| Click here for a definition of this term Class Standing: | Sophomore | Program Type: | study abroad |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program: | Affiliate | GPA Requirement: | 2.5 |
| Housing: | Homestay, Hotel | Fields of Study: | History |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
Designed for students who want to dive deeply into African history, CIEE's Summer in Ghanaian Studies program is a challenging and fascinating opportunity to explore Ghana's rich history and get a unique perspective of Ghanaian life.
Spend your summer studying and living in one of Ghana's most important suburbs, Legon, where lush forests, diverse animals, and miles of sandy beaches are all within reach. When class is in session, you will learn from CIEE faculty at the University of Ghana, CIEE's partner school, and the country's oldest and largest public university. Classes will provide opportunities for you to practice speaking Twi – a dialect of the Akan language – and focus on the impact of enslaved Africans.
Outside the classroom, you will be invited to participate in immersive, primarily hands-on, activities and excursions organized by CIEE to enhance your cultural understanding. From exploring the country's vibrant cultural heritage to witnessing its stable democracy and impressive politics firsthand, you will come to appreciate how Ghana has evolved since its habitation in 10,000 BCE.
that explores a major aspect of Ghana’s history, taught by a seasoned faculty from the country’s premier university and learn from guest speakers who have expertise in issues of Pan-Africanism, Slavery, and Traditional institutions in Ghana.
with good-natured members of the local community as you volunteer with schools, and other NGOs in the areas of student tutoring and mentoring serving the deprived and marginalized youth in Accra and Legon.
with out-of-class activities and excursions within and outside the capital region.
Travel to Cape Coast and Elmina to see slave castles and the starting point of the transatlantic journey.
Visit the Assin Manso Slave River where enslaved Africans, according to history, took their last bath before their journery to the slave castles. Engage in or witness the sacred ritual to welcome Africans in the Diaspora.
Visit the Ashanti region to explore the traditional chieftaincy institution, history, and culture, and witness members of the local community showcase their craft steeped in rich culture. You get to try your hands on them too!
Learn how to prepare the famous Ghana jollof with CIEE host families and improve your culinary skills
Learn from Ghanaian women entrepreneurs who are making traditional beads worn to mark significant rites of passage in Ghanaian culture.
GAIN Travel Grants - up to $2,000 toward travel costs guaranteed to all Pell-elgible students.
Gilman Go Global Grants - $2,500/semester and $1,000/summer, guaranteed to all Gilman applications.
Merit-Based Scholarships - $2,500/semester and $750/summer, awarded to students deomonstrating high academic achievement.
Minority Serving Institutions (MIS) Grant - $2,000/semester and $500/summer, guaranteed to all students attending MSIs.
Our highly experienced staff have extensive knowledge of all CIEE programs and services. If you are a student with questions about completing your application, or you want to sign up to receive program updates and news, our staff are happy to help.
Contact Us| Term | Year | App Deadline | Decision Date | Start Date | End Date |
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| Summer | 2026 | 03/25/2026 ** | Rolling Admission | 05/19/2026 | 07/14/2026 |
| Summer I | 2026 | 03/25/2026 ** | Rolling Admission | TBA | TBA |
| Summer II | 2026 | 03/25/2026 ** | Rolling Admission | TBA | TBA |
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** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline. |
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