University of California Education Abroad Program

Univ. of Ghana

Program Overview

Ghana today is celebrated for its welcoming society, colorful community, and strong democratic foundations. Yet its coastal castles stand as grim reminders of the region's history in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Through UCEAP, students begin to:

understand the legacy of the past and appreciate opportunities to contribute to the future
develop global understanding through immersion in the University of Ghana and with its community
explore West Africa's diverse cultures, magnetic music, artistic creativity, and progressive social agenda.

UC students first become acquainted with Ghana in an introductory UC course and then immerse themselves in regular University courses, cultural activities, volunteer service or internships, and independent study projects of their own design.

The opportunity for internships or special study projects helps students understand themselves and our respective cultures. Here are some examples of what recent students were able to achieve in Ghana.

Found a non-profit or service organization

Join a student club/activity

Publish the results of your research

Students attend classes with international and/or host country students.

Language of Instruction

English

Language Study

Swahili; Twi

Duration

Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.

Fall :

mid-July to mid-December

Spring :

early January to mid-May

Year :

mid-July to mid-May

You are encouraged to extend your participation in Ghana.

Housing

Housing is provided on campus in a university residence hall or an international hostel. Rooms are shared with EAP students, international students, or local students. Off-campus housing is not permitted.

Extracurricular Activities

Activities include excursions to Kumasi, Elmina Castle, festivals and local markets. In addition, the University of Ghana offers a rich variety of student club activities such as martial arts, sports, drumming, dance, music, etc. This is an excellent way to meet local students.

On-site Support

EAP students are supported by UC’s network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. A UCEAP Resident Director administers the EAP program with local staff. They help students integrate into the culture of Ghana and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.

See the EAP Program Guide for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).

University of Ghana, Legon (Accra)

The University of Ghana (UG) is located ten miles northeast of Ghana’s capital Accra, which served as the site of President Barack Obama’s first visit to sub-Saharan Africa.

With a student body of more than 25,000, the curriculum is organized into faculties, colleges, and schools of agriculture and consumer services, arts, business, modern languages, law, performing arts, science, social studies, and health sciences. Additional academic units include agricultural research stations; institutes for adult education, African studies, statistical and economic research, and population studies; research centers in a variety of sciences; an International Centre for African Music and Dance; and a Centre for Gender Studies.

Visit the University of Ghana website

Course Opportunities

All UCEAP students take a required course on Ghanaian Society and Culture at the beginning of the program that involves an in-depth examination of Ghanaian history, culture, governance, family and society, gender issues and development challenges.

Coursework is recommended in African studies, agriculture, anthropology, archaeology, development studies, dramatic arts, geography, history, linguistics, political science, religious studies, and sociology. Some departments require fieldwork. Outstanding field research is conducted by the departments of sociology and archaeology and in the field sciences. With the exception of biology, be careful about taking laboratory science courses as laboratory equipment is not always available. Courses in business administration tend to be very crowded.

Many students undertake an independent research project or engage in community service or internships. Ghanaian culture courses in Twi language, dance, and drumming are popular with international students.

Use the following resources to learn about EAP courses:

EAP Program Search provides information on subject areas, requirements, and language of instruction.
Host institution online catalogs or course listings:

University of Ghana, Legon (Accra) links to individual faculties, colleges, and schools. Information varies from department to department.
University of Ghana handbooks provides brief course descriptions.

MyEAP Course Catalog lists only courses previously taken by UC students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered.

Units

24 UC quarter/16 UC semester units per term are required, approximately six courses. Most courses are 4.0 UC quarter/2.7 UC semester units.

Internships, Research, and Independent Study

Independent study, called an EAP Special Study Project, can enrich your experience in Ghana with fieldwork, independent research, or an internship. You may design a project on a topic related to West Africa, especially Ghana, which may include research or internship activities.

Click here to see past research topics.

Community service and volunteer positions, which may be developed into an academic special study project, are also available at many local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and school libraries; the University Hospital; the National Theatre; the Family and Development Programme; the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); and the World Health Organization (WHO). There are institutes or projects on the University of Ghana campus that might offer opportunities for research or internships.

Click here to see a list of possible internship providers. The Study Center will provide information on service opportunities and NGOs during the orientation in Ghana.

Predeparture preparation is required. Instructions and additional information will be posted in the predeparture checklist. Final arrangements are made at the Study Center after arrival.

Participation in UCEAP is a great value! The cost of studying abroad on UCEAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart below represent an estimate of: 1) the UCEAP fees for the current year, and 2) the additional amount needed to cover your living expenses in this location. Estimates for personal travel, entertainment and Non-Resident (out of state) Fees are not included.

Keep in mind that on UCEAP you take your financial aid with you. The amount of your financial aid package will take into account the total estimated costs of this experience. One advantage of selecting UCEAP for study abroad is that we facilitate the process by working with your UC Financial Aid Office (FAO), informing them of your UCEAP participation and providing them with your UCEAP budget. Just like your UC Campus billing office, we receive your financial aid and scholarships from your FAO, apply it to cover the UCEAP program fees, and disburse any remaining aid on a set schedule.

Estimated EAP Costs *

Option	Weeks	Units (Qtr)	Units (Sem)	UCEAP Fees ¹	Additional Costs ² (Estimated)

Fall	21	24	16	$9,000	$6,550
Spring	19	24	16	$9,000	$5,850
Year	44	48	32	$15,850	$10,250

* Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non-Resident Fees on UCEAP.

¹ UCEAP Fees: This represents an estimate of UCEAP fees for the current year. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. This figure includes UC tuition and fees for undergraduate, in-state residents. For a detailed breakdown of what’s included in this estimate, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay non-resident fees on UCEAP.

² Additional Costs: Average living expenses include but are not limited to room and board, transportation, books, supplies, and other incidentals and do not include recreational travel or entertainment. The total cost will vary depending on your personal expenses, exchange rate fluctuation, and the program you attend. For a detailed breakdown of the estimate, visit the “Cost” tab of the appropriate program.

All fees are subject to change without notice.

These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non Resident Fees on UCEAP.

Here’s what is included in the estimate:

Predeparture expenses (visa, etc.)
Round-trip transportation from California
UC fees
Tuition at partner institution
Accident and medical insurance
On-site orientation
Room and board
Program excursions and activities
Books and other incidental expenses
Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript
Research and community service projects

While on UCEAP, you are covered by UC’s accident and medical insurance, including non-medical benefits, and 24/7 travel assistance anywhere in the world.

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Eligibility

Class Level:

Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate

Language Prerequisites:

None

GPA:

2.85 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.

Other Eligibility Requirements:

Successful completion of a course on Africa or development studies is required. To live successfully in a developing country such as Ghana, students need to be realistic and self-motivated about their studies and personal goals; willing to adhere to UCEAP advice on safety and welfare; and academically and culturally tolerant.

All applicants must also have:

Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program.
Social, interpersonal, and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; willingness to adapt successfully to different living and academic environments; appropriate behavior in a variety of situations.
A willingness to abide by program regulations.
Completed all campus- and program-specific requirements.

Application Information and Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.

These are minimum requirements. After selection by your UC Campus EAP Office, final admission is determined by the University of Ghana.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information: