Summer in Ghana

Program Information

Spend four weeks in the historic and culturally rich coastal city of Cape Coast, Ghana.  Set amongst idyllic beaches and home to Cape Coast Castle, this program offers a spectacular insight into local culture with an academic focus.  Courses are all taught in English with a focus on African studies and literature.  In addition to academic coursework, students participate in meaningful group service projects with communities in and around Cape Coast, experience cultural and adventure excursions from drumming to Ghanaian cooking, and reside with homestay families to make for a comprehensive, authentic, fully integrated experience abroad.

Cape Coast is a town steeped in history and surrounded by beauty.  In the 17th century, Cape Coast grew from a small fishing village to an important trading port and the center of West Africa's slave trade, later becoming the first capital of Britain's Gold Coast colony.  Today, this vibrant town is capital of Ghana's Central Region and home to over 100,000 people and some of the country's leading academic institutions. Students of the semester program have the unique opportunity of studying and living alongside the local students and community members.

To round out the experience, students will participate in service learning projects in Cape Coast based on community needs and participant skills and interests.  Students live with local homestay families and participate in cultural excursions and workshops throughout the semester. Cultural and adventure activities are planned to some of the most beautiful and historic sites and engaging communities.  Come experience the vibrant atmosphere of Ghana, enhance your academics, and experience true immersion through community engagement.

Highlights

During the summer, students can expect cultural or outdoor adventures as well as project outings. Excursions may include:

  • Tour Cape Coast Castle and/or Elmina Castle
  • Visit Kakum National Park and walk across the famous canopy walk
  • Spend an afternoon or weekend away at one of the area's beautiful beaches
  • Participate in cultural workshops including African drumming and dancing, Ghanaian cooking, and batik making
  • Take part in a local community eco-tourism project either visiting a local community rock shrine or spending the night in a tree house on the edge of Kakum National Park
  • Take a weekend trip to Kumasi, the royal capital of the Ashanti state & Bonwire Village, one of the traditional Kente stools where you can see Kente cloth being woven

Housing

Accommodations are provided with a local Ghanian family in a private room with a shared bathroom. Most meals will be provided.

Curriculum

IS 305: Ghana

This course focuses on Ghana and will analyze contemporary life, paying particular attention to the interplay of geography, history, ideologies, religions, cultures, art, literature, and politics. (3 credits)

ENGL 203: World Literature

A survey of selected seminal works of West African Literature. Studying the literature produced by African writers will enable us to acquire a better insight into the culture of the region. (3 credits)

*Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a Jacksonville University transcript denoting course details and student performance.

Development Projects and Service-Learning

In addition to classroom and field studies, Summer in Ghana participants have the opportunity to learn more about community development in Cape Coast through hands-on development projects.  Projects complement academic studies for a few hours a week, typically on some weekends.

Semester projects are in conjunction with ProGhana, a local subsidiary of ProWorld Service Corps.  Projects are chosen by Site Directors based on the needs of communities and may include:

  • Construction of local schools
  • Participation in health outreach
  • Education enrichment activities at local schools
  • Small business assistance

 

Prerequisites and Academic Information

Good academic standing at your home university
A positive attitude and a will to help

Credits: 6
Average class hours per credit: 14
Accreditation: Jacksonville University (JU)
Language of Instruction: English

 

Program Dates

Inaugural Term: Summer 2011

Exact dates TBA

Cost

$3,995

*cost may change at any time due to the currency exchange

Included

  • 6 credits, tuition, fees, books and transcripts from JU
  • Academic classes four to five days per week
  • Intensive group orientation
  • Full room and board with a local family
  • Group development project outings
  • Airport pickup in Cape Coast
  • Health and Travel Insurance
  • Cultural and adventure excursions
  • 24 hour emergency contact on-site
  • Regular staff check-ins and access to office in Cape Coast

 

How to Apply

  • Fill out the IEP Application and review information on the Apply page.
  • Pay a $200 deposit to International Education Programs.
  • Send an official transcript from your home institution to the address below.

 

Send the above materials to:

International Education Programs
Jacksonville University
2800 University Blvd North
Gooding 105
Jacksonville, Florida 32211