Information for term Summer Ghanaian Studies
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenThis stable, democratic country has a vibrant heritage and a fascinating history of politics and social change. Study history and culture while learning basic Twi and getting a unique window into life on the other side of the world. Courses are taught in English at CIEE’s partner school, University of Ghana, and complemented with immersive co-curricular activities designed to increase intercultural understanding.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
CIEE is requiring all participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling on programs. Read more ›
Unique Experiences
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Take innovative classes
that explore various aspects of life in Ghana, taught by faculty from the country’s premier university.
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Explore beyond Legon
with field trips and excursions around this beautiful region.
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Connect
with good-natured West Africans as you help out at schools, and NGOs.
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miles from Accra, Ghana’s capital city
7.5 -
students at University of Ghana
53K -
degrees north of the equator
3
Location & Culture
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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.
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 Ashanti region to explore the traditional chieftaincy institution, history, and culture.
Discover regional highlights like Aburi Botanical Gardens and Tafi-Atome monkey sanctuary.
Daily Life
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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 short walk from CIEE.
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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 (facilities are limited) or eat on or off campus.
Legon, Ghana Where You'll Study
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A
CIEE Ghana
Ghana
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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 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 University of Ghana faculty.
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
- Students may enroll in the optional one-credit Communicative Language course.
- “(GI)” denotes courses that originated at CIEE’s Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple Global Institutes and CIEE Sites.
Summer 2022 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenSummer 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.
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Hannah Amma Konadu Appiah
Center Director
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.