Information for term Summer Ghanaian Studies
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenDesigned 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.
-
Explore beyond Legon
with out-of-class activities and excursions within and outside the capital region.
-
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.
-
miles from Accra, Ghana’s capital city
7.5 -
students at University of Ghana
53K -
degrees north of the equator
3
Location & Culture
Click to Open
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
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.
Daily Life
Click to Open-
HOUSING
Homestays: 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 East Legon and North Legon neighborhoods.
International Student Hostels: Students can also live on the University of Ghana campus with a roommate, sharing simple double rooms and basic kitchen facilities. The hostel is a 10 minute walk from CIEE Legon Center.
-
MEALS
Homestays: Hosts provide breakfast and dinner during the week, and students get lunch on their own. Hosts provide all three meals on weekends.
Hostel: Meals are not included. Students prepare meals in their dorms or eat at the numerous eateries, restaurants and Ghanaian “chop bars” on or off campus. 
Legon, Ghana Where You'll Study
-
A
CIEE Ghana
Ghana
-
B
UNIVERSITY OF GHANA
Legon
-
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 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
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
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
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
Click to OpenCourse 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 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenSummer Session I
Summer Session II
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
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- CIEE Stem Scholarship
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Session I 2023 4 weeks | Apr 1, 2023 | May 15, 2023 | Jun 12, 2023 |
$4,450
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 = $3,203 ** Housing = $750 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $4,450Financial 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 *** includes two meals a day for students in homestays |
| Summer Session I and II 2023 8 weeks | Apr 1, 2023 | May 15, 2023 | Jul 10, 2023 |
$8,010
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 = $6,013 ** Housing = $1,500 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $8,010Financial 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 *** includes two meals a day for students in homestays |
| Summer Session II 2023 4 weeks | Apr 1, 2023 | Jun 12, 2023 | Jul 10, 2023 |
$4,450
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 = $3,203 ** Housing = $750 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $4,450Estimated 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 = $500 International Airfare = $1,800 Local Transportation = $100 Books & Supplies = $30 Visa Fees = $75 Personal expenses = $400 Other = $500 Total Estimated Costs = $3,405Financial 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 *** includes two meals a day for students in homestays |
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
-
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
-
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.
You might also like
-
Arts + Sciences
Legon, Ghana
-
January in Legon
Legon, Ghana
Spend your winter break studying abroad in one of West Africa's most extraordinary destinations.
