Leadership & Service in Children's Education
A Summer for Fun, Friends, and Your Future
Explore
Have fun discovering Ghana's tropical rainforests, beaches, and traditions.
Network
Meet new friends and NGO leaders. Build your own community.
Get Inspired
Launch your future today! Gain hands-on leadership skills through teaching, mentoring, and coaching. Come home ready to take action.
The Destination
Welcome to Ghana, a land of rich, natural resources and one of Africa’s most stable countries.
Known as the “gateway to Africa,” Ghana is the gem of West Africa. Despite its relatively small size and population, it enjoys a stable political climate and thriving industries. Wealthy in natural resources, including gold, diamonds, cocoa, and timber, Ghana was the first sub-Saharan country to gain independence from colonial rule. Though still burdened by the legacy of colonialism, slavery, dysfunction, and poverty, local NGOs are dedicated to fighting inequality, particularly in education.
The country’s capital and urban center, Accra, boasts sandy coastlines, lush botanical gardens, colorful bazaars, and abundant cultural spaces. Legon, a suburb outside the city center, is home to the University of Ghana. Originally associated with the University of London, the oldest and largest university in Ghana is now independent, with over 40,000 students and a multitude of study areas.
Ghana, with its compelling history, lively music, and tasty dishes—like omo tuo (rice balls) and red red (black-eyed peas)—offers an exciting opportunity to delve into the past and future of Africa.
Cultural Awareness
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. No matter where you choose to study abroad with CIEE, our staff will be on hand throughout your program to provide advice, resources, and support.
Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
Service at the Billa Mahmud Future Leaders School
Step into the classrooms of the Billa Mahmud Future Leaders School, where the vibrant energy of young children greets you each morning. In the heart of the Tse Ado community in Accra, you’ll take on the role of a teaching assistant, guiding and encouraging students who might not otherwise have access to education. Whether helping a child solve a math problem, leading small group activities, or creating fun, interactive lessons, you’ll see the direct impact of your contributions as you connect with students of all ages.
Recess offers a chance for cultural exchanges—sharing U.S. games like Red Rover while learning local games from your new friends creates moments of joy and connection. Working alongside your peers and local teachers, you’ll collaborate on group projects, address classroom challenges, and develop creative teaching methods that strengthen teamwork and cross-cultural understanding.
This experience extends beyond the classroom. Through reflection sessions and service learning seminars, you’ll gain leadership skills, cultural awareness, and a deeper appreciation for community building. These lessons will stay with you, inspiring a service-oriented mindset that you will bring into your education, future career, and everyday life.
Overnight Excursion to the Volta Lake & Wli Waterfalls
Discover a landscape where nature, culture, and adventure come together in unforgettable ways. This overnight excursion takes you to one of Ghana’s most scenic regions.
At the Shai Hills Resource Reserve, you explore the reserve with trained guides, view wildlife from rocky hills, and learn about its history. The adventure takes center stage on the Volta Lake, where you will engage in a guided kayaking experience on Ghana’s largest man-made lake. The activity balances excitement with mindfulness, encouraging you to be present and supportive of one another.
The journey continues at the Wli Waterfalls, where you get to appreciate environmental preservation. The experience invites quiet reflection, photography, and meaningful conversations about humanity’s relationship with the natural world.
Throughout the excursion, guided reflections and group discussions help students connect their experiences to broader themes—community, sustainability, leadership, and personal growth. This overnight excursion is an immersive learning experience that deepens appreciation for Ghana’s natural beauty while inspiring curiosity, resilience, and global awareness.
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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.
- Please note: Due to the local cuisine and available food options, this program cannot accommodate a fully Kosher diet.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
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 2026 3 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $4,950 |
| Program Summer Session II 2026 3 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $4,950 |
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
Our Staff
Amma Appiah
Center Director
Amma is passionate about intercultural learning in international education and embraces the idea of empathetic study abroad management.
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.