CIEE Arts and Sciences Program in Legon, Ghana

  Ghana

Legon

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring 
Dates: Fall 17 weeks: mid-August-mid-December; Spring 17 weeks: early January-mid-May; Academic Year 38 weeks: mid-August-mid-May

Description: Established in 1994, the CIEE Study Center at the University of Ghana provides an opportunity for students from all academic disciplines to live and study in Ghana, learning firsthand about the country and its people, while continuing to pursue their own academic goals. These goals are achieved through integrated study with Ghanaian students and immersion into the cultural and social life of the University and the surrounding community.

Academic Program
The University of Ghana has a wide range of traditional offerings similar to undergraduate programs at U.S. colleges and universities. The Arts and Sciences program provides an opportunity for students from all academic disciplines to live and study in Ghana, learning firsthand about the country and its people, while continuing to pursue their own academic goals. This is achieved through integrated study with Ghanaian students and immersion into the cultural and social life of the University and the surrounding community.

Academic Culture
Students are required to undertake a full program of courses, including all prescribed assignments and written exams. Teaching methods at the University normally involve a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars and, in the sciences, laboratory classes. Students will notice striking differences between their home educational system and the Ghanaian system. Following the British model, this system offers a less structure environment that requires students to take greater responsibility and initiative. Courses may involve relatively few contact hours each week, since professors expect a great deal of individual study. Learning by rote is the model most often used in classes. This entails professors reading from notes or books, with the expectation that students copy word for word their recitation. Most classes at the University of Ghana are very large, thus making classroom interaction with the professor very rare.

For semester participants, the program includes one week of orientation, thirteen teaching weeks, one week of mid-semester exams, one week of review, and one week of final exams. For academic year participants, the program includes one week of orientation followed by two semesters; there is a three- to four-week break between semesters. Students can stay in their housing during this time, but they are responsible for the cost of meals.

Highlights:

• Students become participants in and contributors to Ghanaian intellectual, cultural, economic, and social life
  
• Community involvement through independent study options, excursions, student clubs, and volunteer activities
  
• Wide range of courses including West African performing arts, Twi language, and African studies
  
• Development Studies Track in social and economic development in Ghana
  
• Internship and independent study option

Immersion
Volunteering
Students may volunteer in local businesses, social services, and cultural institutions, as well as assist in local schools.

Students who want to volunteer or get involved in a non-credit community service project are encouraged to do so. Previously, students have volunteered in hospitals and rural health clinics, the Ghana National Museum, various NGOs, day care centers, elementary and junior high schools, and a Liberian refugee camp.

Student Activities and Clubs
Opportunities are available to join music, theater, or art groups; participate in athletics; and attend lectures, discussions, and receptions. Sports such as soccer, basketball, field hockey, and tennis are popular with Ghanaian students.

U-Pals
Local University students, called U-Pals, assist CIEE participants with day-to-day matters, organize various social events, and help students adjust to their new environment, both at the University and in Legon. These students are recruited and trained by CIEE and are a true hallmark of the program.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Experience Required: yes