Legon, Ghana

Leadership & Service in Children's Education

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Information for term Leadership & Service in Children's Education

Application deadline, and cost information.

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Jun 18 – Jul 8, 2023 (3 weeks)
$4,850

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Jul 9 – 29, 2023 (3 weeks)
$4,850

Overview

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Care for children in need through school or after-school programs.

Despite major advances in Ghana’s educational system, inequity still exists among students, with gender, geography (rural vs. city), and income levels all determining factors. To level the playing field, global organizations and innovative NGOs are working to create better access to Ghanaian schools for all children — and a more well-rounded, child-friendly learning environment once they get there.

In this Service & Leadership program, you’ll work with one of CIEE’s partner NGOs providing educational enrichment to at-risk children and youth age 4 to 15. As a teacher’s helper, you’ll wear many hats! You might be placed in a preschool setting, in a primary school or in a sports and vocational program for out-of-school teens. You might be asked to assist with basic math, science or English lessons; or with sports, games or arts and crafts. Whatever your project focus, you’ll learn first-hand about the Ghanaian educational system and reflect on how it compares to your own system back in the US.

Over three weeks you’ll gain invaluable skills, becoming more and more comfortable interacting with people from different cultures in an incredibly diverse region. Did you know Ghana has more than 80 languages and 70 ethnic groups? CIEE’s Intercultural Communication and Leadership class will equip you with tools and ideas for exchanging ideas and building strong relationships across different cultures. You’ll also take Twi language classes to help in your daily conversations and interactions with Ghanaians. But rest assured, you’ll be able to converse with nearly everyone around you, as English is the official language.

Living in a dorm at the University of Ghana, you’ll meet international students on campus and hang out with your CIEE peers. Together you’ll play soccer (pickup games or organized play with local youth), learn traditional drumming and dance, take cooking classes and dabble in batik-dyeing, bead-making and basket-weaving. Field trips take you to a variety of unique sites, from Ghana’s oldest cocoa farms to the largest open-air market in West Africa. Excursions take your farther afield — from the lush Kakum National Park with its rainforest canopy to the vast Ashanti Region known for its traditional villages.

After the intercultural experience of a lifetime, you’ll be well prepared for bridge-building and service leadership in diverse communities back home, large or small. And with fresh experience in teaching, mentoring, coaching and supporting students of different ages, who knows what you’ll be inspired to do next?

The Take-Aways

  • LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

    Work alongside passionate Ghanaian NGO leaders committed to transforming the lives of children through education. Reflect on your own leadership style and strengths as you mentor children ages 4 to 15 through activities, games and workshops.

  • LIFELONG SKILLS AND FRIENDSHIPS

    After just 3 weeks away, you'll build self-confidence, gain a broader world view, improve your interpersonal communication skills and make lifelong friends from all across the U.S.

  • CREDENTIALS FOR YOUR FUTURE

    Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, a Certificate of 50 hours of Service Learning.

Location & Culture

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One of Africa’s most stable countries, Ghana offers a rich cultural heritage.

Legon is a suburb outside of the Ghanaian capital city of Accra. It is home to the University of Ghana, which students and residents refer to simply as "Legon.” The oldest and largest university in Ghana, it was originally associated with the University of London but is now independent with over 40,000 students and a multitude of study areas.

Accra is a bustling coastal city with beaches, botanical gardens, and colorful bazaars.

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.

Daily Life

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Daily Life

Every day brings new discoveries and fun, but you can always count on a perfect balance between interactive instruction, excursions and free time! Here's what to expect on a typical day:

  • 7:00 am: Get up and have breakfast at your dorm/hotel
  • 8:00 am: Walk or take public transportation to CIEE for morning instruction
  • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm: Interactive class with a local teacher. Format may change to workshops or guest lectures, depending on the day.
  • 12:00 pm - 1:00pm: Find a fun spot to grab lunch with your friends (your program tuition includes a stipend for lunches).
  • 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm: Gather back at CIEE to go on today's cultural activity or excursion. 
  • 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm: Each activity or excursion is designed to echo what you learned in class that morning.
  • 5:00 pm - 7:00pm: Free time! Hang out with your friends and shop. Commute back to your hotel/dorm.
  • 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Dinner
  • 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Wrap up any homework. Usually just readings or personal research for your project.
  • 10:00 pm: Lights out!

DOWNLOAD A SAMPLE ITINERARY ›

Learn more about daily life on a high school study abroad program by reading our blog posts below.

  • Housing

    International dorm on the campus of the University of Ghana

  • Local Support

    24/7 Support from your CIEE program leader and in-country CIEE staff members

Program Blogs

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Program Blogs

Activities

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Sample Activities

 

  • Make bead jewelry and weave baskets with experienced locals.
  • Make your own tie-dye and batik cloth.
  • Learn to cook some local dishes and experience through learning some traditional dances and drumming.
  • Take a day trip to explore the historic Cape Coast Castle and its role in the slave trade, and to the stunning Kakum National Park with its canopy covering and rainforest.
  • Embark on a multi-day trip to Kumasi in the Ashanti Region which holds many traditional monuments to the Asante people and the Ghanaian culture.


​​Please note this list of activities is based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when revising itineraries is always to enhance your experience. Every activity is designed to provide you with a deep immersion in your topic, local culture and sights. Get ready for maximum fun!

Dates & Fees

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Dates & Fees

Eligibility​

  • Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. 
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our Scholarship page.

Application Fee

$25

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. More details about tuition inclusions can be found here.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Summer Session I 2023 3 weeks Deadline Passed Jun 18, 2023 Jul 8, 2023

$4,850

Summer Session II 2023 3 weeks Deadline Passed Jul 9, 2023 Jul 29, 2023

$4,850

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Our Staff

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Ready to change your life?