Experience West Africa through immersion in Ghanaian cities, which challenge stereotypes of Africa and position the continent as a global economic, political, and cultural force.
What is unique about this program?
Through coursework and an independent study project, you will:
- Experience Afropolitanism and the Afro-Chic through fashion, music, and cuisine.
- Learn about the continuities and discontinuities between Africa and the African Diaspora.
- Learn to speak Asante Twi, a language spoken by more than 2 million people.
- Visit Mole National Park, Ghana's largest wildlife park.
Conduct an independent study project or internship under the guidance of expert mentors on a variety of topics. Some past projects include:
- Ghana-China relations in the service industry
- Evaluating the use of mobile phone apps to combat counterfeit drugs
- Life histories of female entrepreneurs
- The impact of West African contemporary music on the youth of Ghana
What is unique about Ghana?
From Ghana, you’ll gain a new perspective on Africa’s cosmopolitanism, one that complicates and defies Eurocentric representations that emphasize narratives of deprivation and backwardness. The central motif undergirding this program is Sankofa, a Ghanaian concept that encourages a strong engagement with the past in order to ensure informed and sustained progress into the future. You’ll also be introduced to the intricacies of hiplife music, media houses, and institutions across the country, which highlight Ghana’s position in a hyper-globalized world.
Note: This program will not have a homestay housing option for fall 2021
How do I learn about SIT?
- Join SIT for one their Critical Conversations webinar series.
- Explore SIT's Media Center to learn more about SIT and their philosophy on study abroad.
- Review SIT's COVID-19 website and FAQ's and other important information on their Health, Safety and Wellbeing page.
- Share the Parents page with your family, who may have their own questions about your semester abroad experience.
Things to Consider Before Applying
- Review the information on the Education Abroad Office’s Get Started page for important considerations on academics and finances, and a guide to next steps
- Find answers on the Education Abroad FAQ and resource pages for Cornell study abroad policy, health, and safety updates
- Still have questions? Visit the Get Advice page and learn how to connect with an Education Abroad Advisors
- Want to keep up to date with Cornellians Abroad? Follow Education Abroad on social media, @cornelliansabroad, @CornellEducationAbroad
How do I apply?
Applying to study abroad is a 2-Step process. You may complete both steps simultaneously, but Cornell Approval must be obtained before your program advisor in Global Learning can complete any approval or nomination forms for the program itself.
- For Cornell Approval, click on the "Apply" button on this webpage. Applications are approved by the Office of Global Learning on a rolling basis until the application deadline listed on this webpage.
- For Program Admission, apply directly on the program website. Most programs have rolling admissions.