CIEE International Business and Culture Program in Accra, Ghana

  Ghana

• Accra: 
Accra

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

Description: The CIEE International Business and Culture program at Ashesi University provides an opportunity for students to live and study in Ghana, learning firsthand about the country and its people, while continuing to pursue their own academic goals. CIEE participants study alongside Ghanaian students and become immersed in the cultural and social life of the University and the surrounding community.

Academic Program
Students may choose from offerings among Ashesi Universitys liberal arts core, business administration, or computer science curricula. In addition, students can select from Ashesi Universitys interdisciplinary Africana Studies Program courses. The Africana Studies Program is a multidisciplinary program with courses in African music and dance, business, history, philosophy, political science, and sociology. This curriculum is further enhanced by incorporating service-learning opportunities into classes. Students are encouraged to take one or more courses in these areas in order to maximize their academic integration with local Ashesi students.

The Resident Director assists interested program participants in organizing an independent study project. More information on the independent study option can be found in the course listing.

Academic Culture
The Ashesi class schedule is based on a semester system, with students typically taking four courses per semester. Ashesi Universitys classes are very interactive, a rare feature in most institutions of higher learning in Ghana. This is made possible due to the low student- professor ratio. At Ashesi, students play an active role in the classroom setting, participating in debates, discussions, and presentations, which counts toward final grades.

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:

• Directly enroll in a wide range of courses at one of Ghanas most prestigious private universities; study alongside local Ghanaian and international students
  
• Get extensive support from CIEE-trained Ashesi University U-Pal students
  
• Have the opportunity to participate in service-learning, community service, volunteering, and an independent study project, as well as in University clubs
  
• Partake in excursions to such places as Dodi Island, Cape Coast, Aburi Botanical Gardens, and the Wli Falls in the Volta region

In addition to travel, there are many other ways for students to become involved in Ghanaian society, including volunteerism and student clubs.

Immersion
Volunteering
Students may volunteer in local businesses, social services, and cultural institutions, as well as assist in local schools. Service-learning plays an important role in the Ashesi University curriculum, and students can expect many opportunities to learn outside of the classroom, while also giving back to the local community.

U-Pals
Local Ashesi 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 Accra. 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