Program Details : University of Cape Coast
Is this program for me?
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. Students will select courses once they arrive on-site for orientation. This program requires students to accept a high level of independence and self-reliance to navigate the administrative necessities. This program is ideal for students who are seeking a full immersion into a highly regarded Ghanaian university
Location
The University is located just west of Cape Coast on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Guinea. You will be within walking distance to the beautiful beaches and cultural treasures that Ghana has to offer. Steeped in tradition and history, two of the most historical sites of Ghana, Elmina Castle and Cape Coast Castle, are located just a short distance from the university. The Elmina Castle is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cost
PIC Partnership Grant is available ($500 each) 2 available per year for this program.
Browse additional Study Abroad Scholarships
Visa Information
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 on the Ghana Visa Guidelines page. Please note that the appropriate consulate or embassy must be consulted for the most up-to-date visa information.
Housing and Meals
Students will be housed in the University owned housing. 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.
Courses
Courses available to GVSU exchange students at UCC
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
Full Course Catalog For a list of available courses and course descriptions.
How will the courses that I take at UCC transfer back to my GVSU Transcript?
If the course you wish to take at UCC appears on the "Existing Course Equivalencies" list, you do not need to secure course approval for that course. The courses on this list have already been approved by the academic department.
Note: This is not a complete list of course options offered at this partner institution
Campus Information
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.
Travel 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 p.m.). 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.