Overview

The University of Ghana (UG) is set on a spacious campus on the slope of Legon Hill, a suburb less than 10 miles northeast from the center of Accra, Ghana’s capital. The university is the oldest and largest of the public universities in Ghana. It is home to many academic departments, centers, and associated research institutes that provide academic resources for UG students and scholars. Having recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, the Council of University of Ghana now enjoys the appointment of former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan as its chancellor.

Nearby Accra is Ghana’s government seat and its main commercial center. A sprawling city of close to two million, Accra is the most densely populated area in Ghana. Accra served as the site Barack Obama’s recent and first presidential visit to sub-Saharan Africa.

Students attend regular University of Ghana classes with international students and host country students.

Course Opportunities

Regular university courses in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, especially with an African studies focus; development studies; dramatic arts; and selected natural sciences (agriculture, biology, ecology, environment, health). Many students undertake an independent study or research project, which is equivalent to one course, or engage in community service. Elective course work in Twi, dance, and drumming augment regular University of Ghana class studies.

Use the following resources to learn about EAP courses:

• EAP Program Search provides information on general areas of study.
• Host institution online catalogs or course listings:
  • University of Ghana, Legon (Accra)
• MyEAP Course Catalog lists courses previously taken by UC students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered. Since courses in new programs have not yet been taken for credit, they may not appear in the MyEAP Course Catalog.

Units

You are required to take a full-time course of study on EAP; 24 UC quarter units per semester are required, which is approximately six courses (the number of units per course varies widely).

Language of Instruction

English

Language Study

None

Internships, Research, and Independent Study

Internships and independent study for academic credit are possible in this program. Non-academic community service opportunities are also available. Arrangements are generally made at the Study Center after arrival at the host institution. Predeparture preparation is required, in particular for those interested in independent research study projects.
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.

Community service opportunities and volunteer positions, which may be developed into a Special Study Project, are 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 a number of institutes or projects on the University of Ghana campus that might offer opportunities for research or internships. The Study Center has information on service opportunities and NGOs.

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

Space permitting, you are encouraged to extend your participation in Ghana.

Housing

Housing is provided on campus in a double room in the university residence hall or international house with EAP students, international students, and host country students. Off-campus housing is not permitted.

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 local faculty member, who serves as the EAP Liaison Officer, 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 (PDF) 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).

Host Institutions

• University of Ghana, Legon (Accra)

Estimated Cost

Participation in EAP is a great value! The cost of EAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to EAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.

Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will be based on the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.

These expenses are estimated for 2009-10. Amounts will vary for 2010-11 participation due to proposed changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2009-10 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.

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

Estimated EAP Costs*

Option	Cost
* Based on most recent costs for 2009-2010 to the nearest $100.
Fall	$12,600
Spring	$12,400
Year	$20,700

Application Requirements

Class Level

Sophomore, junior, senior, graduate

Language Prerequisite

None

GPA

2.85 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure. No exceptions. Graduate students must have a 3.0 GPA.

Other

Successful completion of a course on Africa or development studies before departure is required. You must demonstrate personal maturity and serious academic motivation.

Minimum Criteria

All applicants must also have:

• Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student’s UC degree program
• Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully to a different environment and a new education system; ability to assess and exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
• A willingness to abide by program regulations
• An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)

These are minimum program requirements only and do not guarantee selection. The Campus EAP Office determines selection. The final admission decision is made by the host institution.

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.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information:

• UC Berkeley
• UC Davis
• UC Irvine
• UC Los Angeles
• UC Merced
• UC Riverside
• UC San Diego
• UC Santa Barbara
• UC Santa Cruz