SIT Ghana: Origins of African Identity

» General Information

Location:

Cape Coast, Ghana

Description:

Field-based, experiential learning in SIT program courses, with an independent study component. Through field and classroom instruction, students examine the history and culture of West Africa and the interwoven influence of the Atlantic Slave Trade. Educational excursions to Accra, Kumasi, northern Ghana, and to neighboring Benin encourage students to explore the diversity among cultures and historical perspectives as well as to compare the respective roles of the two nations in the slave trade and the Diaspora. As they explore Ghanaian culture, politics, economics, and society, students will gain a firsthand introduction to African views of Pan-Africanism and the global African Diaspora.

Terms:

Fall Semester (Fall Quarter), Spring Semester (Winter-Spring Quarters)

Sponsor:

School for International Training (SIT)

Website:

Ghana: Origins of African Identity


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Program Requirements

  • Average applicant has a GPA of 3.5.
  • Students must have completed at least one year of college-level coursework at time of application.

Academic Specialties

Wide range of independent field projects, including topics such as visual and performing arts, small business development and entrepreneurship, women's economic role in development, child health, Islam in Africa, environmental change, agricultural development, rituals and ceremonies.

SIT programs are ideal for highly motivated students who embrace cultural challenges and seek the deepest possible immersion in a foreign setting.

Course Type

Program courses:
  • Intensive Language Study: Fante
  • History and Cultures of African Diaspora Seminar
  • Field Study Seminar
  • Independent Study Project

Additional Information

Upon returning to Northwestern, all SIT students are required to submit copies of their independent study projects to the Northwestern Study Abroad Office. Make sure to read our guidelines, Obtaining Northwestern Credit for Independent Study-Research Projects Abroad.

The Program in African Studies (PAS) sponsors a number of events each quarter related to study abroad in Africa. If you would like to receive regular updates about PAS events via email, please contact: african-studies@northwestern.edu.

Housing

Home stays and hotels/hostels

Program Costs

Fall 2009: $20,694

  • This includes the estimated cost of tuition, room, board, books, transportation, personal expenses and SAAF. The sample costs provided are for the fall term; for other terms and for the most current cost, contact the sponsoring organization.

Approximate Program Size

15 students

Application Requirements

Prior to receiving an application, all Northwestern students must complete the following steps:
  1. Complete the mandatory Study Abroad 101 Quiz on Blackboard. Call 847-467-6400 or e-mail studyabroad@northwestern.edu (include your name and netID) to register for this quiz.
  2. After receiving a score of 90% or above, students can pick up the Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study Abroad at the Study Abroad Office. This application it is not available online.
Northwestern students must complete two applications for this program:
  1. SIT program application, available on the SIT web site.
  2. Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study Abroad.
Note: SIT programs tend to fill up before their deadlines. Make sure to submit your SIT applications well before the program deadlines.

Contact Returnees

Northwestern students may enter this section of the site for a list of students who participated in this program.