Ghana: African Diasporas in Global Perspective

Type of Program: Semester or Year Programs
City: Cape Coast
When offered: Fall or Spring
Cost: See Program Costs page

"African Diasporas in Global Perspective " examines the global dispersions of peoples and cultures of African ancestry, including their growing impact on world economies, politics of ethnicity and belonging, aesthetic and material cultures, and ideologies. Students learn how forced and voluntary migrations from West Africa have shaped the memories, survival strategies, and cultural, literary, and artistic expressions and responses of African diasporants living across the globe. Topics of study include histories of ethnicities, slavery migrations, archaeology, and contemporary national politics of culture and identity. Students also consider problematic notions of "home" and "return" projects, by hearing directly from Ghanaians and other West Africans.

*This video was produced, marketed, and borrowed from SIT Study Abroad.

The program provides a unique opportunity to learn about a wide variety of cultures and societies with which segments of the African Diaspora are intertwined. Students reflect on Ghana's unique historical and sociocultural legacies, as well as its contemporary initiatives and leadership roles in Africa and the world at large.  The program is based in Cape Coast, a vibrant coastal community and Ghana's education capital. The city affords easy access to key historical sites and monuments and above all communities of African Diaspora returnees. Students live with Ghanaian host families. Time with homestay families immerses students in Ghanaian communities while adding additional context and meaning to Fante language study and thematic coursework.  To gain broader exposure to Ghana and the region, the program also includes excursions to Elmina, Accra, Kumasi, northern Ghana, and the country of Benin.

Students will study abroad in Ghana through the SIT study abroad program.  SIT provides 24/7 onsite student support and services.  

2013 Academic Dates

Spring 2013: February 1, 2013 - May 16, 2013
Fall 2013: Late August - Mid December 

Eligibility and Prerequisites

Students must have declared a major and taken prerequisite courses. Students must have completed three semesters in college-level residence. Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher are eligible to apply.  Junior status required.

Application and Study Abroad Deposit Deadlines

Please note that both the application and fee are due in the Office of International Studies. All students must attend an advising session at least one week prior to the deadline in the Office of International Studies to obtain an application.