Youth For Understanding USA
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What kind of exchange experience do you want?
I want to spend a all program lengths  studying in , or maybe all regions. And I'm looking for something with a traditional exchange  and I definitely want to show off my need for  any language skills. Can I go whenever?

  • All around the world.

    all regions
    Africa & Middle East
    Asia & Pacific
    Eastern Europe
    Latin America
    Scandinavian Countries
    Western Europe
    North America

  • Pick a place, any place.

    Say what?

    Any language requirements?

     Any  Yes  No

  • What I'm into.

    a traditional exchange
    a gap year option
    college & university programs
    language classes
    a connection to the Arts
    sports & outdoors
    a volunteer program

  • How long I want to go.

    All program lengths
    Summer
    Short-term
    Semester
    Year-long

    When can I leave?

    whenever
    May to September
    December to March
Show me my options >

Glance

Scholarships Available

368 - YFU Community Grant

Age Requirement

Students must be between 16 and 19.5 years of age. Students who do not meet this age requirement or will graduate from high school before the start of their program will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.

Language

Twi, Hausa, Ga, Fante, Ewe, Dagbani and English. Previous language study is not required.

Host Family Placement

Students will be placed in host families in or around Accra, the capital of Ghana.

Trips

One week tour of neighboring countries, e.g. Togo, Ivory Coast, Benin, Nigeria for an additional cost of approximately $1000.

Akwaaba! Welcome to Ghana! Expect to be greeted warmly in this fascinating and beautiful African nation. A mixture of Christian, Muslim, and traditional African religions, Ghana's diverse ethnic composition offers a thriving culture to discover.
Learn more about Ghana.

Summer Program

Discover Ghana

Spend your summer in Accra, Ghana's bustling seaside capital of three million! During your six-week stay, you will have numerous opportunities to learn about Ghanaian history, culture, and people through a unique blend of homestay, community service projects, and travel.

After your arrival at Kotoka International Airport, you will join your host family and have a welcome orientation. During your first two weeks in Ghana, you will find yourself immersing into high school life and activities while meeting Ghanaian teenagers, and will spend a weekend touring the sites of Accra and its surroundings.

For the next two weeks, you will participate in diverse community service projects within the region in places such as day care centers, orphanages, YMCA, YWCA, and institutions for the physically challenged.

You will then join other exchange students for a countrywide tour of Ghana, including such sites as slave castles, parks, water falls, forest reserves, gold mines, cocoa farms, research centers, Kente weaving sites, and lakes. All tour transportation, entrance fees, and tour guides are included in the program tuition. Return to your host family for more sightseeing in Accra, a day of shopping in the city, and a re-entry orientation and farewell prior to your return to the US.

This incredible summer program truly offers something for everyone and promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into life in Ghana. With so much to do, what will be most memorable for you?

Gap Year Options

Over 18 years old and looking for a new adventure? Try one of YFU’s exciting new programs in Ghana! 

 

School: If you are eligible to enter a university here in the US, you probably are also qualified to enter a university in Ghana! On this program you’ll have the opportunity to experience a new culture, make new friends, and enroll in a local Ghanaian university.  A wide range of specializations are available, covering all segments of higher education with classes in English. Tuition will be based on course duration.

 

Volunteering: Alternatively, you may choose to volunteer instead and make a local impact in communities in Ghana. YFU offers the opportunity for volunteering in a variety of different organizations. Possible placements include orphanages, teaching opportunities, sports coaching, medical and nursing care, and support for the elderly.

Whichever option you choose, YFU Ghana will work with you to create an incredible and unique international experience!

Academic Programs

Living with a host family and taking part in their lives and traditions will offer you a true cultural immersion experience! Your program will include:

 

School: Experience an academic school year in Ghana. On this program, you will take part in an excellent academic program that mixes traditional high school coursework with volunteer community involvement. You will take classes in English, the official language of Ghana.

 

Extracurriculars: You will engage in approximately one hour of community service work per week in day care centers, orphanages, YMCA, YWCA, etc. You may also join youth groups and community groups in your local area!

 

Orientations: All students applying for the semester or year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. All students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation in May or June. Upon arrival in Ghana, students will have an orientation along with other YFU students from all over the world. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

 

Optional Excursions: A one week cultural tour of neighboring West African countries (Togo, Ivory Coast, Benin, Nigeria, etc.) will be an option for students at an additional fee of $1000. A one week tour of the northern territories of Ghana will also be offered at an additional fee of $800. Students will learn more about these trips at the arrival orientation in Ghana, and will pay YFU Ghana directly.

 

Additional Costs: Students will need to cover the cost of their uniforms and textbooks (approximately $300), fees associated with obtaining a visa, and a residence permit after arrival (approximately $100).

Tuition Includes

-Placement with a host family
-Enrollment in a local Ghanaian high school or university (excluding summer students)
-Airport transfers
-Domestic and international travel
-All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
-Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
-Support from a YFU Ghana Area Representative while on program


Program tuition does not include personal spending money. YFU Ghana recommends that students plan for about $150 for every month that they are on program. 

Application Deadline

The application deadline for all winter and spring departure programs (January-March) is October 1. The deadline to apply for scholarships is December 1. The deadline for all summer or fall departure programs (June-September) is March 15. Programs can fill up before the deadline, so we encourage early submission!

 

 

Programs Code Departure Return Full Tuition
Year
Winter Year		 1065 *
1163 *		 early September
early January		 late July
late December		 TBD
TBD
Semester 1066 * early September late December TBD
Short-term
Winter Three Month Program
1218 *
early January
early April
TBD
Summer
Discover Ghana
0901 *
mid June
late July
TBD

* Programs also available to graduates

Apply Now