Program Overview

Built around a hub port on the Gulf of Guinea, Accra is Ghana's capital and largest city. This economic, political, and social center is rich with history and culture. The city of Accra is flourishing—the streets are clean and paved, the electricity is mostly stable and new shopping centers emerge frequently. It is a sprawling city with no true "city center." Instead, it is made up of numerous neighborhoods, each with its own distinct flavor. It is also home to several museums and private galleries, including the National Museum with its collection of traditional Ghanaian art, the National Archives, the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Supreme Court and Parliament buildings, cinemas, and many diverse markets. Musical protégé Stevie Wonder has a house in Accra, perhaps as a place from which to take in the sophisticated blend of jazz, Latin, and traditional beats which make Accra a music lover's delight. 

Program Focus

The Accra program offers a unique opportunity for students to live and study in the heart of West Africa. It is the perfect destination for those who want to learn about the complex issues facing a developing African nation while enjoying a rich cultural, historical and social experience. You may enroll in a traditional African Studies program or choose from a wide array of courses taught in English at the University of Ghana. As you will be totally integrated at the university, you will live and study on campus alongside native Ghanaians while experiencing the culture, learning about the country, and making friends. Each semester includes several excursions in and around Accra to places like Lake Volta, the largest manmade lake and historic slave castles. You may choose to study for a summer, one semester or a full year.

The summer Accra program is ideal for students who wish to combine an academic perspective of Ghanaian culture with field trips and tours that provide a unique opportunity to visit Ghana's most important historical landmarks and rich cultural environment. Ghana is colorful and diverse: from its landscapes and people down to the colorful textiles and patterns you will see in the market or in people's clothing. Ghana's location in the heart of West Africa makes it the perfect destination for those who want to learn about the complex issues facing a developing African nation while enjoying a rich cultural, historical, and social experience. The summer Accra program is 4 weeks.