Ghana's Business of Doing Good: Social Startups & Public Affairs

Located only a few degrees above the equator, Ghana is known for its lush forests, exotic animals, and secluded beaches. Over May session travel to Ghana to visit Accra, Kumasi, and Elmina/Cape Coast, and areas near Accra, the capital city. Accra is situated along the Atlantic Ocean and is home to a colorful coastline, bustling markets, and lively nightlife. Develop a deeper understanding of social life and culture in Ghana by engaging with local professionals and organizations.

Stay in shared housing with other program participants. All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) on non-travel days are included in the program fee.

Excursions in Accra may include:

• Aburi Botanical Gardens and wood carving Village
• Makola Market
• Site visits to various businesses/non-profit organizations including the Centre for Democracy and Development
• Various meetings and lectures with social entrepreneurs to be integrated through the seminar
• Dinners and presentations with local food and sustainability noo-profits

Excursions in Cape Coast may include:

• Assin Manso Slave River with a guided tour and lecture on the significance during the transatlantic slave trade
• Elmina Castle and Museum—learn the history of Cape Coast and Elmina as trading lodges, headquarters of British colonial government, and use as a storage for enslaved people before they were transported across the Atlantic Ocean during the transatlantic slave trade 
• Kakum National Park
• Global Mommas visit with workshops and mini service project

Excursions in Kumasi may include:

• Manhyia Palace Museum
• Central Market (largest open-air market in West Africa)
• Ntonso Adinkra Village
• Bonwire Kente Village
• A tour of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)

It might be possible to deviate your return flight. Inquire with your program contact if interested.

• Develop independence by challenging yourself in a new environment
• Function as an effective team member by utilizing your personal strengths in a group setting
• Explore a specific topic through experiential and interdisciplinary approaches

This Global Seminar will be led by Simone Gbolo, M.A., M.Ed, the National Director of the Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Program, a national nonprofit organization that promotes the inclusion and full participation of underrepresented groups in public service. Simone has led this seminar multiple times.

Information Sessions

Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on this website.

If you apply by the priority deadline and confirm within the allotted time you will receive the published program fee. Applying after the priority deadline and/or not confirming within the allotted time means you may be subject to an airfare increase.

May Session 2023 Cost of Participation

Program fees can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. The program fee generally includes tuition, group flight airfare, airport transfers, in-country program related transportation, housing, some meals, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, program administration, and international health insurance. You must also budget for the required visa and Yellow Fever vaccination for entry, as well as passport and passport photos, some additional meals, textbooks, independent travel, and miscellaneous living expenses.

If a student is required to isolate during the program dates, due to Covid-19, there may be an additional cost for the isolation period. Additional housing costs might also be covered by the onsite partner's insurance plan. In some cases, with agreement by students and prior approval from the university, roommates, apartment-mates or students who are in close contact with each other and who both test positive, may share a room in quarantine housing, in accordance with local regulations. This information is subject to change and will be updated accordingly.

If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.

COVID-19 Information

A COVID-19 vaccine & booster and is required to enter Ghana.  This may change before departure. Unvaccinated travelers may be subject to additional pre-departure and onsite testing (at own expense) and may not be allowed entry. This may change before departure. Participants are also expected to follow local and governmental COVID-19 guidelines and requirements such as masking, social distancing, or curfews. Admission and participation in areas of this program may require accessing venues or public transportation which require proof of COVID-19 vaccination and these requirements could be updated before departure or during the program. Participants will be required to present valid proof of vaccination to gain entrance or will not be able to participate in this portion of the program. Visit the CDC International Travel and the LAC COVID-19 Protocols or LAC COVID Policies websites for updated information.

U.S. Consulate in Ghana COVID-19 site (current updates on entry/exit and local requirements).

More information can be provided during advising sessions and pre-departure orientation with the program contact in the LAC.

A Yellow Fever vaccine is also required for travel.  Please consult your physician or the UMN Travel Clinic for details.