Ghana: Accra Summer

University of Ghana in Accra

The University of Ghana is located on a park-like campus in Legon, about 12 kilometers from the center of Accra, Ghana's capital. The University of Ghana was founded in 1948 as the University College of the Gold Coast and attained full university status in 1961. The University enrolls about 9,000 students and has seven faculties composed of departments, five institutes and two schools.

Course Offerings

Courses offered are African Languages, Ghanaian History and Culture and African Studies

Academic Highlights

Students will receive three credit hours in Ghanaian History and Cultures. The course is designed to introduce students to the long history and rich cultures of Ghana through an intensive, interdisciplinary curriculum. The program will consist of 3 weeks of guest lectures by faculty from the Institute and other departments of the University of Ghana, and guided visits to historic and cultural sites throughout Ghana. This will offer participants a unique opportunity to interact with the faculty of the University of Ghana.

In addition, the Institute’s library, which supplements the Africana collection of the Balme library, the main library on campus, contains an extensive collection of books, periodicals, and primary documents relating to African history, politics and cultures. Participants will have the opportunity to use the library for research and study purposes. Instruction will be in English. Students must be at least 18 years of age, have completed at least one full year of college level study and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

 

Student Life

The Institute for African Studies will provide housing for participants at its guest chalet, which is located on the Legon campus. This guest-housing complex has its own dining facility, a lounge, and a conference room. Participants will be placed in double rooms at the chalet and be provided with two meals a day. Other meals may be purchased in cafeterias on campus or at restaurants in town. In addition to the program excursions and field trips, students may participate in any activities on campus and in the Institute. Students will also have easy access to e-mail and ATM on the campus.

Alumni Feedback

"Before I traveled to Ghana, everything I had learned in class about African culture was tainted. As an African and African American Studies minor, visiting the African continent provided a first-hand, real-time experience in one of my main areas of interest. Many of my tainted viewpoints and misconceptions about Africa were dispelled by interactions with everyday people, interesting lecturers, and a road trip around Ghana. I would recommend the trip to anyone, everyone."
- Zach Nahmias

"The University of Memphis' study abroad program allowed me to learn from Ghanaian academics and residents of their understanding of the country's past, present, and future. This experience further illuminated the importance of studying an issue, historic, social, political, or economic, from multiple angles and view points. Furthermore, my dream of international travel and study, which had once seemed daunting, was realized and I was inspired to continue. Since studying in Ghana I have visited three European countries and two more African countries, including one year working in Ethiopia."
– Kay LeWary

"My visit to Ghana during the summer of 2005 was a great learning experience. Not only was I able to become fully immersed in Ghanaian culture (enjoying the food, music and beautiful people), I also received instruction from professors of the University of Ghana. Overall, this program allowed me to broaden my understanding of contemporary Africa in a practical way."
- Reginald Ellis

"The travel magazines did not exaggerate when they said "Ghana is the friendliest place on earth." Everywhere we visit Ghanaians greet us with a welcome smile. If ever we are lost, believe me, someone happily guides us to our destination with no expectation other than a thank you. It is taking me a while to get used to the fufu, ground nut soup, dried fish, huge snails and other native dishes served for dinner, but honestly, don't knock it until you try it, it is all delicious."
– Monique Jackson

"The best part of the trip was inter-mingling with the Ghanaian people. That was an experience that you cannot read about in textbooks. The trip was expertly planned and full of great challenges and experiences. I would recommend this trip to everyone, not just African American students. The trip to Ghana will definitely broaden your horizons."
– Gloria Anderson

 

Duration

July 11-August 2, 2005

Application Deadline(s)

April 15

Eligibility Requirements

Students must be at least 18 years of age, have completed at least one full year of college level study and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Costs

$3,500

Costs Included

Instructional costs abroad, administrative fees, course-related field trips, room and half board,ISIC card, orientation and health insurance.

Costs Not Included

Airfare ($1,000), personal expenses ($200) and vaccinations, visa fees

All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Please contact the appropriate individual to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program.

Related Links

• Wikipedia - Accra
• Wikipedia - University of Ghana

 

Submit Application Materials To:

Rebecca Laumann

Study Abroad Director
The University of Memphis
405 University Center
Memphis, TN 38152
Phone: (901) 678-2814
Fax: (901) 678-4949
rlaumann@memphis.edu

How do I apply?

Start the CCIS Study Abroad application process by downloading and printing the following forms. These PDF documents are viewed using Adobe's Acrobat Reader plug-in, which is available free. If you don't have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, click here.

CCIS APPLICATION PACKAGE AND INSTRUCTIONS

All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Please contact the appropriate individual to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program.