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Ghana Education and Culture

Fast Facts

Sessions Offered:

Summer

Location:

Accra/Legon, Ghana

Credit:

Resident

Eligibility

Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing. Minimum 2.5 UI and cumulative GPA or consent of the program director and study abroad.

Program Cost:

Click the Application tab.

Application Opens

January 1, 2024

Application Deadline

February 11, 2024

Confirmation Deadline

February 18, 2024

The College of Education sponsors a 15-day summer course in Ghana designed to provide students with an international experience. Students explore teaching issues through class room visits, guest lecturers, and field trips.

Academic Program

This 3 s.h. course will be offered for elective credit.

ABRD:3656:0001 Ghana Education and Culture

Course description:

  • Explore a variety of schooling and curricular models in a variety of settings
  • Gain an understanding of Ghanaian history, society, culture, and educational institutions
  • Establish a baseline understanding of how slavery evolved and affected Ghana and countries of the diaspora
  • Foster cultural competencies and appreciation for Ghanaian culture through interaction and immersion

    • Program Dates

    For the summer 2024 session, the program dates are:

    Depart US: May 27, 2024 (no early admission to housing permitted)

    Arrive in Accra: May 28, 2024

    Return to US: June 11, 2024

    For More Information

    Ryan Ourada (ryan-ourada@uiowa.edu)
    Program Coordinator
    1111 University Capitol Center
    University of Iowa
    Iowa City, IA 52242
    319-335-0353

    Legon and Accra, Ghana

    Situated just 10 miles from Ghana's capital city, Accra, Legon draws plenty of students and locals alike to its vibrant restaurants and bars. There's lots of opportunity to relax, too - Legon has a slower pace than the bustle of central Accra and is 30 minutes from the coast and its beautiful beaches.

    Accommodation

    Students will stay in home stays with families vetted by our host as well as tourist class hotels. Students will be transported by chartered bus companies when necessary and will have regular internet access. Dining will include home and restaurant options.

    Travel Arrangements

    Students will make their own travel arrangements with advice and information provided by the program coordinators.

    Students are advised NOT to purchase tickets until the program's status is confirmed. In late March, students will be informed whether there is sufficient interest to offer the trip. Instructions for purchasing tickets will be shared at that time.

    Important notice for students without a valid U.S. passport, or whose passport will expire before December 2024:

    Those with valid passports should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months PAST the anticipated return to the U.S. from studying abroad, i.e., through December 2024.

    Students who do not yet have a passport are advised to apply for one as soon as possible. Applications are available at the Federal Building/Post Office on Highway 6 in Iowa City or at the U.S. State Department web site. Students who are getting their first passport or renewing an under 16 passport can do so at the study abroad office: https://passport.uiowa.edu/

    Expedited passport processing service is available (although this still takes several weeks and is expensive) and we encourage students to ask at the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

    A special note to international students

    Depending on your country of origin, it may be necessary for you to apply for a Tourist Visa before you can enter the Ghana for this summer's program. You can check on the Ghana Border Agency's web site to find out if you need to apply. If you need a visa to enter the Ghana, UI Study Abroad will supply you with documents to support your application.

    To return to the United States after the class, you will need a valid form I-20 or DS-2019 endorsed for travel abroad and an F-1 or J-1 student visa that is valid through the date that you plan to return to the United States. You can obtain a travel signature from an advisor at International Student and Scholar Services, 1111 University Capitol Centre.

    Eligibility

    Students must be a degree-seeking student and in good academic and disciplinary standing prior to applying to the program. A minimum 2.5 GPA or consent of the program director and study abroad is required for acceptance.

  • Must be a UI degree-seeking student at the time of application.
  • Demonstrated preparedness and maturity: Students must meet entry requirements for the countries and venues visited by the program, including entry requirements related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students must demonstrate preparedness to take on the heightened responsibilities associated with international study and travel and demonstrate a commitment to behave responsibly abroad while respecting cultural differences. Students are expected to obey both local laws and program directives conveyed to participants before and during the program. The University of Iowa Code of Student Life applies to all program participants while abroad.
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing: Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa, or at another U.S. college or university where the applicant is enrolled in a degree program. Students placed on either academic or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad on a University of Iowa program. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of the India Winterim program.
  • On a daily basis, participants will need to be able to walk over terrain and along streets that may be bumpy or uneven. Accessibility standards in Ghana differ from those in the United States.

    • Application Deadline

    February 11, 2024. Early applications are encouraged; courses will be filled with eligible students based on the date of the application submission.

    Costs

    There is a $50 application fee.

    Summer 2024 Cost SheetPDF

    How to Apply

    The application form is available by clicking on the following link: Application beginning January 1, 2024.

    UI students who apply to this program will be U-billed the $50 application fee. The application form, along with a copy of the information page of your passport, should be submitted by the application deadline. Late applications will not be considered.

    Program admission decisions will be based on several factors:

    • Course eligibility requirements met;
    • Submission date of complete application; and
    • Course selection

    Enrollments must meet at least 15 students in order for the course to be offered. No more than 30 students can be accommodated in the course.

    Financial Aid and Scholarships

    You may be able to use financial aid for summer courses, particularly if you already use it for fall/spring. Speak with the Financial Aid office to see what might be available to you.

    Summer study abroad students are also able to apply for Study Abroad scholarships. Please visit the Study Abroad Scholarships website for more detailed information on the available scholarships and to review eligibility criteria.

    Health & Safety Planning

    Students should carefully review the following materials starting at least two months prior to departure:

    Prepare for Departure

    Health and Safety

    Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

    Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travelform with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

    Flights

    Students will receive instructions for booking flights after the Confirmation Deadline. A suggested group flight will be shared with the group and students will make their own arrangements. Those who do not have extensive travel experience are encouraged to book the suggested group flight.

    Immigration/Visa

    All program participants are required to complete immigration requirements to enter and study in your host country. UI Study Abroad and your program provider/host institution abroad will provide you with immigration instructions prior to departure.

    Note that permission to enter and study in your host country is provided exclusively by the host country’s government based on that country's immigration requirements. Your host country’s immigration requirements may include considerations related to specific national origin, national heritage, criminal background status, and similar issues that can make it impossible to receive permission to enter the country in some cases. Contact your UI study abroad advisor for more information.

    It is essential that you thoroughly review all of your immigration materials before you leave for your host country to ensure that they are absolutely complete and accurate. It is entirely your responsibility to ensure that all of your immigration materials are in order and fully accurate before you leave for your host country. If any of your immigration materials contain inaccurate information of any kind, contact your UI study abroad advisor immediately to discuss your options.

    Do not take steps to complete your host country’s immigration requirements until you receive more information from UI Study Abroad.

    Review the informaiton under the Visa heading our Prepare for Departure page for further guidance on the immigration/visa process.

    Orientation

    In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These may be in addition to orientations provided by your on-site provider. See below for more information.

    Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

    You are required to complete the International Programs ICON course "Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation" prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals, and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions, you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu.

    Program-Specific Orientation

    A mandatory, in-person orientation will be facilitated by the Faculty Leader and Study Abroad Coordinator before departure and will cover content specific to your program and host country.