Through the University of Iowa’s membership in ISEP, the International Student Exchange Program, UI students have the opportunity to study for a semester or academic year at the University of Ghana. Students on ISEP have access to the courses, services and activities of the host university as any local student. An ISEP coordinator facilitates housing arrangements and assists with registration.

ISEP Direct was developed as an affordable alternative at sites where spaces generated by outgoing Exchange students are not sufficient to accommodate the demand for incoming exchange. The ISEP Direct fee varies by host institution and not all members offer the option.

The program fee for study on ISEP Exchange is based on 12 s.h. of your regular UI tuition. UI students earn transfer credit on the ISEP program.

For More Information

Visit the ISEP webpage here. Under U.S. Students, check Sites Open for Application. Go to Ghana and click on the name of the university. Once you have done this, before proceeding any further, meet with the ISEP advisor in the UI Study Abroad office to discuss your interest and receive instructions for application.

The University of Ghana

Founded in 1948 as an affiliate college of the University of London, the University of Ghana currently enrolls nearly 7,000 students. The language of instruction is English. The campus is located in the suburb of Legon, approximately 13 kilometers northeast of Accra. University Avenue extends from the main gate to Legon Hill, where Commonwealth Hall, convocation buildings, an open-air theatre, the Great Hall and a tower commemorating Ghana’s independence may be found. The campus also includes residence halls, a central cafeteria, library and sports fields.

Accra

Accra is a sprawling city of nearly 2 million. Originally a scattering of villages, Accra retains a village feel – high rises and government buildings are sprinkled here and there rather than confined to an urban center, and local markets are juxtaposed with city shops.

Ghana

In 1957 Ghana became the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence from colonial rule. While political turmoil marked its early years, the country returned to a constitutional democracy in 1992 and is today one of the most peaceful and politically stable countries in Africa.

Ghana’s 18 million people represent a large number of ethnic groups. At least 75 local languages are spoken. English serves as a lingua franca throughout the country. Ghanaians are renowned for the richness of their cultures, and for their hospitality.

Travel Arrangements

Students make their own travel arrangements to arrive on campus by a designated date. Specific information will be provided in post-acceptance materials from ISEP. An Institutional Information Sheet will provide detailed information for travel, contacts in the international office, details about housing and other nuts and bolts.

Eligibility

Students must have a demonstrated interest in African or development studies, a 3.0 GPA, and be in good academic and disciplinary standing.

Costs

The Program fee, collected by the University of Iowa, includes tuition, administrative fees, room and board. The semester program fee on ISEP Exchange is based on 12 s.h. of your regular tuition plus an administrative fee of $425 and room and board in the Mayflower residence halls.

The ISEP Direct fee is posted on the webpage; an additional UI administrative fee for the semester is approximately $1010 for students classified resident, $2550 for nonresidents.

Additional expenses include air fare, international health insurance, visa fees, vaccinations, and personal expenses.

In general, financial aid received to attend the University of Iowa may be applied toward the cost of studying abroad. Aid eligibility is adjusted to reflect the total cost of participating in the program. In addition, students are encouraged to apply for need- and merit-based scholarships awarded by the Study Abroad office. Complete information is available in the office.

How to Apply

Students submit their application to the ISEP adviser in the UI Study Abroad office. Please schedule an appointment to review placement options and to obtain a Supplementary Instructions for Application sheet.

Students should also discuss their plans with their academic adviser and other appropriate faculty.

Application Deadline

Exchange: The on-campus application deadline for fall or year is January 30. For best chances of placement on Exchange, students should have met with the ISEP adviser in December prior to the end of the semester. Deadline for spring semester placement is likewise the January 30 of the previous year. Students should have met with the ISEP adviser in May prior to the end of the semester, or during the summer.

Deadline for ISEP Direct is posted on the ISEP webpage. On-campus deadline is 10 days earlier.

A Country Handbook, found at Placed Students on the ISEP webpage, provides practical information for living in Ghana.

Once confirmed by the University of Ghana, you will receive a Participant Placement Acceptance packet from ISEP covering all aspects of your placement. You will also later receive a welcome mailing from Ghana with important academic and arrival information.

All UI students attend a general TIPS orientation for Students Studying Abroad. Additional individualized meetings address specific topics, as well as billing and credit procedures at Iowa.

There are no photos available for this program yet. Do you have any photos to share with us? If you do, please contact us at:

1111 University Capitol Centre
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1802
USA

Phone: (319) 335-0353
Fax: (319) 335-0343
E-mail: study-abroad@uiowa.edu