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International Education

O'Dowd Hall, Room 328
586 Pioneer Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4482
(location map)
(248) 370-2889
ie@oakland.edu

Office hours
Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Alex Zimmerman, Director
(248) 370-2843
azimmerman@oakland.edu

A fountain in Ghana with sculptures and a path in the middle.

Global Arts in Ghana

Oakland University's two-week faculty-led program in Ghana. Study on campus during Summer 3 before and after traveling to Accra, Ghana to learn at the Bernard Woma Dagara Music Center with Ghanaian musicians. Explore the rich cultural and performing arts traditions of this vibrant country. Students will also visit Cape Coast Castle, University of Cape Coast, Kakum National Park, Anomabu Beach Resort, and attend performances at theatres and jazz clubs in this bustling West African capital.

Find out more about the program by viewing the Ghana Prezi.

Course: MUS 4326: Global Arts Study Abroad (4 credits) / MUS 5435: Global Arts Study Abroad (2 credits)

Program Dates: June 17 - July 2, 2024

Application Deadline: March 1 (Apply by February 1 for best consideration for scholarships)

For more information contact:

Mark Stone, Professor, World Music and International Studies
stone@oakland.edu
(248) 370-2044

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Program Overview

Students fly together as a group to Accra, the capital of Ghana, on the Atlantic coast of West Africa, and known for the Makola Market, vast colorful bazaar. Popular seafront spots Labadi Beach and Kokrobite Beach offer golden sand and high-energy nightlife.

For two weeks, students will live and learn at the Dagara Music Center, with days full of music lessons, dance, language, African history and song.  

Students will take excursions to the National Museum, National Theatre, and a jazz club. Students will travel to Cape Coast to tour the Cape Coast Castle.  A full day will be spent exploring Dagara Music Center at Kakum National Park. 

The group travel to Anomabu beach resort and enjoy the beautiful sandy beach and pristine blue waters. Followed by a tour to Cape Coast University.

The program culminates with a final performance and departure dinner.

Following the program, students return to Michigan from Ghana.

Academics

Requirements: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Students who don’t meet the GPA requirement may still be eligible and should speak with OU’s International Education Office prior to applying.

Course: MUS 4326: Global Arts Study Abroad (4 credits) / MUS 5435: Global Arts Study Abroad (2 credits)

The class meets regularly during Summer III for 4 weeks at Oakland University following a two-week study abroad in Ghana. The program is offered by the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at the Dagara Music Center. 

Courses are taught in English by OU faculty and instructors at Dagara Music Center.

At the center, located in Medie, north Accra, students receive daily instruction in the performing arts.

Housing and Food

Students will reside at the Dagara Music Center (link) in Accra. Housing is double occupancy in the center.

Students live, study, and rehearse on premises and eat at a the center—all meals are included. Wifi is available at the center and there is plenty of time for enjoying the nightlife in the city.

While on tour, the group will stay in double occupancy rooms in hotels and share meals at local restaurants.

Students may purchase meals independently at the many restaurants, cafes and bistros throughout the region. Favorite cuisine in Ghana are includes fufu (a mashed potato-like dish), banku (a fermented corn dough), kenkey (fermented corn and cassava dough), and waakye (rice and beans).

Cost

Tuition: 4 Credits

You will be charged for these credits on your eBill at your normal rate of tuition.

Program Fee: $4,000

To be paid to OU on our MarketPlace payment system and includes: airfare, housing and all meals, ground transportation and all excursions while in Ghana, and health insurance.

Additional Costs: $695

You will need additional funds for these expenses not covered by program fee. Amounts are estimated.
Incidental personal expenses: $200
Passport (if you don't have one): $175
Visa: $60
Yellow fever immunization: $200
Malaria pills: $60


Scholarships and Financial Aid: You are able to use financial aid to cover your full cost of attendance to this program (tuition, program fee and additional costs). Scholarships are also available through your study abroad application.