and focus on the impact of enslaved Africans.

Outside the classroom, you will be invited to participate in immersive, primarily hands-on, activities and excursions organized by CIEE to enhance your cultural understanding. From exploring the country's vibrant cultural heritage to witnessing its stable democracy and impressive politics firsthand, you will come to appreciate how Ghana has evolved since its habitation in 10,000 BCE.

Unique Experiences

Take an Innovative Class

that explores a major aspect of Ghana’s history, taught by a seasoned faculty from the country’s premier university and learn from guest speakers who have expertise in issues of Pan-Africanism, Slavery, and Traditional institutions in Ghana.

Connect

with good-natured members of the local community as you volunteer with schools, and other NGOs in the areas of student tutoring and mentoring serving the deprived and marginalized youth in Accra and Legon.

Explore beyond Legon

with out-of-class activities and excursions within and outside the capital region.

7.5

miles from Accra, Ghana’s capital city

53 K

students at University of Ghana

3

degrees north of the equator

Experience
  • legon slave river
  • legon jamestown harbor

Your Destination

Legon’s well-educated citizens welcome American 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 a major focus of the town and students enjoy access to a large shopping mall and several grocery stores as well as restaurants and bars. Beyond campus, students can explore the equatorial region including rainforests, wildlife parks, and pristine beaches.

The city of Accra where Legon is nestled is a vibrant city bustling with activity from daytime to nighttime. From the trotro buses to the street vendors, to the food places, and the event spaces, there are many opportunities to enjoy oneself safely.

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

volunteer student in legon ghana with children

Excursions & Activities

Travel to Cape Coast and Elmina to see slave castles and the starting point of the transatlantic journey.  

Visit the Assin Manso Slave River where enslaved Africans, according to history, took their last bath before their journery to the slave castles. Engage in or witness the sacred ritual to welcome Africans in the Diaspora.  

Visit the Ashanti region to explore the traditional chieftaincy institution, history, and culture, and witness members of the local community showcase their craft steeped in rich culture. You get to try your hands on them too! 

Learn how to prepare the famous Ghana jollof with CIEE host families and improve your culinary skills 

Learn from Ghanaian women entrepreneurs who are making traditional beads worn to mark significant rites of passage in Ghanaian culture. 

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Short-Term Study Abroad: Everything You Need to Know

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

If you’re itching for a study abroad adventure, but not interested in a semester or year-long commitment, don’t worry. You have tons of options! Read on as we detail everything... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "The experience is like no other. I also think CIEE is very organized in how they run the program. I am very pleased."

    Olivia D.

Housing
Academics

Academics

This four-week program is designed to allow students from all academic disciplines to live and study in Ghana and learn about the country and its people. It features a community-based volunteer component designed to help students understand Ghanaian history, politics, values, and traditions. All students are required to take Atlantic Crossings and can choose to learn Twi language. Courses are taught by the University of Ghana faculty. 

The University of Ghana is the oldest and largest university in the country, welcoming more than 39,000 students and 1,000 faculty members. Programs include agriculture (featuring three research stations), arts, consumer sciences, law, medicine, science, social sciences, business, nursing, public health, African studies, international relations, journalism, statistics, social sciences, and economic research. 

GPA

2.5

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.

Requirements

All students must enroll in one 3-credit CIEE course. 

Program Credit

Total credit: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits per session 

Course Credit

Students may enroll in the optional one-credit Communicative Language course. 

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 are expected to work hard and independently, with less guidance than they may be used to in the United States. 

Class Format

Students take courses only with other CIEE students. Teaching methods include lectures, student presentations, class discussions, seminars, and field trips. Courses meet four times a week for two hours, with additional time reserved for student volunteer projects, program activities, and excursions. 

Grading

Assessment is based on a combination of class participation, short papers, and a final exam.

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

Course Information

This course provides participants with a glimpse of the deep, rich, and seemingly infinite histories that make up the history of the Atlantic Ocean. While this course is primarily an exploration of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, it clarifies the relationship between migration studies, refugee studies, diaspora studies, and contingent disciplines because of its focus on crossing. “Atlantic Crossings” looks at push-and-pull factors for crossing, the difference between voluntary and forced crossing, and the mobility and adaptability of people, religious traditions, flora, fauna, ideas, goods, and diseases. 

Summer Session I 2024

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Summer Session II 2024

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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:

  • Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • CIEE Stem Scholarship

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 Summer Session I 2024 4 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $4,750
Program Summer Session II 2024 4 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $4,750
Program Summer Session I and II 2024 8 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $8,550

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 = $300*

Educational Costs = $3,333**

Housing = $920

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $4,750

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 = $120

International Airfare = $1,800

Local Transportation = $100

Books & Supplies = $30

Visa Fees = $75

Personal expenses = $135

Other = $500

Total Costs = $2,760

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

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day and all weekend meals. For students in residence halls/hostels, you should budget approx. $340 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

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 = $3,333**

Housing = $920

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $4,750

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 = $120

International Airfare = $1,800

Local Transportation = $100

Books & Supplies = $30

Visa Fees = $75

Personal expenses = $135

Other = $500

Total Costs = $2,760

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

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day and all weekend meals. For students in residence halls/hostels, you should budget approx. $340 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

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 = $6,213**

Housing = $1,840

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $8,550

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 = $240

International Airfare = $1,800

Local Transportation = $200

Books & Supplies = $60

Visa Fees = $75

Personal expenses = $270

Other = $500

Total Costs = $3,145

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

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day and all weekend meals. For students in residence halls/hostels, you should budget approx. $340 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

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 a 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.

Rachel Akata

Program Coordinator

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

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