boat on water in ghana
Legon, Ghana

Leadership & Service in Children's Education

Summer '25 Applications Open

Leadership

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$4,950

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$4,950

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Program Overview

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 very close to the University of Ghana Campus, you'll get the opportunity to explore this academic city 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 and bead-making. 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.

The Destination
  • legon ghana purple sunset
  • legon kwame nkrumah memorial fountain building
  • beach in legon ghana study abroad

The Destination

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

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 NGO workers and/or service in community projects  
  • Lunch in the community with your fellow Global Navigators  
  • Out and about for a cultural activity or more service in the community  
  • Time to write individual reflections on your service 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

Check out the blog posts to discover more about daily life and excursions on program.

Housing

Hostel/hotel, shared rooms with other Global Navigators

24/7 Support

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

Program Blogs

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

Activities
High school students with locals in Legon on a group excursion

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!

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. 
  • 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. More details about tuition inclusions can be found here.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Summer Session I 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $4,950
Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $4,950
Our 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. 

Ready to change your life?

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