Program Details
| Program Length | Start | End | Program Cost | Age on Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange Year | Early September | Late June | US$7,000 | 16 - 18.6 |
Age Explanation: Age on Departure reflect both the years and month(s) of the age of the applicant at the start of the program. For example, if the age is listed as 16.1 the applicant should be 16 years and 1 month at departure.
Ghana Details :
Ghana is one of the friendliest and most welcoming of West African nations. English is the official language; however, there are more than 52 native tongues and hundreds of dialects. Most Ghanaians live in small villages where society is very focused on the family and community. Shopping in concentrated in markets that offer everything from fruits to clothes to hairbraiding. At night, you’ll hear music everywhere in outdoor restaurants and clubs. And there are numerous festivals throughout the year that provide more life and color to an already vibrant culture. AFS Ghana will provide a 3-to 4-day orientation to teach you about Ghanaian society, ulture, family, school, religion, festivals, and safety. You’ll also be introduced to the native languages of Twi_and _Dagbani with six hours of lessons.
Year and Semester :
Spend an exciting year or semester as a member of a Ghanaian family and learn about daily life, tribal culture, and African history. You will be placed in the next-to-last year of high school where you will study English, mathematics, environmental studies, physical education, science, and arts. You can also learn about traditional dancing and drumming, as well as exquisite handcrafts, woodcarving, gold and silver work, and textiles-most notably the richly-colored, hand-woven kente cloth of the Akan and Ewe peoples. AFS Ghana organizes a tour to other parts of the country, and part of your program includes an ongoing community service project as an after-school activity. There will still be plenty of time to enjoy with your new friends, listen to music, and spend time outdoors swimming and playing soccer.
Summer Team Mission :
The Summer Team Mission Program will place you with a host family in a regional or district capital while you volunteer at an orphanage helping out in various ways such as organizing activities, playing with the children, teaching basic writing and reading skills, and assisting with painting and updating the building. While traveling with your adult Team Leader, you can visit the historic Ashanti capital of Kumasi, the dungeons of Cape Coast and the Elmina castles to learn about their important historical connection to the American slave trade, and the Kakum National Park to enjoy a canopy walk. You will have the opportunity to learn traditional dances such as Adowa, Kpanlogo, and Borborbo and how to make fabrics such as batik.
