AFS Intercultural Programs: Ghana High School and Gap-Year Programs

  Ghana

• Accra: 
Accra

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Year High School (Fall): Jan- June 2010; Semester High School (Spring): Jan. 2011- Jun. 2011; Short Summer Program: June- August 2010

Description: Ghana is one of the friendliest and most welcoming of West African nations. While English is the official language, there are more than 52 native tongues and hundreds of dialects. Most Ghanaians live in small villages where society is focused on the family and community. Shopping is concentrated in markets that offer everything from fruits to clothes to hair braiding. At night, you'll hear music everywhere in outdoor restaurants and clubs. And there are numerous festivals throughout the year that provide more life and color to an already vibrant culture. AFS Ghana will provide a three- to four-day orientation to teach you about Ghanaian society, culture, family, school, religion, festivals, and safety. You'll also be introduced to the native languages of Twi and Dagbani with six hours of lessons. AFS host family placements are located throughout Ghana.

Highlights:
Year and Semester Programs:

As part of a Ghanaian family, you'll learn about daily life, tribal culture, and African history. In school, you will study English, environmental studies, physical education, math, science, and arts. You can also learn traditional dancing and drumming, as well as handcrafts, woodcarving, gold and silver work, and textiles - most notably the richly colored, hand-woven kente cloth of the Akan and Ewe peoples. AFS Ghana organizes a tour to other parts of the country, and your program includes an ongoing after-school community service project. But don't worry, there'll still be plenty of time with your new friends listening to music and spending time swimming and playing soccer.

Summer Team Mission:

AFS will place you with a host family while you volunteer at an orphanage helping out in various ways, such as organizing activities, playing with the children, teaching basic writing and reading, and assisting with painting and updating the building. While traveling with your adult team leader, you can visit the historic Ashanti capital of Kumasi, the dungeons of Cape Coast and the Elmina castles to learn about their historical connection to the American slave trade, and the Kakum National Park to enjoy a canopy walk. You will also have the opportunity to learn traditional dances and how to make fabrics such as batik.

AFS students are placed with volunteer host families located throughout Ghana.

This program does accept recent high school graduates

Cost in US$: Year: (USD 11,000); Semester: (USD 9,250); Short Summer: (USD 7,500)

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 16 above

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

AFS Intercultural Programs/USA's Mission Statement: AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. AFS Intercultural Programs is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries around the world through independent, not-for-profit AFS organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.

Year Founded: 1947