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Legon, Ghana

Climate Change and Inequality

Social Change

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$5,250

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$5,250

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Overview
Investigate the impact of global climate change actions on developing nations. 

Mitigating climate change is a collective responsibility, but it’s particularly challenging for less industrialized countries. In Ghana’s capital, identify the effects of climate change and the financial burden of sustainable practices. Alongside scientists from the University of Ghana, evaluate the country’s contribution to mitigating climate change. Join forces with other Global Navigators for a final debate on climate change injustices—judged by an expert panel! 

Traditional lifestyles centered around home-cooked meals and handmade goods allow Ghana’s per capita emissions to stand at just 24% of the global average. Discover what industrialized countries can learn from developing nations. Visit shops repurposing plastic waste into useful items. Conversely, observe the improper disposal of second-hand clothing imported from the West, 40% of which is openly burned. 

Soak in the lively local culture, too, through Ghanaian games, music, and dance. On excursion, venture into the lush Achimota Forest Reserve to study carbon sources and sinks. Your time in Legon will shed light on climate change disparities while immersing you in Ghana’s traditions and breathtaking landscapes.

The Take-Aways

Real-world Experience

Delve into the ways that climate change disproportionately affects less-developed nations and what you can learn from Ghana’s low-emission practices. Come home ready to start climate change initiatives in your community.

Credentials For Your Future

Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, and a portfolio of ideas on how to combat climate change injustices, and service-learning hours documenting your engagement with the community.

Life Skills And New Friendships

Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication and leadership skills. Enjoy a broader worldview and diverse friendships from across the U.S.

45

Hours Of Expert Instruction

12

Hours of Service Learning in the Community

1

Life-changing Experience

Destination
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The Destination

Welcome to Legon, a suburb of the enchanting Ghanaian capital.

On the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa lies the cultural melting pot of Accra, known for its sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, lush rainforest, and fertile farms. The city's bustling open-air and second-hand markets, such as the Labone Green Market, offer eco-friendly goods and a lively shopping experience. As you explore Accra’s winding streets and charming alleys, you can savor traditional African cuisine in restaurants serving dishes like fufu, Ghana's national dish made from mashed green plantains and cassava. The city is also alive with music, often heard blasting from cultural centers, restaurants, and beachside establishments. 

One of Ghana’s biggest challenges is changing rainfall patterns, which have shortened the growing season for vital crops like cocoa, fruits, and nuts, impacting the local economy. Local organizations like the University of Ghana's Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies are diving into innovative solutions to tackle these and other climate challenges and create a greener future for Africa. The best part is you’ll get to explore some of this exciting work firsthand!

Cultural Awareness

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.

Itinerary

Daily Life

Monday–Friday  

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction, service-learning, and cultural activities with time on your own, too. 

  • Breakfast at the hostel/hotel 
  • Hands-on learning with local instructors and scientists and/or service in community projects  
  • Lunch with your fellow Global Navigators 
  • Outdoor activities or cultural workshops 
  • Time to write individual reflections and for holding group debriefs
  • Dinner at the hostel/hotel or out in the community

Weekends   

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites  
  • Quality time with friends 

Housing

Carefully-screened Homestay

24/7 Support

1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Activities

Sample Activities

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Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

  • Try your hand at cooking traditional dishes in a Ghanaian cuisine workshop. In Ghana, locals typically prepare their meals rather than purchase fast food! 
  • Join in a local eco-fair that showcases sustainable practices, renewable energy solutions, and community-based initiatives. 
  • Explore the Ashanti Region, dubbed the "Kingdom of Gold," located in southern Ghana. Be amazed by its tropical rainforest, large cocoa farms, and charming villages! 
  • Get an exclusive tour of Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Discover the challenges that come from trying to meet the United Nations’ climate actions. 
  • Experience a fishing farm in full operation. Fishing plays a vital role in driving Ghana's socio-economic growth. 

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. 

Testimonials
From CIEE

Student Project: Shared Respect

By MacKenzie Kennedy at CIEE

During this program, the participants worked in groups to create projects reflecting their experiential learning from the last three weeks. The following is a selection from Sabrina Addo and Maya... keep reading

From CIEE

Tying Up Loose Ends

By MacKenzie Kennedy at CIEE

With only a few days left in our program, we are embracing every opportunity to make lasting memories and reflect on our incredible journey. One of the highlights of this... keep reading

From CIEE

Visiting Ghana’s First Cocoa Farm

By Erica Edwards at CIEE

Student Blog Takeover: Milo and Anthea visit Ghana's first cocoa farm

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above. 
  • Program open to current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. Students must have completed Freshman year of high school before traveling on program. 
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Application Fee 

$25 

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.    

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations, or contact us

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Summer Session I 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $5,250
Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $5,250

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.

Program Balance = $5,250

Total Fees = $5,250

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

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

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.

Program Balance = $5,250

Total Fees = $5,250

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

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

Ready to change your life?

What's Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to WIFI

(No international data plan or SIM card included)

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Staff

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. 

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