Ghana study abroad application

Study Abroad Program to Ghana

The historical and Contemporary Cultures of Ghana course provides students with exposure to the spectrum of foundational knowledge of Ghanaian history, including slavery, colonialization, independence, social and cultural norms, current social, economic, political, education system, urbanization, and globalization in Ghana. The course will be organized into two parts:

  1. Bloomington Campus (March 22, 29, April 5, 12, 19, and 26 between 4:00 – 6:00 pm). The class begins after spring break and runs for six weeks until the end of the Spring 2024 semester. On-campus classes provide foundational knowledge of the course content to prepare students both academically, emotionally, and mentally for the trip to Ghana.
  2. Ghana (May 10 – 24, 2024): The second part takes place in three locations in Ghana: Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast. The overseas component will be an integral and coherent part of the course, where you will enrich your classroom knowledge through first-hand exposure to Ghanaian society and culture. Visits will include pre-briefing and debriefing sessions to help students digest the experience better. Students will visit historical and cultural sites, academic institutions, and NGOs.

Course Credit: 3 credits (AAADS-A398) 

Mandatory pre-travel classes (Fridays during the second 8-week of Spring 2024):
March 22, 29, April 5, 12, 19, and 26; 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Travel to Ghana:
The study tour will take place from May 10 – 24, 2024. The travel component of the trip can be physically intense, and students should be prepared for long days in a hot climate. Students will submit their last assignment after returning from the travel.

The program is open to students in OVPDEI academic scholarship programs:

  • Hudson and Holland Scholars Program (HHSP)
  • Groups Scholars Program
  • 21st Century Scholars Program
  • FASE mentor or OVPDEI-funded ASC tutors

Additional program requirements are:

  • At least 18 years old
  • Have a minimum IU Cum GPA of 2.5
  • Seniors must have a graduation date of no earlier than August 2024. The program carries credits for Summer 1 semester. 
Selection preferences are given to those with no previous study abroad or overseas travel experience.

tentative $1,800 (after automatic OVPDEI study abroad scholarship)
The program fee includes:

  • Course tuition (3 IU credit hours)
  • Ghanaian visa fee
  • Roundtrip international flights (from Indianapolis-Accra-Indianapolis)
  • Transportation in Ghana
  • Accommodations in Ghana (share a room with another student)
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Lectures and workshops
  • Excursions and entry fees to all course-related activities in Ghana
  • Student travel insurance
  • Administrative fees.
    *Program fee is subject to change due to unforeseeable circumstances.

    Additional Variable Costs:
  • Cost of US passport ($180: $165 passport + $15 passport photos). Expedited service costs an additional $60.
  • Required and recommended vaccinations ($250-$500). Consult your health insurance provider or IU Health Center
  • Personal spending money in Ghana ($100 to $300) to purchase gifts, personal items, additional or alternate meals, and tips for services)
  • Miscellaneous (additional luggage, insect repellant, snacks, etc.)

The selected OVPDEI students automatically receive an OVPDEI scholarship towards the Ghana program. Therefore, students are not eligible to apply for additional funding through the summer study abroad scholarship from OVPDEI.

Students are responsible for securing funds for the student portion or full cost (if not receiving the automatic scholarship) for the program. Since it is a Summer 1 course, students must be registered for at least 6 credits (another class) to apply for student loans.

Potential Scholarships for Program (please check your eligibility for each scholarship)

Edward L. Hutton International Experiences Program (HIEP):
https://hiep.indiana.edu/hiep-grant-program/application-instructions.html
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship:
https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/applicants/application-overview/ 
IU Education Abroad:
https://overseas.iu.edu/funding/financial-aid/scholarships/index.html

The course is intended for, but not limited to, students interested in topics such as human rights, social justice, social movements, history, and African American and African Diaspora Studies.

  1. Application is available online at go.iu.edu/ghana2024application 
  2. Qualified applicants might receive an interview request from OVPDEI Overseas Studies & Scholarship Program. Each interview will take about 10-15 minutes.
  3. The applicants will be notified of the decision by February 16, 2024.
    Participation is contingent upon attending all pre-trip sessions, paying all required deposits and fees, and abiding by the rules/guidelines of the program.

Please contact the OVPDEI Overseas Studies and Scholarship Program (ossp@iu.edu) with questions. 

January 12: Information session (1:00 p.m. Zoom Registration Link)
February 9: Application deadline (11:59 p.m.)
February 16: Selection decision
February 23: Student acceptance
March 1: $500 Deposit is due (non-refundable)
March 22: On-campus sessions start
April 26: On-campus sessions end
May 10-24: Travel to Ghana

  • Complete/submit the signed acceptance form.
  • Complete all necessary forms for OVPDEI, and IU Education Abroad (instruction will be provided)
  • Pay deposit (Due March 1)
  • Apply for/renew your passport (Apply now. Passports are issued for ten years.)
  • Submit materials for a Ghanaian visa (first day of class on March 22th)
  • Apply for Hutton Honors College, Gilman, and other applicable scholarships. Please note that the OVPDEI summer study abroad scholarship cannot be used for this program.
  • Acquire necessary vaccinations and medication.
  • Attend mandatory class sessions
  • Attend pre-departure orientation
  • Pay the remaining Ghana course balance to the Bursar (Due May 10)

We will be monitoring the ongoing impact of Covid-19 and will be communicating with the accepted students. 

Please read the most recent statement on the Coronavirus Outbreak on the IU Education Abroad website: 
Statement on Coronavirus Outbreak

Students are advised to avoid incurring any financial commitments related to the study abroad until 60 days prior to the program start date.