CIEE-Legon, Ghana: Arts and Sciences

The program is open to Purdue students who have completed at least two semesters of university study by the start of the program. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity and a desire to experience another culture.

Previous college-level coursework in African studies recommended.

Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.

Students earn 15-18 credits through coursework at the CIEE center and The University of Ghana. The university follows a British model, which is less structured and requires students to take more responsibility and initiative. Professors expect students to spend significant time studying outside of class. Attendance is mandatory, and there are mandatory tutorials by Teaching Assistants.

For more information on available courses, see the CIEE website.

• Travel to Cape Coast and Elmina to see slave castles and the starting point of the transatlantic journey.
• Visit the Ashanti region to explore the traditional chieftaincy institution, history, and culture as well as the role women play in the making and unmaking of chiefs among the Ashanti people.
• Experience regional highlights like Aburi Botanical Gardens, Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm, Boti Falls, Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, Lake Volta, Tafi-Atome monkey sanctuary, and the W.E.B. Dubois Center.
• Get involved on campus by joining a music, theater, or art group, or meeting up with Ghanaian students for soccer, running, swimming, field hockey, or tennis. Basketball and baseball are also getting popular.
• Take advantage of campus lectures, discussions, and receptions.

Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location.  This will vary by program.

Housing costs listed below are for students choosing the dormitory option.  See program website for fees associated with other options.

Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are for: Spring 2023

Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

• direct financial aid inquiries to the Division of Financial Aid on the West Lafayette campus; 
• consult website Study Abroad Financial Aid Process;
• complete and submit the FAFSA by the appropriate deadline.

NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad.  Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.

For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents before or by the application deadline.  Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline.  To insure a place in a program, apply early.

As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.

After paying the study abroad deposit, applicants will need to complete a program application which will be forwarded to the head office of CIEE. Students will be notified directly by CIEE about their acceptance into the program.

Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted.  If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in.

The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.

• Program Sponsor's Home Page: CIEE
• Program Website
• Search Google(tm)*
• Department of State Consular Information
  (You must find Ghana in list)
• CDC Travel Information (You must find Ghana in list)