Student Research & Cultural Exchange — Ghana

Hands-on learning in West Africa: heritage, culture, research, and service.

Who Can Join

Target Groups: High schools (grades 9-12), universities (undergrad/grad), youth groups, study-abroad clubs.
Ideal Group Size: 15-25 students + chaperones.
Chaperone Ratio: HS 1:10, University 1:12 (1 faculty/group leader comped—see pricing).
Eligibility: Good academic standing; willingness to engage respectfully across cultures.

Program Options

7 Days

7Days

Cultural & Heritage Focus (best for HS spring/short breaks)

10 Days

Exchange + Service (balanced research/visit mix)

14 Days

Research Intensive (capstone, university credit-friendly)

Itinerary

Arrive Accra, welcome brief + safety orientation

Accra city: W.E.B. Du Bois, Independence Square, market walk

Cape Coast Castle & Reflection at the Door of No Return

Elmina Castle + Kakum Canopy Walk

School exchange in Central Region (classroom shadowing)

Service project + cultural workshop (drumming/dance)

Depart (craft market stop)

10D: Exchange + Service (As above + 3 days of structured exchange/service and a Kumasi craft-villages day)
14D: Research Intensive (10D + 3–4 research days: interview prep, field visits, mini-presentations; optional Pikworo Slave Camp or Salaga Slave Market extension)

Places to Visit

Accra

Du Bois Centre, National Museum, Jamestown, markets

Cape Coast & Elmina

Castles, Assin Manso Slave River, beach reflections

Kakum

Rainforest canopy walk, ecology talk

Kumasi (Ashanti)

Manhyia Palace Museum, Bonwire Kente, Ntonso Adinkra

Volta Region (optional)

Wli Falls, Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary

Northern Option (extension)

Pikworo Slave Camp (near Paga) or Salaga Slave Market

Safety & Support (Student-First Safety)

Vetted buses/drivers, 24/7 on-ground support, daily briefings.
Hospital/clinic proximity planned into routes.
Buddy system, hydration/rest stops, cultural etiquette guide.

Documents: Passport (6+ months), Ghana visa, Yellow Fever certificate, travel insurance. (Consult your healthcare provider for medical advice.)

Pricing (Land-Only, per student)

High School (HS)

Flights separate; based on standard hotels, private coach, tours, entrances, most breakfasts + group dinners.

Program	15-19 students	20-25 students
7 Days	$1,450	$1,350
10 Days	$1,950	$1,750
14 Days	$2,650	$2,450

HS Inclusions: 1 teacher/chaperone free per 10 paying; extra chaperones at student rate.

University

Program	15-19 students	20-25 students
7 Days	$1,350	$1,250
10 Days	$1,850	$1,650
14 Days	$2,450	$2,250

University Inclusions: 1 faculty leader at 50% off per 15 paying; custom academic components.

Deposit: $200 per student (non-refundable). Balance: 60 days before departure.

Customizations: dorm-style or eco-lodge upgrades; extra research days; flight coordination advisory.

What's Included

Airport transfers & private coach; 3★ student-friendly hotels (twin/triple)
Daily breakfast + selected dinners; purified water on bus
All listed entrances, guides, exchange/service coordination
Program leader + local facilitators; pre-departure briefing pack
Certificate of Completion (research/service hours)

What's Not Included

International flights; visas; travel insurance; lunches & some dinners; personal expenses