Summer in Ghana (in English) - ISEP Direct
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Experience Accra while studying on a lively campus near picturesque beaches, vibrant markets, and historic West African landmarks.
• Earn 6 U.S. credits while taking coursework specifically designed to immerse you in Ghanaian culture and history. Choose two of three courses — History of the Black Diaspora, Art History of Ghana, or Strategies for Social Development with a field practicum component.
• Explore Ghana over five weeks through unforgettable excursions organized by ISEP’s Resident Director to locations including Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, Shai Hills, and the Ashanti Region — West Africa’s largest market filled with traditional crafts and incredible street food.
LIFE ABROAD
Spend your summer at the University of Ghana, where a strong campus culture and close-knit student community make it easy to feel connected. Daily life moves at a different pace in Accra — conversations linger, community matters, and cultural exchange happens organically, offering an immersive experience that feels personal, reflective, and deeply rooted in place.
Experience & Cultural Engagement
Your days will include class discussions in the morning with free time in the afternoons to explore nearby attractions like botanical gardens and mausoleums, or campus amenities like the Olympic-size pool and amphitheater. If you enroll in the field practicum course, you will also spend dedicated time volunteering with a local organization, including BASICS International, West Africa AIDS Foundation, Play and Learn Foundation, and Compassion in Action.
Participate in group excursions organized by ISEP Resident Director, Theresa Kwakye, including an unforgettable visit to Cape Coast. Theresa will also share trusted optional travel opportunities and help students plan additional trips within Ghana, offering guidance on logistics and bookings for those eager to explore further. Just beyond campus, you can visit the National Museum of Ghana, explore Jamestown’s arts scene, or immerse yourself in the Ghanaian culture through batik, drumming, or kente weaving workshops.
Live & Dine
Live in an on-campus student hostel and connect with a global community of fellow international students. You’ll have a double room with wi-Fi, a desk, and a chair, as well as access to shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. With a convenience store located in the hostel and night markets and campus vendors nearby, it's easy to indulge in local favorites like jollof rice, waakye, and fresh grilled fish.
Explore Accra
Explore Accra’s Labadi Beach, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, and Arts Centre Market, or take weekend trips to Cape Coast Castle and Kakum National Park. With accessible domestic flights and bus routes, you can also explore other regions of Ghana, including Kumasi or the Volta Region, and even neighboring countries like Togo, Benin, and the Ivory Coast.
What We Love About This Program
We love that this program transforms students’ perspectives, opening them up to new rhythms and ways of understanding the world. The pace of life in Accra creates space for real connection, reflection, and growth, making this experience feel both grounding and deeply expansive.
See ISEP Direct budget and estimated expenses
Course Description
Students will choose two of the three courses listed for a total of 6 U.S. credits. All courses are taught in English and designed specifically for ISEP students.
• HIST 315: History of the Black Diaspora (3 credits)
• ARCH 331: Art History of Ghana (3 credits)
• SOC: Strategies for Social Development with Field Practicum (3 credits)
Students select one of the following organizations as part of this class: The 4 organizations are:
◦ BASICS International
◦ West Africa AIDS Foundation (WAAF)
◦ Play and Learn Foundation (PAL)
◦ Compassion in Action
Academics
Other Academic Conditions
Must be sophomore level or above. No course pre-requisites are necessary.
Students enrolling in SOC: Strategies for Social Development with Field Practicum should indicate which of the four volunteer organizations they wish to volunteer with when completing their ISEP course list after placement.
◦ Note: the West Africa AIDS Foundation (WAAF) seeks committed volunteers and there is a US$300 donation volunteer fee.
Semester & Prices (based on your filters)
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