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Is this program right for you?

The CIEE Study Center at Ashesi University offers students from a wide range of disciplines the opportunity to live and study in Ghana, learning first-hand about the country and its people, while pursuing an intensive curriculum of African studies. Participants take coursework in African studies—courses in music, dance, archaeology, history, political science, and sociology—or continue studying liberal arts, business, or computer science while at Ashesi University.

Program Snapshot

  • Directly enroll in a wide range of courses at one of Ghana’s most prestigious private universities; study alongside local Ghanaian and international students
  • Get extensive support from CIEE-trained Ashesi University “U-Pal” students
  • Have the opportunity to participate in service-learning, community service, volunteering, and an independent study project, as well as in University clubs
  • Partake in excursions to such places as Dodi Island, Cape Coast, Aburi Botanical Gardens, and the Wli Falls in the Volta region

Subject Areas

  • African Music and Dance
  • African Studies
  • Business
  • Computer Science
  • Cultural Studies
  • Culture (host country)
  • Dance
  • History
  • Independent Study
  • Language (host country)
  • Language, Literature, Culture (host country)
  • Music
  • Performing Arts
  • Sociology
  • Twi Language

About Accra

The CIEE Study Center at Ashesi University is located in the North Labone section of Accra, Ghana’s capital city—and its largest, with a population of over four million. By living in Accra, students experience the contrast of life in this bustling city. From the colorful Makola Market to the quiet streets of North Labone, students appreciate the warm friendliness of the Ghanaian people. Getting to know the people of Ghana is one of the best opportunities for students to learn about the complexities of the African continent.

Where You'll Study

Ashesi University

As one of the newest higher education institutions in Ghana, Ashesi University seeks to nurture excellence in scholarship, leadership, and citizenship in pursuit of its mission: “To train a new generation of ethical and entrepreneurial leaders in Africa; and to cultivate within (its) students the values of life-long learning, concern for others, and the courage to think in a bold and enterprising way.” Ashesi University is accredited by Ghana’s National Accreditation Board.

Thoughts From Abroad

Ghana is rich in history and culture, and provides opportunities for learning around every corner. By participating in the CIEE program at Ashesi University, you are creating opportunities for learning both inside and outside of the classroom, and also engaging in Ashesi University’s focus on scholarship, leadership, and citizenship. We’re certain that you’ll find a warm and welcoming home at Ashesi University, and we invite you to join us on this journey of discovery in Ghana.

— Kwasi Gyasi-Gyamerah, Resident Director

Staff Bios

Prior to becoming Resident Director in 2006, Kwasi Gyasi-Gyamerah served as Resident Coordinator for CIEE in Ghana. Born and raised in Ghana, Kwasi received his B.A. and M.A. from the University of Ghana. He serves as Resident Director for both the International Business and Culture program and the Arts and Sciences program in Ghana. His research interests are adolescent sexuality and mental health issues.

Aileen Adu Sobeng, Program Assistant, assists the Resident Director and helps students with academic, student welfare, volunteer placement, and day-to-day matters. Aileen received her B.A. from the University of Ghana. Prior to joining CIEE, she worked with the Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID) program in Ghana. Ruth Boatemaa Asante is a part-time staff member who assists in office administration at the CIEE Study Center.

Recommended Credit

semester: 15-18 semester/22.5-27 quarter hours
academic year: 30-36 semester/45-54 quarter hours

Eligibility Requirements

  • Overall GPA 3.0
  • Junior standing and above recommended
  • College-level coursework in African studies recommended

Program Dates

Fall 20098/20/2009 - 12/18/2009
Academic Year 2009-108/20/2009 - 5/14/2010
Spring 20101/15/2010 - 5/14/2010

Application Deadlines

Fall 20094/1/2009
Academic Year 2009-104/1/2009
Spring 201011/1/2009

Click here to check for deadline extensions.

Duration

Fall 200917 weeks
late August - mid-December
Academic Year 2009-1038 weeks
late August - early May
Spring 201017 weeks
early January - early May

CIEE Costs

CIEE program fees, inclusions, and estimated additional costs, are outlined below. Please note that CIEE reserves the right to adjust its fees in the event of significant change in exchange rates or other factors beyond its control. The actual cost of the programs may vary slightly for students from different institutions.

For comprehensive fee breakdowns and estimated additional costs, click the costs below:

  • Fall 2009 $11,500
    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, excursions, field trips, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, immersion activities, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.*Students placed in Homestays will have breakfast and dinner provided during the week and three meals a day on weekends.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$9,752
    Housing*$1,540
    Medical Insurance$74
    Visa Fees$134
    Total$11,500

    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, excursions, field trips, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, immersion activities, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.*Students placed in Homestays will have breakfast and dinner provided during the week and three meals a day on weekends.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$2,100
    Meals (apartment option)**$1,200
    Personal Expenses$1,800
    Books and Supplies$100
    Local Transportation$100
    Total$5,300

    **Homestay students only need to budget for lunches during the week, estimated at $400.


  • Academic Year 2009-10 $20,700
    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, excursions, field trips, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, immersion activities, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.*Students placed in Homestays will have breakfast and dinner provided during the week and three meals a day on weekends.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$17,412
    Housing*$3,080
    Medical Insurance$74
    Visa Fees$134
    Total$20,700

    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, excursions, field trips, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, immersion activities, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.*Students placed in Homestays will have breakfast and dinner provided during the week and three meals a day on weekends.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$2,100
    Meals (apartment option)***$2,400
    Personal Expenses**$3,600
    Books and Supplies$200
    Local Transportation$200
    Total$8,500

    **Students on the Academic Year program should budget an additional $500 for the break between semesters for meals.

    ***Homestay students only need to budget for lunches during the week, estimated at $400.


  • Spring 2010 $11,500
    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, excursions, field trips, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, immersion activities, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.*Students placed in Homestays will have breakfast and dinner provided during the week and three meals a day on weekends.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$9,743
    Visa Fees$143
    Housing (university apartment option)*$1,540
    Medical Insurance$74
    Total$11,500

    The CIEE program fee includes tuition, housing, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, excursions, field trips, host institution identity card, admission fees to host university events, immersion activities, a comprehensive student handbook, predeparture advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.*Students placed in Homestays will have breakfast and dinner provided during the week and three meals a day on weekends.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$2,100
    Meals (apartment option)**$1,200
    Personal Expenses$1,900
    Books and Supplies$100
    Local Transportation$250
    Total$5,550

    **Homestay students only need to budget for lunches during the week, estimated at $400.


Scholarship Information

For a complete list of scholarships available, please vist our Scholarships section.