Students can now apply for a short-term study abroad trip to Africa for Summer 2014.

Leonard Gadzekpo, associate professor of Africana studies, takes students on an annual two-week study abroad program to Ghana. The program has been in place since 2002. This year’s trip lasts from June 12 to 28. The cost is $3,950 and offers undergraduate students six credit hours and graduate students three credit hours.

The cost of the trip covers airfare, travel visas, lodging expenses, ground transportation and food for the entire trip.

Gadzekpo said on top of the credit hours offered, the extensive itinerary allows students a bevy of opportunities. He said Ghana provides a unique perspective into all facets of African life.

“For one thing, Ghana is the first African country to gain its independence,” he said. “This study abroad program exposes students to African culture and allows students to experience international travel. Ghana has the largest concentration of slave castles than anywhere else in the world of the African diaspora. Also, students will become experienced in cultural literacy and gain skills in field work and research.”

Gadzekpo said students would be able to conduct interviews, go to cultural centers and talk to artisans on the trip. Students stay with host families for the duration.

The itinerary begins with a visit to the University of Ghana and includes visits to Kumasi, Elmina, Cape Coast and Takoradi.

Gadzekpo said the trip gives students insight into the international world.

“Leaving the trip, you will be prepared to deal with cultures and you will prove to yourself the ability to work and function outside of cultural norms,” he said. “You will understand the logistics of planning international travel and gain valuable academic research and field work.”

Former students have enjoyed the trip and said it opened their eyes to a world they had never seen before. Dela Amekporfor, a senior from Chicago studying speech communication, took the trip in 2011. He said he enjoyed it immensely.

“I think students should go to Ghana because it’s a different continent with different foods, culture, and lifestyle,” he said. “It is a beautiful country, and I really enjoyed my stay as part of the trip.”

To be eligible for the trip, students must first complete the Free Application for Student Aid and an application for the program online.

Once they register, students can either search for trips or choose the trip. Students are advised to contact financial aid beforehand to see if they have enough financial aid left. If so, the student’s bursar is then billed with the charges.

The study abroad program offers two scholarships to help fund the trip. The first one is a general scholarship of $500. To qualify, students must have at least a 2.5 GPA and enrolled for six credit hours minimum. The second scholarship is $1,000 and students must have at least a 2.75 to qualify. External scholarships are available online.

Amekporfor said the trip broadened his view of the world and anyone with a keen interest of the world should jump at the opportunity.

“I learned about the people and their views on freedom and Western culture,” he said. “I learned about the issue of change from both the traditional and contemporary view of things. Going to Ghana really helped me open my mind, and allowed me to view everything I do now from a larger prospective. I suggest anyone that’s open to leaving their comfort zone for two weeks to go on this trip.”

Kia Smith can be reached at [email protected] on Twitter @ KiaSmith__ or 536-3311 ext 268.