Ghana: Diasporic Studies – Pop Culture, Public History, and Beyond

Overview

Embark on a transformative journey to Ghana, the vibrant heart of West Africa, where history, culture, and identity intersect. This immersive study abroad program is designed for students seeking to deepen their understanding of African American Studies through firsthand experiences at historical landmarks, cultural institutions, and community engagements.

Following the spirit of Sankofa —the Ghanaian principle of learning from the past to build the future—participants will go beyond the classroom to reconnect with history, celebrate cultural resilience, and gain a deeper appreciation of the shared narratives between Ghana and the African diaspora.

Highlights and Excursions

While onsite, participants will engage in several excursions and experiences, some of which are highlighted below. The program will also have dedicated reflection time built in. 

• Explore the legacy of Pan-Africanism at the W.E.B. Du Bois Center.
• Reflect on Ghana’s path to independence at Independence Squareand the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
• Gain insights into Ghana’s rich forms of artistic expression at the Artist Alliance Art Gallery, Art Center for National Culture,and a traditional art workshop.
• Visit to Cape Coast Castleand Assin Manso, key sites in the transatlantic slave trade, offering powerful reflections on resilience and heritage.
• Partake in a traditional naming ceremony, where participants receive a Ghanaian name, symbolizing their connection to the land and its people.

Good to Know

• Physical Activity: This program will include different physical activity than normally expected on campus. This can include days spent walking while attending multiple excursions. During the program's exploration of the Kakum National Park there is a a 5 km walk , climbing stairs at Kakum National Park). Additionally, participants should be prepared to carry their own luggage.
• Be prepared for infrastructure differences! Internet connectivity may be inconsistent throughout the experience. There is also the possibility for scheduled or unplanned power outages while in country.
• Some of the activities and topics this program explores may be challenging due to the intense subject matter covered, like the visit to Cape Coast Castle.
• Entry Requirements:Ghana requires many travelers, including U.S. citizens, to acquire a visa for entry (~$100) and proof of Yellow Fever vaccination (~$300).

Upcoming Information Sessions

• Coming soon

Living Arrangements

Students will stay in shared accommodations (typically 2 students per room) each with their own bed throughout the duration of the program. 

Program Dates

December 27- January 7, 2026* 

*Students will need to depart the U.S. on December 26  in order to arrive in Ghana on December 27.  

Academics 

Students will enroll in a 3-credit hourcourse depending on their major: 

Course offerings are in the process of being finalized, but we anticipate offering an INST course in addition to the courses listed below.

• AAS 2910
• XLRN 2100: Building Your Story through Study Abroad/Away(OHIO BRICKS: Bridge: Learning and Doing)
  • This course fosters student understanding and implementation of preflection, action, and reflection methodologies to maximize personal, academic, civic, and professional growth through the authentic context of their program location.
• INST 4960: Global Problems, Local Solutions(OHIO BRICKS: Bridge: Speaking and Listening; Capstone or Culminating Experience)

In addition to participating in several seminars exploring course content while onsite, coursework will also include virtual sessions prior to travel and upon return from travel. 

Cost 

The following information is intended to help participants understand the estimated costsassociated with the program.  For additional information regarding program costs, please refer to Understanding Program Costs for Ohio-Credit Programs .

The total estimated cost for Winter Break 25-26(as of ) is expected to be :

• Undergraduate estimate:$ + 3 Credits of Athens-Campus Tuition/Fees*

*Note: For programs completed during Winter Break, the credit-hours associated with the program are part of the Spring semester. Students taking between 12 to 20 Athens campus hours, including those associated with the program, will not incur additional tuition costs for the Spring semester. Students taking less than 12 or more than 20 Athens campus credits for the Spring term will see their tuition charge adjusted accordingly.  

Funding Opportunities

More information on financial aid and scholarships can be found on our funding pages.

Eligibility

Students who will be on probation at any point during the program for a conduct offense that took place less than a calendar year from the program start date may not study abroad.  Read the entire conduct policy .

Participants must have a at least a high school diploma or the equivalent (e.g. GED) by the start date of the program to be considered for eligibility.  Students enrolled in College Credit Plus (CC+) are not eligible for study away programs.

Application Requirements

When applying, students will be required to submit:

• a copy of their DARs,
• a 1-2 page personal statement
• the name and contact information for one reference, who will be required to submit a reference form on their behalf/ 

Entry and Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport when traveling outside of the United States. If you plan to study or travel abroad in the next year,   apply for your passport   now. Some countries also require a visa and/or entry permit to legally enter or reside in the country.

For more specific visa related information, please visit OGO’s   Visa Information Page or the U.S. Department of State page for this country.

Information for  Non-U.S. citizens

Resources

• Health and Safety
• Accessibility Requests and Accommodations