Support
UCEAP students are supported by a network of people throughout the world. Your study abroad experience will be guided by trained staff who are there to support you as you prepare to study abroad, while you are abroad, and throughout the program. While on a UCEAP program, all student participants have travel insurance coverage and 24/7 emergency assistance.
On-site support
The UCEAP Ghana Study Center is in the International House, at #3 Annie Jiagge Road across from the School of Law, at the University of Ghana-Legon campus. Walking in, you’ll see a lush and beautiful tropical garden and open courtyard on the ground floor. Climb up one flight of stairs to find the center for UCEAP as well as a modern computer lab and quiet study center. Come by anytime to study, relax, research, check out a book or film, and network with staff or other international students.
Talk to study center staff about
- Academics, research, and internship
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Health and wellness programs
- Cultural adjustment
- Travel recommendations
- Volunteer opportunities
Study center activities may include
- Monthly birthday celebrations with cake and ice cream
- Ad-hoc community explorations around the metro area
- Going to the beach, football games, and more
- Group travel to explore Ghanaian culture
- Community service opportunities
Sharon Okantey-Kordie (she/her)
Program Manager, Ghana Study Center in Accra, Ghana
Sharon helps students find housing, select coursework, and arrange internships. She enjoys traveling with students to visit historic sites and assists their immersion into Ghanaian culture. Sharon recommends students be open-minded, try to see the best in every situation, and make it fun.
She says, “Be polite to everyone you meet. It costs you nothing to smile and say hello. Ghana is your home away from home and family who will always welcome you back!”
Sharon hopes students will discover their potential, learn from the people, the environment, and the culture.
Dorcas Oware (she/her)
Program Assistant, Ghana Study Center in Accra, Ghana
Dorcas helps students adjust to the local Ghanaian culture and learn the local language, Asante Twi. She provides academic advising and helps students arrange internships and volunteer opportunities.
She says, “Learn how to bargain and ask for directions in the local language to make it easier to assimilate into the local culture.”
Dorcas hopes students will value their study abroad experience and its impact on their life and career.
Ghana Study Center
Orientations
To help navigate the transition of leaving home and going abroad, you’ll attend various in-person and online events. At these events, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and meet the staff who will be supporting you while you study abroad. You’ll learn things like:
- What student services are available at your host location
- Where to find local health care
- How and when to register for classes
- What to do and who to contact in an emergency
- How to travel to and from where you live to classes
- How to handle money matters like opening a bank account
- How to use technology, including your phone, and get access to the Internet
On-site orientations may include a tour of the campus and other local sites to help you settle in. At orientations, you'll also meet other students (local, international, and/or from UC campuses) who will be part of your experience.
Students with dis/Abilities
Students with dis/abilities can and do study abroad. A successful experience is dependent upon careful planning, coordination, and communication.
Focus on programs that best fit your interests, academic goals, and career aspirations. You'll work with the staff at the disability services and study abroad offices on your UC campus. They can help you identify strategies to remain flexible and think creatively about accessibility and realities abroad as some international locations can be different than what you are typically accustomed to in the US. They can also help you get the necessary paperwork you'll need to apply.
After you apply, your UCEAP program specialist will coordinate with the institution abroad and connect you with those who can arrange for an accessible experience. If your needs cannot be accommodated at any point in the process, your advisors will help you choose another program. You will not be alone in this decision.