Ghana 
Teaching & Learning Literacy, Language & History
Spring/Summer Semester  
Padnos International Center Flyer (PDF)
 

This program is an excellent opportunity for future K-12 teachers to gain valuable experience with literacy learning in the culturally and linguistically unique setting of Cape Coast, Ghana. This program offers an opportunity for future teachers to experience Ghanaian schools through both a tutoring field placement and an opportunity to develop a critical literacy project with Ghanaian children. Students will visit slave castles, art markets, rain forests, and take a safari at Ghana’s largest national park. They will find themselves surrounded by the approximately 75 ethnic groups that reside in Ghana. Students will be based at the University of Cape Coast, and will experience the historical, cultural, environmental, and educational richness of the West African nation.

In addition to taking coursework and field trips, this program has a service-learning component. Students will spend a minimum of 20-25 hours total participating in field experiences. Grand Valley students will tutor Ghanaian students in reading instruction and facilitate a community literacy project with elementary-age students.

Credits
Program participants will receive a total of 6 credits:
ENG 301: Teaching Reading & Writing in the Elementary Classroom (3 Credits)
ENG 334: American Multicultural Literature for Children and Young Adults (3 Credits)
ENG 400: Critical Issues in K-12 Schooling (3 Credits)
ENG 401: Languages, Literacies & Cultures (3 Credits)
AAA 333: Study Abroad
Fulfills General Education Global Perspectives Requirement
Fulfills General Education Issues Requirement (students must take two courses from two different disciplines)

Dates and Deadlines
The dates for this program are May 14 - June 15, 2025. A complete application must be submitted to the Padnos International Center by February 1, 2025. We are happy to extend this opportunity to non-GVSU students.

Costs
The approximate cost of the program is $5,900.00, which includes round-trip transportation from Grand Rapids, accommodations, all meals, field trips and entrance fees, and all ground transportation. Additional costs include:

• GVSU tuition (6 credits, $3,810.00 - $5,610.00)
• Additional Fees ($1000.00) - includes passport fee, visa, books, vaccinations, meals, personal expenses

Total projected cost: $10,710.00 - $12,510.00. Fee subject to adjustments based on actual exchange rates and international airfare.

Financial Aid and Grants
Students can use financial aid, scholarships, grants, personal funds and alternative loans to fund study abroad. Scholarship options include but are not limited to the Faculty-Led Program Grant ($1,500). Faculty-Led program grants are need-based and limited.

Applying
To apply for this program, log on to www.gvsu.edu/studyabroad for detailed application instructions. All program information including courses, duration of program, dates, and other logistics are subject to change. Programs may be cancelled due to extenuating circumstances.