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CIEE Program

Eligibility

Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. At least two years of college-level coursework required with some African content recommended.

Approved participants maintain enrollment at Seattle University, pay SU tuition and study abroad program fees directly to Seattle University. Room is included, but students pay boarding fees directly to CIEE. The university maintains all financial aid including institutional scholarships.

Duration

This program is offered in both fall and spring semesters for 17 weeks.

About the University

The CIEE Study Center is located in Legon, approximately 10 miles from Ghana's capital city, Accra at the University of Ghana. Because of its close proximity to Accra, students have the opportunity to experience first-hand the challenges of a large urban environment within an African context. The University of Ghana is the largest and oldest of six public universities in Ghana with an enrollment of 28,000 students and over 900 faculty with departments from agriculture, law, medicine, international relations, journalism and more.

Living

Students have the choice of three housing options. Housing is included in the program fee.

On-Campus Dormitory- There are two dormitories where CIEE students may live, a University of Ghana dormitory or a privately administered dormitory on the University campus that is shared with other CIEE, Ghanaian, and international students. In both dormitories students share double rooms and basic kitchen facilities. Students can prepare their own meals with the limited cooking facilities in the dormitory or eat at establishments on or off campus. Students who choose to live on campus can expect fewer amenities and more basic accommodations but will benefit from close interaction with Ghanaian and other African peers.

Off-Campus Houses- Students share off-campus houses with fellow CIEE program participants. Students share double or triple rooms and share kitchen and other facilities with five to ten other students. All of the residents of the house share basic cleaning duties. Students can prepare their own meals at home or eat at establishments on or off campus. Students living off-campus utilize public transportation to and from the University or a ten minute walk to campus.

Homestay with a Ghanaian Family- This option provides an excellent opportunity for immersion into the local culture and is recommended for students who wish to take full advantage of their experience in Ghana. Breakfast and dinner are provided during the week, while breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on weekends. Homestay families are located throughout greater Accra requiring students to utilize public transportation to the university, usually a 20-30 minute commute.

Academics

The University of Ghana offers a wide range of programs similar to those available in the U.S. Students are required to take a full program of courses including all assignments and exams. Students will notice a striking difference between Seattle University and the Ghanaian system which is modeled after the British style allowing students greater responsibility and initiative in a less structured environment. Courses have fewer contact hours and little to no discussion during the lecture, but professors expect a great deal of individual study. Learning by rote is the most common model with professors often reading from notes or books expecting students to copy verbatim their recitation. Due to class sizes which are usually very large, classroom interaction with the professor is rare.

During the first six weeks participants take a Twi language program with other CIEE students. The remainder of the courses are taken alongside Ghanaian, CIEE, and other International students.

Internships and Independent Study are available but students must receive permission from Seattle University and must be planned well in advance to have proposals approved by both SU and CIEE.

Students will have a one week orientation with CIEE, thirteen teaching weeks, one week of review, and two weeks of exams. Grades are usually based solely on the final examination. Official academic records are issued through the CIEE Study Center at the University of Ghana.

This program is on the semester system so credit transfer is 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits

Immersion

Students have the opportunity to volunteer in local businesses, social services, and schools without academic credit. The CIEE office can help to place you in a location that fits your interests. There are many opportunities available on campus to participate in athletics, music, theater or art groups, and attend lectures, discussions and receptions. To help you become familiar with your new campus and home U-pals, or local university students, assist participants with day-to-day matters, organize social events and help you to adjust.

The CIEE program is supplemented with field trips and excursions to various points of interest in country. Past semesters have included trips to Kumasi, Cape Coast, Dodi Island, Wli Waterfalls in the Volta region and a weekend trip to Lome Togo.

For more information about CIEE and the University of Ghana visit their website at ciee.org

Application

Complete the online Horizons application as directed here. Once accepted to the program, students will be required to complete additional paperwork for admission into the CIEE Program at the University of Ghana.

Deadlines: Click here for deadlines.

For information on the CIEE-Ghana program click here.