Quick Facts

• Explore a country rich in African cultural and historical sites, including the slave castles, and miles of pristine beaches that contrast with a rain forest home to rare primates
• Experience Ghanaian arts, dance, and music through courses and local festivals
• See firsthand the world famous Ashanti Kingdom and its crafts
• Enjoy cultural immersion activities such as an African drumming and dance class
• Study at the the University of Ghana at Legon, considered one of the best universities in Africa

Location Details

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. You can visit open-air markets, remarkable museums, memorials, stunning beaches, delicious restaurants, dance clubs, diverse religious institutions, important government buildings, and culturally rich village communities. With opportunities to attend activities both on campus and in the city, you will find yourself deeply immersed in Ghanaian culture.

Visa Information

U.S. citizens will require a visa*. Limited information about the visa application process may be provided by the ASU Study Abroad Office and/or your host institution, but it is your sole responsibility to research, apply, and secure a visa. Failure to obtain a visa may result in your inability to participate and, ultimately, your withdrawal from the program, subject to the terms of the Study Abroad Withdrawal Policy. 

Consult this page for additional information regarding visas.  If you need assistance securing a U.S. Passport, visit the ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office in Tempe.

PLEASE NOTE: Visa requirements for non U.S. citizens may differ from those for U.S. citizens; students who are not U.S. citizens are advised to contact their International Coordinator and begin independently researching the visa requirements for their nationality as soon as possible.

*At the time of writing. This information is subject to change without notice; students should independently confirm this requirement with the relevant consulate/embassy.

Academic Program & Courses

The USAC office and classes are located on the campus of the University of Ghana at Legon. With more than 28,000 students and 650 faculty members, the University of Ghana is considered one of the best universities in Africa.

Program Housing

The University of Ghana believes in community living as an essential part of student life, and primarily houses students on-campus in Residence Halls. USAC students reside in the International Hostel in double rooms (pictured on left). Single rooms may be available for an additional fee. A few Ghanaian students are selected to live there with you, which offers a great way for you to get to know locals. There is 24-hour security.

The dorm is very clean and has many amenities. There are communal bathrooms on each floor. Kitchen facilities are available for students to do their own simple cooking. Each floor has a common room with couches, chairs, and some TVs. Most students eat out, rather than cook. Students will have easy access to a café and convenience store, as well as other student cafés and cafeterias on campus. There are also many restaurants throughout the city.

Wifi is available in housing and on campus at no charge. There is a lounge in the dorm where for a small fee students can use computers and internet if they don't have their own computer.

More information about housing can be found on the USAC page here.

Below you will find information that may help you in planning for your study abroad experience. Early discussions and planning can help to support you in having a positive experience abroad. We invite you to meet with the International Coordinator for this program to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Physical Considerations

Study abroad participants may find themselves walking or taking public transit abroad more frequently than they are accustomed at their home campus.

Disability Accommodations Abroad

Individuals with disabilities can and do study abroad, but may find accessibility and accommodation in one of more of this program’s locations very different from the United States. For example, in Ghana, individuals with mobility disabilities will find that most buildings and transportation are not widely accessible. Many streets are unpaved or not well maintained, and sidewalks are not prevalent, individuals in wheelchairs or who have difficulty walking face challenges. People with mobility disabilities may encounter discrimination.

In general, the Study Abroad Office cannot guarantee access to public transportation, buildings, or public sites on this program. Any student who anticipates needing any kind of special accommodation due to a disability should contact the ASU Study Abroad Office early in the planning process to investigate the availability of accommodations (including accessible facilities) on this specific program. Contact the Disability Resource Center and your Disability Access Consultant to include them in the discussion; be sure to give your Disability Access Consultant permission to speak with the Study Abroad Office on your behalf. You can find additional information and resources on our Students with Disabilities page.

LGBTQIA Students Abroad

Students of diverse sexual orientations or gender identities will find that the social climate, laws, and norms of other cultures will often differ from the U.S. If you identify as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer student - or if you are still exploring your identity - you may face unique challenges when traveling abroad. For example, in Ghana, under the law homosexuality is illegal and same-sex partnerships are not condoned. There have been numerous reports of harassment and violence based on sexual identity. Ghana struggles with ongoing discrimination against LGBTQIA communities. Students who identify as LGBTQIA should exercise caution in how and to whom they discuss issues related to sexual orientation.

We encourage students who identify as members of the LGBTQIA community to visit the U.S. Department of State website for helpful information about laws and attitudes in this program’s locations, including pre-travel tips and advice on staying safe while abroad. You can find additional information and resources on our LGBTQIA Students page.

Gender Identity Abroad

When traveling abroad, you may find different gender roles and norms than you’re used to. It’s possible that you may be treated differently or be expected to treat others differently based on your (or their) gender identity. For example, in Ghana, some women travelers may experience harassment in the form of cat calling and other forms of objectification by local men. Students are encouraged to travel in groups and in mixed company whenever possible.

You can find additional information and resources on our Gender Identity Abroad page.

Racial and Ethnic Minorities Abroad

Students of different ethnic and racial backgrounds may encounter unique challenges transitioning from life here in the United States to life as a student living abroad, including but not limited to access to personal care products and services.

You can prepare yourself for the situations you may experience by researching the ethnic composition of your host country and exploring its history of racial and ethnic relations. We encourage students to start that research on our Racial and Ethnic Minority Students page.

Cost Information

Partnership program participants will NOT pay ASU tuition for the courses completed abroad. Instead, participants will pay a Program Fee as a condition of participation. Partnership program participants are also responsible for paying a non-refundable $50 Application Fee, in addition to the published Program Fee. All other costs associated with participation in the program are the responsibility of the individual student.

Be sure to reference the Fall Semester Cost Sheet, Spring Semester Cost Sheet or Academic Year Cost Sheet for information on any additional estimated expenses.

The program may allow for time which can be spent in non-program activities. Participants may wish to travel, sightsee or participate in activities or events in which they have a personal interest. Please note that the participant is fully responsible for making arrangements and for all costs of transportation, lodging, food and additional expenses that may be associated with any non-Program activities.

Funding Your Study Abroad Program

Studying abroad is an investment in your future, which requires careful planning and management. However, the personal, academic, and professional rewards that you will gain from this experience will last a lifetime. You should carefully consider costs, budgets and financing when selecting and preparing for your experience abroad. If you have questions at any step of the process, we encourage you to reach out to your International Coordinator for guidance.

Steps to Financing Your Study Abroad Program

1. Review the Considering Costs Table for a general overview and cost comparison of popular programs.
2. Be sure to reference the Fall Semester Cost Sheet, Spring Semester Cost Sheet or Academic Year Cost Sheet to find a breakdown of program expenses.
3. Attend a Financing Your Study Abroad Workshop.
4. Consider your Financial Aid options.
5. Search and Apply for Scholarships and Grants.
6. Exhaust your options by exploring Additional Funding Resources including our Community-Based Funding Guide.
7. View our  Financing Your Study Abroad Program Handbook for more information, including Payment Information.

Unique Funding Opportunities for This Program

• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Photos

Links to Additional Resources

• ASU Study Abroad on Facebook
• U.S. Deparment of State
• ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office
• USAC Blog: Accra*
• Ghana Tourism Authority website*

*The ASU Study Abroad Office does not officially endorse, administer or monitor the content of these links.