Study & Volunteer in Ghana (in English) - ISEP Direct
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Experience the vibrant flora and fauna of West Africa, a biodiverse region full of golden beaches, mountains, savannas, and tropical rainforests. Or vibe to the rhythm of Afrobeat music that abounds in Accra - walking down the street, it is common to hear a Djembe drum or see a reggae dance routine.
• Students at the University of Ghana thrive in subjects like African studies, business, geography and resource development, agriculture, social sciences and public health.
• You will be in great hands with Theresa Kwakye, the on-site ISEP Resident Director that will support you throughout the program. Having lived in Ghana for over 35 years, she’s a regional expert and passionate about helping students find opportunities to connect with local causes.
• Imagine spending your free time volunteering with primates at a local NGO or teaching soccer to local children in under-resourced communities. Use your skillsets to give back to the local community through the volunteering component of this program. It makes a fantastic addition to your resume as well!
LIFE ABROAD
Considered to be some of the friendliest people on earth, you will be welcomed with open arms by the people of Accra. Locals occasionally invite international students to special experiences like weddings and other cultural events, which gives a glimpse into the beauty of Ghanaian culture. You can also extend your experience beyond the classroom through ISEP-facilitated community engagement opportunities. If you are interested in learning about complex issues facing developing nations while enjoying a rich cultural, historical and social experience, this program is for you!
LIVE
Connect with a global community by living in the international student dorms. The housing benefits on this program include a double room, Wi-Fi, a shared laundry facility, a shared kitchen, and more. Nearby are grocery shops with snacks and drinks, restaurants, and a hair salon.
DINE
Surrounding campus there are many restaurants serving a variety of different cuisines from around the world like Mexican, Chinese, and more. Street food in Ghana is also abundant, affordable, and delicious. For example, snack on Kelewele (deep fried plantains) or dig into a succulent rice and bean dish called Waakye while you are in Accra. If you would rather cook your own meals, there is a shared kitchen in the residence that has stovetops, sinks, and a communal fridge.
EXPERIENCE
Kick off your experience with an Accra city tour offered during orientation to help you learn how to navigate your new city. Additionally, past excursions have included a visit to the Cape Coast Castle to learn about the history of the slave trade and Atlantic slave crossing, crossing the popular rope bridge at Kakum National Park, and a journey to nearby villages that specialize in weaving and woodcarving. Nearby excursions to natural wonders could include a visit to Mole National Park, Wili Falls (the highest waterfall in Africa), Mount Afadjato, and Tafi Atomi monkey sanctuary.
EXPLORE
Within Accra, transportation is easy (as the city is relatively small compared to other capital cities) and Trotros (trolly buses), taxis, Uber, and Lyft are readily available. Accra is close to the beach (Labadi Beach), the mountains, shopping, and tourist destinations. Being in Accra gives you the opportunity to be at “the center of the world” because of its location on the Greenwich Meridian and the closeness to the Equator (fun fact!).
THRIVE
Services available on campus include the Office for Students with Special Needs, a library, sports facilities, and more.
VOLUNTEER
This program enables students to volunteer at one of over a dozen sites to serve and learn in the local communities. At these organizations you are often encouraged to contribute your own project ideas that suit your skills. This is a great opportunity to enhance and develop your skillset while simultaneously giving back to the local community.
RESIDENT DIRECTOR
Theresa Scott Kwakye is a native of Washington, D.C., and has spent the last 35 years living and working in Ghana. Theresa was employed in various roles before coming to the University of Ghana in 1991 and beginning her work in international education. After receiving a master’s degree in African studies from the University of Ghana, she became the Resident Director for ISEP Study Abroad in Legon. She is passionate about the benefits of international education as she has seen its effects on the many students who have passed through the Ghana programs over the years.
What We Love About Accra
The amount of support and excursions available on this program are unmatched! You will have the opportunity to be truly immersed in the culture of Ghana while also receiving a high-quality educational experience.
See budget and estimated expenses
Course Description
ISEP students studying in Ghana thrive in fields such as African studies, business, geography and resource development, agriculture, social sciences and public health. We encourage students to deepen their experience by taking the 3-credit Twi language class as part of their program. To get you started, below is a chart of popular classes students have taken in the past.
Credits Earned
Students who complete the program in good standing can expect to earn 15-18 credits which ISEP recommends is the equivalent of 15-18 U.S. Credit Hours. Each class is generally worth 3 credits.
If you use financial aid, please speak with a qualified financial aid advisor to understand your academic obligations and the requirements for using financial aid.
Sample Classes Available:
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Social Sciences |
Biology |
Business |
Health Sciences |
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Abnormal Psychology |
Biochemistry of Viruses |
Macroeconomics and Business |
Nutritional Physiology: Theory and Practical |
Public Policy and Heritage Management in Ghana
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Social Welfare and Social Policy |
Molecular Biology |
Fundamentals of Accounting Methods |
Organic Chemistry |
Politics of International Economic Relations
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Ghana from Colonialism to Independence |
Principles of Lab Organization and Management
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Social Responsibility and Ethics |
Molecular Biology |
International Conflict, Conflict Resolution and Human Rights |
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Terrorism and Global Security |
Principles of Genetics |
Marketing Research Methods |
Nutrition, Sustainable Livelihoods and Extension
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Human Diversity. Peace, and Conflict Management |
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African Philosophy |
Venomous Animals |
Commercial Law |
Practical Biochemistry |
Post-Conflict Peace-Building and Transitional Justice
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For detailed instructions on how to search for all available courses, please click on the "other academic conditions" dropdown link below.
Academics
Other Academic Conditions
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Students interested in science courses, should note that they are largely theory based.
For a list of class offerings and short class descriptions by Faculty, please use the following pages:
• College of Humanities
• College of Education
• College of Health Sciences
• College of Basic and Applied Sciences
NOTE: handbooks are approved/published on a 5-year cycle, so even if the date on the handbook is several years old, it still reflects current offerings.
Students should note that odd-numbered courses are offered in the first semester and even-numbered courses are offered in the second semester. Courses ending with 00 are year-long courses.
The minimum credit load is 15 credits. Each credit hour represents one lecture hour per week. Most classes are worth 3 credits. So students should plan to take 5-6 classes and spend 15-18 hours per week in lectures. The service-learning project and internship requires additional hours beyond the classes themselves. Students should keep that time commitment in mind when identifying how many and which classes they want to take in combination with the service learning or internship components.
Advanced degrees classes are open to ISEP students, but students must apply directly to the degree program. The Faculty of Law is only open to graduate students who are already in law school before coming to Ghana. Law courses are not available to ISEP undergraduate students.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Semester dates typically run as follows:
Fall
Arrival and orientation: Second week of August
Courses start: Last week of August
Exams: Third week in December
Spring
Arrival and orientation: Late April
Courses start: Early May
Exams: First week of August
Semester & Prices (based on your filters)
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