Ghana Study Abroad Program
Program: West African Culture, Society and History Program
Dates: June 10- July 2, 2008 (tentative), immediately following Spring Quarter 2008
Location: Ghana
Cost: Ohio State tuition plus a study abroad program fee of $3900 program fee (estimated) and additional expenses listed below.
The Program
This program is an extension of the course Ghana: West African Culture, Society & History to be offered by the Department of African-American and African Studies during Spring 2008. In this course, students will explore the history of Ghana through lectures, group discussions, films, and other related activities. Students will critically examine conflicts and struggles arising from West Africa's role in the slave trade and its post-colonial condition. Immediately following Spring Quarter 2008 exams, students will travel to Ghana for three weeks to visit and study sites of social, cultural, and historical importance.
The Location
West Africa has long been famous for its rich agricultural lands and minerals, as well as its many historical sites. The history of slavery and the many Atlantic slave trade sites dotting its coastline makes West Africa one of the most essential locations in the study of the early modern world. By focusing on one nation--Ghana--students will have a "case study" in their intensive analysis of the historical trends and contemporary realities evident throughout West Africa.
Resident Director
Dr. Walter Rucker from the Ohio State Department of African American and African Studies, will teach the required spring quarter class and accompany the students to Ghana.
Eligibility
Currently enrolled, full-time undergraduate and graduate Ohio State students of all majors who are in good academic standing are encouraged to apply. IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT PASSPORTS: Passports are required for every Ohio State study abroad program. If you do not currently have a valid passport, apply for one immediately. For many study abroad destinations, passport information is required to apply for an entry visa (as early as 6 months prior to departure). Information about applying for a passport.
Courses and Credits
Accepted undergraduate students are required to enroll in AAAS 485.03 (5 credits) for Spring Quarter 2008 (English 110 or equivalent, is the prerequisite) and accepted graduate students are required to enroll in AAAS 705.03 as a condition for participation in the Ghana West African Culture, Society & History program. OIA will enroll students in IS 697 for 8 credit hours. Upon successful completion of the program, these 8 credits will be converted to AAAS 485.04 for undergraduates and 705.04 for graduate students. For successful completion of the course and the study program, students will earn 13 quarter hours of credit as follows:
Undergraduates:
African-American and African Studies 485.03 (Culture, Society & History in Ghana) 5 quarter hours.
African-American and African Studies 485.04 (Ghana Study Abroad) 8 quarter hours.
Note: Both AAAS 485.03 and AAAS 485.04 may apply toward GEC requirements. Please consult with your academic advisor. Students must pass AAAS 485.03 in order to travel to Ghana.
Graduate students:
African-American and African Studies 705.03 (Culture, Society & History in Ghana) 5 quarter hours.
African-American and African Studies 705.04 (Ghana Study Abroad) 8 quarter hours.
Accommodations
Students will stay in modest, well-located hotels throughout the study program. Breakfast and most lunches will be provided. Students will be responsible for most of their own dinners, although a few will be provided.
Program Costs
The estimated program fee for the 2008 Ghana Culture, Society & History Program is $3900. The program fee includes international and in-country travel, hotel accommodations, all breakfasts, some lunches/dinners, entrance visa, and all field trips. The program fee does not include Ohio State Spring Quarter tuition. Tuition and the program fee are due at the beginning of spring quarter. Students are responsible for pre-departure expenses such as passport, immunizations, as well as some lunches, dinners, and personal expenses in-country.
Funding Opportunities for Study Abroad
For more information about funding resources available to Ohio State students and eligibility requirements.
Financial Aid
If you are an eligible student and are paying fees at Ohio State for at least half-time enrollment in an officially recognized Ohio State study abroad program, you will be able to receive most forms of federal, state, and universitycontrolled financial aid. For further information, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid, 340 Lincoln Tower, call 614-292-0300, or visit their Web site. New and renewal financial aid applicants are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) electronically at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ by the March 1 priority deadline. Once you are accepted to participate in an Ohio State study abroad program, you are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a Financial Aid Counselor at 340 Lincoln Tower before you depart. To learn more about using your Ohio State financial aid.
Insurance
All students participating on Ohio State study abroad programs will receive supplementary medical insurance, through HTH Worldwide Services. Students are required to maintain their regular insurance coverage while participating on Ohio State study abroad programs. Following University procedure, you will automatically be assessed a fee each quarter for Ohio State Student Health Insurance unless exemption is requested. The provider and terms of the health insurance for study abroad are subject to change.
Application Information
Applicants must submit the OIA Study Abroad Application for this program. An application fee of $150 is due with the application (personal check or money order are made payable to The Ohio State University). The application fee will be refunded only if the student is not accepted or submits a written request to withdraw the application prior to the application deadline. To obtain application materials, please see the Adviser-On-Call in the OIA reception area or download an application.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is February 8, 2008. Please return your completed application to the Office of International Affairs.
Program Coordinator
Jeannie Bonner Simmons
Office of International Affairs
Tel: 614-292-6101
E-mail: simmons.272@osu.edu
Resident Director:
Dr. Walter Rucker
Associate Professor
Department of African American & African Studies
Tel: 614-292-7613
Email: rucker.71@osu.edu
For more information:
Lonely Planet (click on destination)
Department of State Travel Information (click on travel warnings/consular information sheets)
Travelers' Health (geographic health recommendations)
Office of International Affairs (OIA), The Ohio State University
Oxley Hall, 1712 Neil Avenue
Columbus OH 43210-1219 USA
614.292.6101
Office of International Affairs
Study Abroad Advisers are available on a walk-in basis Monday - Friday, 1 PM to 4 PM.
Ohio State reserves the right to change without notice any statement in this handout, concerning but not limited to rules, policies, tuition, fees, curricula, and courses. OIA reserves the right to cancel any program for which a State-Department travel warning is in effect. It is the policy of Ohio State not to discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or handicap in matters of admission, employment, housing, or services in the educational programs which it administers in accordance with civil rights legislation.
Updated information: September 21, 2007
