What is Ghana like?

Ghana is a rapidly developing country, and the first formal African colony to gain independence: March 1957. The culture is fantastically rich and a mix of ethnic groups and religions, e.g., Fante, Asante, Ga-Dangambe, Ewe, and religions, e.g., Christianity (vast majority), Islam, and African Traditional Religion.  Coastal Ghana (called the gold coast due to the medieval Asante production and export of gold) first interacted with Europeans, the Portuguese, in the late 15th century and Elmina (the mine) became a major trading post, eventually renowned for the export of slaves. It changed hands several times: Portuguese, Dutch, & British.

Ghanaian peoples are known for their warmth and pride in their rich and complex history. Although the country endured several military coups and rulers between 1966 and 1992 and economic hard times in the 1970s and 1980s, it now has a burgeoning economy and free elections of presidents. The President since 2001 is John Kufuor.

Cost of the Trip/Course?

The cost is $2175 which icludes airfare, lodging, ground transportation in Ghana, and the fees for lecturers/performers: 65% of the cost is airfare. With an additional $120 you can cover your own food expenses. If you want to purchase gifts for friends & relatives, splurge on nightlife, then take more. There are few ATMs in Ghana so take cash. Also, the only credit card accepted-rarely- is VISA.

Is there College Credit?

Yes. You receive & must pay for 3 s.h. ($545) and register for ALS/Hist 219 Africa since 1800 or ALS 251 Pan Africanism. OSC students may register and receive 3 sh for ALS 294: Development Studies in West Africa for no extra charge on their Spring 2008 course load.

Do I need a visa?

Yes. Everyone needs a valid passport (any country) and a visa (unless you are a citizen of an ECOWAS/West African country). If you do not have a current, valid passport, then get one immediately. It can take 6 weeks to obtain a U.S. passport and "rush" jobs--2/3 wks cost lots more. A Ghanaian visa costs $50. The ALS office will send your applications & passports in en masse mid November, if you choose.

Insurance?

You are required to purchase SUNY Insurance for students traveling & studying overseas. It covers medical evacuation in the case of emergencies. It costs approximately $75.

Vaccinations and/or Special medical needs?

*All visitors are required to obtain a yellow fever innoculation. This costs $70-85 at U.S. Public Health Offices or some hospitals in NYC: Bronx Lebanon,  Montifiore Hospital.  It is much costlier when provided by local or individual doctors.

*Everyone needs to  take anti-malarial tablets. The SUNY Oneonta Health Center will give you Doxycycline. Your doctor may issue a prescription for Malarone (few side effects) or Mefloquine (more side effects). There are Artemisin tablets available in Ghanaian pharmacies for under $5. Many Ghanaians take these as they are very effective for cases of malaria.

*If you have any special medical conditions, e.g., diabetes, please notify me. Quite adequate public and university hospitals are close to us & our itinerary most of the time.

Cellphones & Internet?

*Cellphone service is available, but spotty. A bit like upstate New York. You should only bring an unlocked phone (e.g., T-Mobile, Cingular sometimes) and a Tri-Band GSM phone if you intend to phone the USA. Text Messaging often works when getting calls through will not. Unlocked phones are available (often used & cheap) at cell phone sites on the web. Then, in Ghana you need to buy  a local (Areeba) SIM card to put in the cell you bring. That's the cheapest.

* Internet is available, especially on campuses, in hotels, and at internet cafes. Since time is tight, internet use is truly occasional.

What is lodging like?

Lodging on campuses & city hotels is quite good and consists almost entirely of two-bed double rooms with bath. Most places are air conditioned, though power outages occasionally occur.

Trip cancellation?

The major cost is airfare and everyone must pay a down payment of $1250 by October 1, 2007 to secure the plane seat. This is not returnable or transferable, though if you cannot go you may rewrite the ticket for somewhere else for a fee. $150? The cost of the trip is based on 14 students. If you cancel by Nov 15, 2007 only $300 will be returned (part of lodging).