AFS Intercultural Programs: Ghana Gap-Year and Beyond

  Ghana

Accra

Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Semester Community Service (Fall): Jul. 2010- Dec. 2010; Semester Community Service (Spring): Jan. 2011- Jul. 2011

Description: Ghana is one of the friendliest 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 family and community. Vibrant markets offer everything from fruits and clothes to hair braiding; and at night, youll hear music everywhere. AFS host family placements are located throughout Ghana.

Highlights: Semester Community Service:

Get ready for an exciting semester learning about life in a developing nation while living and working alongside community members in a community-based service organization. This program will give you a strong understanding of Ghanaian and African culture and history. AFS orientations will teach you about local culture and Ghanaian languages such as Twi, but you will have no problem communicating, as English is also an official language of the country. In addition, AFS Ghana allows participants to travel inside the country to explore and absorb the country's cultural diversity. You'll experience the economy, politics, and social life in contemporary Ghana firsthand. Accommodations will be either in housing provided by the community-based organization or with a host family.

Cost in US$: Semester (Fall): (USD 9,750); Semester (Spring): (USD 9,250)

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18 & above

This Program is open to American Participants.

Scholarships are Available. If you are a qualified student and make a personal commitment to going abroad with AFS, AFS will make a commitment to helping you achieve that goal. AFS offers more than USD 1.5 million in both merit-and need-based scholarships and financial aid to students each year. To be eligible for need-based financial aid, students must have qualifying academics (minimum GPA of 2.8 for year and semester programs), an interest in community service, and flexibility about destination, in addition to demonstrating financial need. To qualify for merit-based scholarships, students must have a strong record of academic commitment and community involvement, among other specific requirements. Interested students should contact their Advisors at AFS or call us right away because many funds have deadlines far in advance of program deadlines or are awarded on first-come-first-served basis.

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

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