UGA faculty and students pose for a photo during the 2007 West Africa Study Abroad Program to Ghana.

Study Abroad in Ghana, West Africa: A Cultural and Educational Experience The University of Georgia's West Africa Study Abroad Program (WASAP) to Ghana now offers an education course that promises to enhance students’ world view and enlighten them on the educational system differences in another part of the world. Catharin Shepard | Dec 7, 2007

College of Education students have an opportunity to earn college credit and immerse themselves in a unique learning experience and cultural exchange by participating in the West Africa Study Abroad Program (WASAP) to Ghana this Maymester.

UGA students work with Ghanaian students in a public school classroom there.

Founded in 2001 by the African Studies Institute, today WASAP to Ghana is based in the School of Social Work. During the intensive three-week trip, students can take two to three classes from course offerings from the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education, Family and Consumer Sciences, and the School of Social Work.

The COE course is titled, Foundations of International Education (EOCS 4990/6990) and is taught by Bettye P. Smith, an associate professor in the department of workforce education, leadership, and social foundations. The course provides an overview of the educational system during the post-colonial period including models, trends and issues on educating the citizens of Ghana.

“Given the emerging trend of globalization, the study abroad program to Ghana enhances students’ world view and particularly on the educational system,” said Smith. “Once students visit public schools and universities in Ghana, they become keenly aware of the similarities and differences in this country concerning schooling and education.”

The study abroad program to Ghana collaborates with four institutions of higher education, a junior-secondary school, and a senior-secondary school in various cities in Ghana to provide an academically sound experience. An exchange of lectures, presentations and discussions are engaged jointly with American and Ghanaian scholars and students. Learning activities include daily journaling, course lectures, presentations and cultural, educational and historical tours.

The 2008 study abroad trip to Ghana, open to all UGA undergraduate and graduate students as well as students attending any institution of higher education in the United States, is scheduled for May 13 – June 4. Interested students should contact Smith at (smithb@uga.edu) or 706/542-4207 for further information.

Visit the WASAP website.

© 2006 University of Georgia