Ghana: Semester in Cape Coast with UCC

Study abroad at GVSU's partner university in Ghana for a semester! The University of Cape Coast (UCC) is a public university located in the historic town of Cape Coast. The campus has a seafront location and sits on a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. You will be immersed in Ghanaian life and culture, as well as connecting with other international students studying in Ghana from around the world. This program offers courses in English for a wide range of subjects and is open to all majors.

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) was established in 1962 primarily to serve as a leader in teacher education in Ghana. Since its inception as a teacher-training university, UCC has diversified into many other disciplines. The University offers a range of curricular subjects such as: African studies, arts and social sciences, botany, business, chemistry, classics, economics, education, English literature, French, geography, health, history, mathematics, music, philosophy, physics, sociology, and more. This program is also highly suitable for students interested in completing courses to fulfill general education (Issues or Foundations) or African studies requirements.

Host University Homepage

UCC Exchange Student Website

Check out past participant reviews.

GVSU's partner universities are largely independent programs; prospective participants should carefully consider if this form of study abroad suits their needs before registering. These partnerships allow students to experience a more independent international study abroad, but also require students to have a high level of flexibility and the ability to navigate much of the program independently. Those who prefer additional support may wish to consider other study abroad options such as external study abroad providers and our faculty-led options.

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Partnership

GPA Requirement
2.5 Undergraduate
2.5 Graduate

No Language
Requirement

Issue Friendly

Program Dates and Application Deadline

Fall 2023

Estimated Program Dates: August 2023 - November 2023
Application Deadline: February 1, 2023 (Closed)

Academic Year 2023 (Fall 2023-Winter 2024)

Estimated Program Dates: August 2023 - May 2024
Application Deadline: February 1, 2023 (Closed)

Winter 2024

Estimated Program Dates: January 2024 - May 2024
Application Deadline: September 1, 2023

Courses

Note: UCC is a comprehensive university with a wide range of course options. Participants of this program are required to exercise maximum flexibility with regards to their course selections. While some information is available on the UCC website regarding the availability of courses, students will not know which courses are available until they arrive on-site. Students must take a minimum of 4 courses at Cape Coast during the semester in order to maintain full-time status. Most UCC courses will transfer back to GVSU as a 3 credits.

Course Options Use this button to search all available course options and descriptions.

Pre-Approved Courses Note: This course list indicates courses that have been previously approved. It is not a list of available courses on this program.

Course Approval Process Students registering for courses that have not been pre-approved will need to follow the course approval instructions.

Students interested in satisfying general education courses abroad can find more information on our General Education page.

Housing

Students will be housed in the University owned housing called the Alumni Hostel Complex. Most rooms are double occupancy with shared common rooms. Laundry facilities consist of large wash tubs for hand washing. Students may have a balcony or patio with lines for drying clothes.

Students can purchase meals in various on-campus eateries or prepare meals in the available kitchen. Students are walking distance to shops with some food provisions. Students seeking a larger selection of options can take a taxi into Cape Coast to shop.

Cost and Scholarships

NOTE: "Other Expenses" listed above are general cost estimates. Due to COVID-19, costs may increase for basic goods and housing. These estimates are provided as a guide to help students in their planning, but they are subject to change.

Cost Breakdown

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

Questions? Contact [email protected] or 616-331-3898

PADNOS SCHOLARSHIP: (Up to $15,000): The Barbara H. Padnos International Scholars program provides scholarships for year long study abroad programs (Students must study abroad for 2 semesters or more). The average scholarship ranges from $5,000-$15,000. APPLY NOW

SEIDMAN COLLEGE OF BUSINESS SCHOLARSHIP: offers a study abroad scholarship for SCB majors who wish to participate in a qualified study abroad or international internship program. Awards are based on program costs and financial need. Apply online using GVSU MyScholarships: https://gvsu.academicworks.com/opportunities/3103

Additional Scholarships

How will I pay for this?

Financial Aid FAQ's

Eligibility

Students must be degree-seeking and have completed one semester at GVSU. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required.

A PCR test (not older than 48 hours) is required of unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travellers prior to travel. Upon arrival, another COVID test is performed. Fully vaccinated travellers are exempt from this requirement.

Additional Information

Host University Website

https://ucc.edu.gh/

Culture

Learn more about the culture of Ghana

Campus Info / Campus Life

UCC offers a very lively campus life. There are always activities taking place on and around campus. Past participants have become involved with volunteer activities, dance groups, shopping in the local markets, and a wide-range of other student activities. Students spend a great deal of time hanging out with friends on-campus. The towns of Cape Coast and Elmina are home to two of Ghana’s most important historical castles. The Elmina Castle is considered one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

NOTICE: While swimming in the Atlantic Ocean may seem appealing to some, it is VERY DANGEROUS. Under no conditions should students attempt to swim in the ocean at any time. Rip tides and strong currents are often not seen and can quickly create a life threatening situation. Even very strong swimmers can easily be overtaken by the power of the currents. Numerous deaths have occurred from individuals who attempted to swim in the ocean waters in Ghana.

Google Map

Already Applied

Visa Requirements

A student visa is required for semester exchange students. Students should apply for their visa no less than 4-6 weeks prior to departure, although the process can take just a couple of weeks. Students can find more detailed information regarding the visa application process in our student visa guide. Please note that the appropriate consulate or embassy must be consulted for the most up-to-date visa information.

Arrival Information

Students attending the University of Cape Coast can request to be met at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra. CIE staff will greet students at the airport exit or just outside the restricted area.

PIC strongly recommends that students secure a flight that arrives in Accra during the daytime (before 4 pm). Students who arrive in the early afternoon will be taken to UCC’s campus where they can check into housing. Students arriving in the evening will be required to stay overnight in Accra and travel to Cape Coast the next morning. Students will travel by van to the UCC campus in Cape Coast. The drive is approximately 2 hours, but it largely depends on traffic and road conditions.

If your flight is delayed, you will need to contact UCC’s Center for International Education, to provide updated arrival information.

UCC will suggest a day that they would prefer you arrive. You will be expected to arrive on this day or make your own way to the University of Cape Coast.

CDC Report

The roads are not safe to travel on at night.

Students should not drink water from the tap. Water is not purified, so water from the tap should not be used for cooking, drinking or brushing your teeth.