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Known as one of the friendliest West African countries, Ghana is an ideal place to engage in a new culture. By living with a host family and attending classes with local Ghanaian students, you’ll be able to rewrite your high school experience and step outside of your comfort zone. Before long you could be browsing through markets of fresh fruits and vegetables or munching on fried plantains seasoned with chili pepper and ginger. This is your chance to get off the beaten path and join a culture that values taking the time to enjoy life. Spend a year in Ghana challenging yourself and defying expectations as you become part of a new community.

Eligibility Requirements

Participants must be between the ages of 16 – 18 years old on the day of departure.

The AFS Program

After your host parents greet you with traditional hospitality, it shouldn’t be long before you feel at home in their open, friendly community. By going to a local high school, you’ll be totally immersed in a new language and customs, and what you learn during the day will be reinforced at night when you spend time with your host family. This is your chance to break out of your comfort zone and join in this diverse and ever-evolving culture.

Your high school

School is a good place for you to make friends and learn first-hand about Ghanaian culture. Classes are taught in English, even though that won’t be the first language of most of your classmates. Students focus on four core subjects: English, math, integrated science, and social studies. You’ll probably be enrolled in an academic high school, but you could also attend a vocational or technical school. Your typical day will begin around 7 am with an assembly going over the daily announcements. You can take up to 6 classes, and each class lasts around 45 minutes. After school and on the weekends, you may have the opportunity to engage in a volunteer project.

For more information on fees and scholarships.

Returning Home

“Life-changing” is hard to describe, yet it’s nearly always the first thing that AFSers say when asked about their experience abroad.
“Transformed” is another one. When you return home, if you’re like most AFSers, you’ll bring with you a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. You’ll have gained maturity and independence, discovered new passions, and feel like you can do anything you set your mind to. That transformation isn’t visible only to you, though – others see it as well. AFSers gain critical skills for college and careers, ranging from language fluency to intercultural competence and critical reasoning. “Life-changing” means it’s only the beginning.

 

What's included in your experience

  • Airfare
  • Airport Pick-up
  • Host Family Placement
  • Housing
  • Meals
  • School Placement
  • Individual Contact Person
  • Medical Insurance
  • 24/7 Emergency Support
  • School Transport
  • Assistance with Application Process
  • Visa Application Assistance
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • Orientations during your time abroad
  • Re-entry Orientation
  • Global Competence Certificate
  • School Materials
  • Access to Alumni Network
  • Continuous Support
  • Worldwide Presence
  • 70 Years Experience

What you are responsible for

  • Vaccinations
  • Visa and Passport Fees
  • Stipend
  • School Uniform