Ghana

Akwaaba! Welcome to Ghana! Expect to be greeted warmly in this fascinating and beautiful African nation. A mixture of Christian, Muslim, and traditional African religions, Ghana's diverse ethnic composition offers a thriving culture to discover.

Nestled in the Gulf of Guinea along the West Coast of Africa, Ghana boasts miles of beautiful beaches and is bordered by Cote d'Ivoire, Togo, and Burkina Faso. The countryside is made up of forested hills, cascading waterfalls, dense rainforests, cocoa farms, and captivating villages and towns. Breezy moderate temperatures and clear sunshine characterize the tropical climate much of the year.

Formerly known as Gold Coast, Ghana gained independence in 1957, becoming the first black African colony to do so. The stunning forts and castles along the coastline date back to the 15th Century and over 30 of these historic structures are designated as World Heritage Monuments. Built and occupied at different times by traders and adventurers from throughout Europe to safeguard trading posts, these buildings offer a dark chapter in Ghanaian history when they were used as dungeons in the slave trade.

For the people of Ghana, ancestral traditions remain an important part of daily life. Customary leaders have historically had authority over tribal and family matters and customary lands continue to be an important heritage. Known the world over for its local fashion, Ghana is home of authentic Kente cloth, the trademark of the Ashanti people. Be prepared to practice your bargaining skills as shops in the main towns are filled with jewelry, leather goods, and baskets while the markets are excellent places to buy handicrafts, drums, and every type of souvenir.

Academic Program

Experience an academic school year in Ghana. On this program, YFU students will take part in an excellent academic program that mixes traditional high school coursework with volunteer community involvement. Students will engage in approximately 1 hour of community service work per week in day care centers, orphanages, YMCA, YWCA, etc. All this while taking part in an African home stay experience.

13th Year Abroad
The traditional academic program is also available as a 13th Year Abroad. Please speak with the admissions office to learn more about the YFU Ghana University Program as a 13th year option. Tuition will be based on course duration.   

Summer Program

Discover Ghana
Spend your summer in Accra, Ghana's bustling seaside capital of three million. During your six-week stay, you will have numerous opportunities to learn about Ghanaian history, culture, and people through a unique blend of homestay, community service projects, and travel.

After your arrival at Kotoka International Airport, you will join your host family and have a welcome orientation. Your first week in Ghana will find you touring the sites of Accra and its surroundings, including museums, parks, the state legislature, state house, University of Ghana, industrial plants, and cultural centers.

For the next two weeks, you will participate in diverse community service projects within the region in places such as day care centers, orphanages, YMCA, YWCA and institutions for the physically challenged. Next, spend eight days in a local high school experiencing everyday school activities and meeting Ghanaian teenagers.

You will then join other exchange students for a countrywide tour of Ghana, including such sites as slave castles, parks, water falls, forest reserves, gold mines, cocoa farms, research centers, Kente weaving sites, and lakes. All tour transportation, entrance fees, and tour guides are included in the cost of tuition. Return to your host family for a re-entry orientation and farewell prior to your return to the US.

This incredible summer program truly offers something for everyone and promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into life in Ghana. With so much to do, what will be most memorable for you?

Programs, Departures, and Costs

Online Resources

To learn more about Ghana, we recommend:

• E-mail YFU Alumni from the Alumni Referral List with your questions
• Visit your local library to find reference books, travel guides and essays, language dictionaries, and many more country resources 
• Use an internet search engine to find informative web sites 
• Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC web site
• Ghana Tourist Board web site

"My experience was wonderful. It has enriched my sense of the world." - Stephanie Madia

All YFU Programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.
Last Updated: Saturday, August 24, 2007