Summer Ghanaian Studies
Unique Experiences
Take an Innovative Class
that explores a major aspect of Ghana’s history
Connect with Members of the Local Community
as you volunteer with schools and NGOs in the area
Explore Beyond Legon
with activities and excursions within and outside the capital region
Your Destination
Legon, Ghana is a vibrant academic hub known for its welcoming atmosphere, rich cultural traditions, and proximity to Accra’s lively arts, music, and market scenes. The area comes to life with festivals, local cuisine, and opportunities to explore Ghana’s history through landmarks like the W.E.B. Du Bois Center and Independence Arch. Whether you are majoring in business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Legon is the perfect place to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Diversity Your Experience: Spend 1 or 2 consecutive 4-week sessions of your summer in the same host city or travel to different cities per session for increased mobility and cultural immersion.
- Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses 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 student clubs to socialize with your peers, and attend local workshops and events to get to know your host city.
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 past excursions and activities:
- Travel to Cape Coast and Elmina to see slave castles and the starting point of the transatlantic journey
- 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
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
Short-Term Study Abroad: Everything You Need to Know
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
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
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Legon offers diverse housing options to ensure you’re comfortable in your home away from home, which include homestays or off-campus hostels/apartments. All housing is located on and around the Legon campus environs, with convenient access to downtown Accra (roughly 45 minutes) but closer to CIEE Legon on campus (10 to 40 minutes).
Standard Housing: Includes a single/double room at a homestay or a quad/triple room at an off-campus hostel located under 45 minutes from CIEE Legon. Homestays boast a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with a host family. The off-campus hostels offers triple or quad-occupancy en-suite rooms, with shared common spaces such as a fitted kitchen and a lounging area.
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
Homestays: Students have breakfast and dinner with their host families, and they are responsible for lunch.
Off-Campus Hostels/Apartments: Meals are not included. Students prepare meals (facilities are limited) or eat off campus.
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).
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 2025
Summer Session II 2025
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 & 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.
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 2026 4 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $4,950 | |
| Program Summer Session II 2026 4 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $4,950 | |
| Program Summer Session I and II 2026 8 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $8,910 | |
| Program Summer Session I 2025 4 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $4,750 |
| Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $4,750 |
| Program Summer Session I and II 2025 8 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $8,550 |
*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 | $300 * |
| Educational Costs | $3,300 ** |
| Housing | $1,150 *** |
| Insurance | $200 |
| Total Fees | $4,950 |
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 and MSI 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.
*non-refundable
**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.
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 | $3,300 ** |
| Housing | $1,150 *** |
| Insurance | $200 |
| Total Fees | $4,950 |
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 and MSI 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.
*non-refundable
**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.
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 | $6,110 ** |
| Housing | $2,300 *** |
| Insurance | $200 |
| Total Fees | $8,910 |
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
*non-refundable
**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.
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 | $3,140 ** |
| Housing | $1,110 *** |
| Insurance | $200 |
| Total Fees | $4,750 |
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.
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 |
*non-refundable
**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. $340 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
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 | $3,140 ** |
| Housing | $1,110 *** |
| Insurance | $200 |
| Total Fees | $4,750 |
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.
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 |
*non-refundable
**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. $340 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
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 | $5,830 ** |
| Housing | $2,220 *** |
| Insurance | $200 |
| Total Fees | $8,550 |
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.
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 |
*non-refundable
**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. $340 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
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
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.
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.
Irene Makafui Aku Dotse
Program Coordinator
Irene is responsible for student life coordination at the center and takes care of housing, internship, and volunteer placements.
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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