Ghana Study Abroad
Study abroad in Ghana with ThisWorldMusic and UMass Amherst and experience life in an African village! Participants live and study at the world renowned Dagbe Cultural Institute & Arts Centre, taking group classes and private lessons in traditional West African drumming, dance and craft making from the Dagbe Institute’s highly trained staff of local artists.
Read reviews on Abroad101 to find out why our participants give us 4.9 out of 5 stars.
Located in the scenic coastal village of Kopeyia, the Dagbe Institute’s rigorous instruction and authentic natural surroundings make for a Ghana study abroad experience unlike any other. Intense periods of study are interspersed with exciting excursions to nearby beaches and outdoor markets, as well as participation in and observation of local festivals.
ELIGIBILITY: Enrollment is open to students and professionals worldwide. You do not need to be enrolled at UMass or any other college or university to study abroad in Ghana.
African Music & Dance Course Overview: MUSIC 597D
In this 12-day January Term study abroad program, participants are introduced to a wide range of topics related to African culture, philosophy, and daily life, with an emphasis on West African dance and drumming.
Led by UMass Amherst Adjunct Professor and ThisWorldMusic Founder/Director Jeremy Cohen, the group lives for 1 week in the Dagbe Institute’s on-campus dormitory.
The Ghana study abroad program also explores the capital city of Accra, where participants take an exclusive tour of a master drum maker’s workshop, visit a famous live music club and sample Ghanaian cuisine. While in Accra, participants shop at the National Arts Centre and are treated to a private performance and workshop with the acclaimed Ghana National Dance Ensemble.
Winter Study Abroad Program: Credit & Cost
Offered through the UMass Amherst Department of Music & Dance for 3 credits (undergraduate or graduate) or equivalent professional development credits (PDP/CRU/PLU/CEU). Application deadline is October 1, 2013.
$2150 course fee includes:
- 3 UMass credits (undergraduate or graduate) or equivalent professional development credits
- accommodations for all 10 nights
- all meals and bottled water for 1 week at Dagbe Institute
- complimentary use of international mobile phone (call credit not included)
- all major in-country transport
- 25 hours of instruction
- selected cultural events
Not included:
- airfare: $1,500-$2000* (estimated)
- meals and bottled water when not at Dagbe Institute: $150 (estimated)
- books/study materials: $50
- additional private instruction (optional): $100 ($10/hour)
- mobile phone call credit: $40 (estimated)
- vaccinations/immunizations: depends on insurance
- visa fee: $60
Total estimated cost: $3750-4350
*Based on past prices. Airfare to Ghana can fluctuate dramatically.
So what are you waiting for? APPLY TODAY!
“If you want to get inside Ghanaian culture with people who have studied it and have been there countless times, go on ThisWorldMusic’s trip.”
- Miles Arntzen, NYU Music Student & Drummer for Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra
