University of Ghana (CIEE)
The Program
Study through CIEE’s program at the University of Ghana, the oldest and largest public university in Ghana.
The University of Ghana is ranked 7th best university in Africa for its focus on humanities, basic and applied sciences, education, and health sciences. Immerse yourself in local Ghanaian culture, both through on-campus events and activities and in the surrounding community. Take advantage of CIEE’s many opportunities for service-based volunteer programs with local community organizations and NGOs.
Program Location
Ghana
Legon
The University of Ghana is located in Legon (a suburb of Accra). Legon’s well-educated citizens welcome American students with open arms to their quiet suburban town, just northeast of the city center in the Accra (capital of Ghana) Metropolis District. Students also enjoy access to a large shopping mall and several grocery stores, as well as restaurants and bars. Beyond campus, the equatorial region includes rainforests, wildlife parks, and pristine beaches to explore.
Academics
In order to have an idea of what classes are available, you should visit the CIEE web page. All students are required to take a Twi language course, designed to give students a basic knowledge of Twi. In addition, students take a minimum of four courses chosen from the regular offerings at the University of Ghana, with at least one course that focuses on Ghana and/or West Africa. The CIEE Ghana program offers several courses arranged by CIEE and taught through the Ghana study center. These include the Seminar on Living and Learning, a directed research course and an internship option. For more information about these options please visit the CIEE web page.
In addition to the CIEE courses, students are able to select courses offered directly through the University of Ghana. From this page click on the Faculty you are interested in, then on the next page click on the Departments link on the left, this will then take you to a listing of the different departments and from there you can find course listings. Odd-numbered courses are offered in the fall, and even-numbered courses are offered in the spring. Actual course offerings vary from year to year, and not all courses are offered every semester. Students are advised that due to possible changes in the courses offered each term, they should be flexible in selecting courses and not necessarily expect to fulfill specific major requirements of their home institution. The academic administration at the University of Ghana does not publish course syllabi on a regular basis. Therefore, course syllabi are not always available prior to departure. It is important to note that due to final exam scheduling constraints, students must select all of their elective courses from the same level.
You will need to be sure that you are registered as a full time student according to CIEE and Rutgers University. That means you will need to take 15-18 credits while abroad. The credit translation system between CIEE and Rutgers University is 1:1, meaning a 3-credit course at CIEE will also be a 3-credit course on your Rutgers University transcript. You will receive 1-3 credits per class taken with CIEE. It is not possible to take classes not-for-credit or pass/fail.
For information about Study Abroad credit transfer, registration, and transcripts please visit the Academics section of our website.
Housing and Meals
On-Campus Dormitory — There are two dormitories in which CIEE students may be placed: a University of Ghana dormitory or a privately administered dormitory on campus shared with CIEE, Ghanaian, and other international students. In both dormitories, students share double rooms and basic kitchen facilities. Meals are not included in the dormitory option. Students can prepare their own meals with the limited cooking facilities in the dormitory or eat at establishments on or off campus. Students living on campus can expect fewer amenities and more basic accommodations but do benefit from close interaction with Ghanaian and other African peers. The dormitories are a short walk from the CIEE Study Center.
Homestay with Ghanaian Family — This option provides an excellent opportunity for immersion into the local culture and is strongly recommended for students who wish to take full advantage of their experience in Ghana. Breakfast and dinner are provided during the week; breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on weekends. Lunches during the week are the responsibility of the student. Since homestay families are located throughout greater Accra (beyond Legon), in most cases students are required to utilize public transportation to and from the University, a 30- to 40-minutes commute.
Financial Information
Program Costs
| NJ Resident | non-NJ Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| Program Cost | $19,500 | $23,400 |
Program Cost includes:
• Tuition
• Housing
• Some meals (for homestay option)
• Program excursions
• Administrative Fees
• Emergency Medical Access Abroad
• *Access Africa
Out-of-Pocket Costs
| Airfare | $1,300 |
| Meals | $2,800 |
| Books and Classroom Materials | $150 |
| Visa | $240 |
| Local Transportation | $700 |
| Personal Expenses | $750 |
| CIEE Deposit | $300 |
| Total | $6,240.00 |
Out-of-Pocket Cost includes:
The above costs are estimations and represent the known out-of-pocket costs students encounter during their time abroad.
Some of these expenses will be paid for prior to going abroad, such as an airline ticket and visa costs, while some of these expenses, such as meals and local transportation, will be paid in-country as part of your daily expenses. As you plan, you will need to budget these costs and spend wisely throughout your time abroad.
Program Costs
| NJ Resident | non-NJ Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| Program Cost | $19,500 | $23,400 |
Program Cost includes:
• Tuition
• Housing
• Some meals (for homestay option)
• Program excursions
• Administrative Fees
• Emergency Medical Access Abroad
• *Access Africa
Out-of-Pocket Costs
| Airfare | $1,300 |
| Meals | $2,800 |
| Books and Classroom Materials | $150 |
| Visa | $240 |
| Local Transportation | $700 |
| Personal Expenses | $750 |
| CIEE Deposit | $300 |
| Total | $6,240.00 |
Out-of-Pocket Cost includes:
The above costs are estimations and represent the known out-of-pocket costs students encounter during their time abroad.
Some of these expenses will be paid for prior to going abroad, such as an airline ticket, while some of these expenses, such as meals and personal expenses, will be paid in-country as part of your daily expenses. As you plan, you will need to budget these costs and spend wisely throughout your time abroad.
Scholarships
Student Spotlight
"This picture was taken as a sign of unity, empowerment, strength and resilience. Despite our challenges, everyone came together and participated in a 40 minute walk during the peak of the day (about 95 to 100 degree Fahrenheit weather) to a nearby village to obtain water manually to build our ground floor. Some of the CIEE students, including myself, carried buckets and containers of water on our head throughout the entire journey back to the Asisriwa village. This day for me was exciting and rewarding. It felt like I was a part of something great, a community, a positive effort, although I couldn't fix the problem myself, I was a part of some solution, and that was the best feeling in the world."