Study Abroad - Ghana

The 2011 Ghana program is entitled Sustainable Change. There is a prevalent need for effective planning in Africa today. Facing issues such as rapid urbanization, quickly growing informal settlements and the need for strategies to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and the consequences of climate change, the time to face these challenges is now. While Ghana is on track to meet the United Nations Millennium Development Goals by 2015, the country is not exempt from these issues. The purpose of this program is to provide culturally sensitive localized, district planning to assist the Offinso North District in meeting the challenges of population growth. Our approach focuses on working hand-in-hand with the community.

OSU Students in partnership with representatives from the Offinso North District, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and the International Poverty Solutions Collaborative at OSU will work together to design the topics to be covered in the course and study abroad in a workshop to be held on campus October 20th, 2010. This provides opportunities to match the interests and skills of students to the needs of this district. Topics could include housing, economy/business development, infrastructure, health care, governance, agriculture, among many others.

Throughout the winter quarter, Ohio State students will learn about the culture and history of Ghana while working in collaborative teams to address the topics that have come out of the October 20th workshop. Students will travel to Ghana for 10 days over spring break to experience class topics first hand and share the results of their winter efforts.

Location
The program is primarily based out of the Offinso North District in Ghana. The Offinso North District, located in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, is a rural area, 50 miles from Kumasi, that is experiencing urbanization. Its population has doubled in the last ten years. Laying the infrastructure to allow for development will give the growing number of new residents who relocate to Offinso North better access to work, their overall quality of life will improve as a result of adequate sanitation, access to potable water, medical services, quality housing and better schools. Students can learn more about the Offinso District North at http://knowlton.osu.edu/?content=24&project=341

Courses and Credit
Students will earn a total of 8 hours of City and Regional Planning credit for the Winter quarter course (5 hours) which meets on M/W 4:30-7:18 pm and program abroad over spring break (3 hours).

Accommodations
Students will be staying in homes, hostels hotels or other accommodations during their time in the Offinso North District. Hotels will serve as accommodation for students for the time in Accra. Day trips will be taken on bus, van, or other forms of transportation.

Program Costs
The cost of the program is Ohio State tuition (8 hours) and $2,250. The program cost includes airfare, overseas accommodations, in-country transportation, some group meals, visa, and supplemental insurance. The program cost does not include passport fees, immunizations, personal in-country expenses or some in-country meals.

Pre-Departure Orientation
All students will be required to participate in on-campus pre-departure orientations organized by the Office of International Affairs. These sessions will offer important information on travel, health, academic expectations, and history and culture. The dates and locations of orientation meetings will be announced.

Application Information
Applicants must submit an application by October 13, 2010. Included in this announcement is the application form. All applicants will be notified of their acceptance by October 15, 2010. A deposit of $1,500 is due by November 15, 2010. If you withdraw anytime after your notification of acceptance to this study abroad program you will be responsible for any non-recoverable costs that have been incurred on your behalf.

Passports
Passports are required for this study abroad program. Passport information is required to apply for an entry visa (as early as 6 months prior to departure). The program will facilitate obtaining a visa. For information about applying for a passport, go to travel.state.gov.

Immunizations
Students should have all of their routine immunizations such as tetanus up to date. In addition, a Yellow Fever vaccination is required and is available at a cost of approximately $100 (note it is required before a visa will be issued and will need to be obtained by November 15th in order to ensure adequate time to obtain your visa). The program director will organize students to obtain their vaccine to ensure the cost is minimized. Other recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Meningococcal. More information about recommended immunizations for travel to Ghana can be found at the Centers for Disease Control. Immunizations can be obtained through Student Health Services and the Comprehensive Student Health Insurance Plan will cover up to 50 percent of the immunization charges. Further information on immunizations can be found at http://shc.osu.edu/posts/documents/costlist-vac-0610.pdf

Web Sites
U.S. Department of State travel.state.gov (travel warnings/country specific information)
Centers for Disease Control cdc.gov/travel (health recommendations)

Application
This application is used for the Ghana study abroad program for spring break travel. Please complete all pages of this application and submit it to acey.1@osu.edu or to Room 275 of Knowlton Hall by the application deadline of October 13th. In addition, please submit the following three items:
1) Personal Statement: attach a one-page typed statement telling us about yourself, your academic interests, and your motivation for studying abroad. Please include your name and the name of the program for which you are applying at the top of your statement;

2) Ohio State Advising Report: available online at buckeyelink.osu.edu/advising_degree.html. If this is your first quarter at Ohio State you should submit a copy of your transcript from your previous institution along with your advising report.

3) Letter of Recommendation: a recommendation should be provided by a faculty member familiar with your academic achievements.

Your application will be reviewed when all requested materials are submitted by the October 13th deadline stated on the program information sheet.

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT PASSPORTS: Passports are required for this study abroad program. If you do not currently have a valid passport, apply for one immediately! For information about applying for a passport, go to travel.state.gov and click on Applying for a Passport. We cannot apply for a visa or purchase your airline ticket until your passport has been obtained.

Submit Study Abroad Applications to:
Charisma Acey
Acey.1@osu.edu
Room 275 Knowlton Hall

We reserve the right to cancel any program at any time when deemed appropriate due to unforeseen circumstances or inadequate enrollment.
2010 Ghana Study Abroad Application