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Study Abroad at the Human Factor Leadership Academy

As part of your school’s internship or study abroad program, you will be placed directly into the culture of a developing country to gain a deeper understanding of the problems of underdevelopment experienced by the local community and what they can do to improve their own quality of life.

At the Human Factor Leadership Academy, you will be involved in group discussions, presentations, cultural tours and travel, which will help you discover first-hand how developing nations work to chart a more productive direction for future generations.

Your duties will involve participation in various seminars regarding leadership in the international development industry, microenterprise, microfinance, and local government. You will also have the opportunity to work with and teach local children knowledge, skills, and faith-related concepts.

Field Trips: A Chance to Grow & Explore

During your internship/study abroad period, you will be involved in four to five experiential field trip activities that provide an intimate view of the local area, as well as provide opportunities to engage with and learn from your peers. Field trips may include:

  • Keta: See a destroyed slave castle; Senyo’s elementary and middle schools; the cathedral in which Senyo attended Catholic church service; and other sites. Gain first-hand knowledge about how a naturally devastated area is being rebuilt through the efforts of the people, working hand-in-hand with their local and national government.
  • The Akosombo Dam and the Volta Lake: This is the largest hydroelectric project in Ghana. It was built in the 1960s and provides Ghana and other West African countries with electricity.
  • Castles of Ghana: Built first as residences and then used as fortresses for slavery. Includes Cape Coast Castle (1555), Elmina Castle (1486), Christianborg Castle (1657).
  • Dudu: A visit to the fishing village, Dudu, where Senyo Adjibolosoo grew up, plus Vui, the small town where Senyo’s mother lives.
  • University of Ghana: Visit Senyo’s dorm room at Commonwealth Hall. Time allowing, we may also drive through the University of Cape Coast when we go to visit the Cape Coast Slave Castle.
  • Kakum National Park: Experience a suspension bridge in Cape Coast in the tropical rain forest.
  • Canoe Ride on Lotor: Visit a fledgling bird sanctuary in dugout canoes.
  • Aflao Beach: Explore border beach town between Ghana and Togo.
  • Wlui Water Falls: Visit a natural waterfall and enjoy the fresh cool water.
  • Ghana’s National Park (Brong Ahafo Region or Northern Region of Ghana): This trip will lead you through one of the most ancient cities (i.e., the seat of the Ashanti nation) in Ghana. The Ashantis were one of the most powerful nation states in Africa.

Costs & Schedule

The culture and events you will experience during your 10-day visit to Ghana will be unforgettable. The IIHFD’s Ghana Experiential Learning Abroad and Internship Programs are designed to take place three times per year to coincide with the time periods when HFLA students are in session:

  1. Summer Session: May – July
  2. Fall Session: September – December
  3. Winter/Spring Session: January – May

You will be responsible for purchasing your own airfare. Costs may differ between sessions, due to differences in the airfare prices. However, early booking may result in a slight reduction in the estimated fee. The total cost as well as the specific time period for each of the sessions will be determined and posted on the IIHFD website for each year.

The following is included in the estimated costs:

  • In-country transportation regarding program activities
  • Room & board
  • In-country fees: touristic events, visits to places of interests, and other meals

NOTE: Not included in the trip amount is your visitor’s visa fee. You can find information on the visa fee in advance at the website of the Ghana embassy at the following locations:

Total trip cost will be determined and posted annually.