Office of International Education and Development

Program Dates: May 12, 2024 - May 26, 2024

About the Program

 Join us as we explore the West African country of Ghana through the lens of leadership: past, present, and future. This tour aims to expose students to a wide range of current and historical topics related to leadership, considering the lingering impacts of the transatlantic slave trade and Ghana's post-colonial leadership. From the slave markets and the UNESCO World Heritage slave castles to various colonial monuments, and service opportunities, students will leave with a comprehensive understanding of Ghana's past, present, and future.

Highlights:

--Stand at the point of no return in Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where thousands of captive slaves passed through on their journeys to the Americas.
--Experience a bath of atonement in the Assin Manso slave river
--Search for elephants, baboons, warthogs, and more in Mole National Park
--Explore Accra, the bustling capital of Ghana
--Walk the rope bridges in the canopy of Kakum National Park
--Visit with world-class scholars and leaders across the country doing great work impacting the nation

This experience will help to create new understandings of the African continent, Ghana, and the diverse people across the nation. It will prove to be an emotional and fulfilling journey of discovery, not just of a developing nation, but personal exploration as well.

Location

Ghana is listed as one of the safest countries on the African continent. With over 33 million inhabitants, Ghana is the 2nd most populous nation in West Africa. Our tour starts and ends in Accra, the bustling capital and largest city in Ghana. The seat of the Ghanaian government, cultural, and business center of the country, Accra is a busy metropolis. Tamale is the capital of the Northern Region and serves as a cultural and ecomomic center. Branching out from here we explore rural areas and sites in Paga, Bolgatanga, Salaga, and Mole National Park. Journeying to the south we visit Kumasi and surrounding villages before arriving on the southern most coast in Elmina and Cape Coast.

Academics

Faculty Leaders

Dr. Lamont Sellers

Director, Intercultural Student Affairs

sellersla@appstate.edu

 Dr. Lamont Sellers has served as Director of the Office of Intercultural Student Affairs at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, since July 2020. Before joining AppState, he served as the inaugural Director of the Center for Diversity and Community and Executive Diversity Officer at the University of South Dakota. Sellers was featured at TEDx USD in September 2018 with his talk “Diversity & Inclusion: Talking Change, Making Change.” He has served in DEI spaces at the University of Denver, Misericordia University, Regent University, University of South Dakota, and Appalachian State University during his 20-year career in higher education. With degrees from Shaw University (BA, Secondary Mathematics Education), University of Denver (MA, Higher Education Administration), and University of South Dakota (EdD, Educational Leadership: Adult & Higher Education) and numerous certifications, Sellers has been working to educate and continue the conversations that lead to justice, liberation, and change.

Clarinda Choice

Academic Advisor, Intercultural Student Affairs

choicec@appstate.edu

Clarinda Choice is an experienced professional in higher education with over 12 years of dedicated service. Currently serving as an Academic Advisor in University College at Appalachian State University, she brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for fostering inclusive environments. Clarinda holds a BA in Communication from Eckerd College, as well as a M.Ed in Student Personnel in Higher Education from the University of Florida. Her educational background laid the foundation for a career marked by a commitment to social justice, connecting people to place, and creating spaces where individuals with minoritized identities can flourish. Prior to her current role, Clarinda contributed through positions in Intercultural Student Affairs, Leadership Studies, and Campus Activities at Appalachian State University. She has also served in positions at the University of Delaware and Santa Fe College. Clarinda is deeply passionate about mentoring students, creating community among diverse populations, uplifting minoritized voices, and empowering individuals to pursue their goals and talents. She actively advocates for self-care and enjoys traveling, art, meditation, and spending quality time with her loved ones.

Program Cost: $4,620

Program cost includes airfare, most meals, and lodging.  All fees associated with tourist site visits and activities.

Please note - Students are responsible for the total program cost upon submitting the application and deposit. Refunds are contingent upon meeting the minimum enrollment of the program. If a student decides to withdraw before departure, that student may be eligible for a refund if the program has met minimum enrollment and is therefore viable. 

Non-billable costs are estimates only and will be affected by personal spending habits, currency fluctuations, etc. Prices listed in USD unless otherwise noted.  Students are encouraged to start planning for their study abroad program costs well in advance. 

Appalachian reserves the right to cancel or alter the program format or to change costs in case of conditions beyond the university's control.  Further details about Appalachian's withdrawal/cancellation policy can be found at this link.

Application Process

1. In order to apply for this program, you will need to contact one of the program leaders and provide your Banner ID and email address. Program leaders may request additional information or a meeting to discuss the details of the program and your interest.
2. When permission to apply for the program is granted, you will receive an email from your program leader with instructions to apply.
3. Apply to the program following the instructions from the program leader.
4. Print, sign and drop off your application at the Office of International Education and Development at Plemmons Student Union (PSU), Suite 321 ( 3rd floor), 263 Locust Street Boone, NC 28608. Your application will be considered complete when you have submitted your digital application, paid the $300 deposit, and dropped off your printed and signed application. The fee cannot be paid until it appears on your student account. Please note that it may take 2–3 business days for it to post to your account. You will receive an email with Instructions for paying the deposit fee. Instructions can also be found in the application.