The Office of International Education and the School of Allied Health Professions are pleased to offer a unique opportunity for students to study child development and disability culture in Ghana, West Africa. Students have the opportunity to explore Ghanaian culture and history in several different areas, the Accra Region, the Volta Region, and Cape Coast. This program provides an ideal setting in which to explore the social issues facing Ghanaian children today. The program is suited for occupational therapy students or practicing occupational therapist. To download an application please click the following link: application and program description. For more information please email Stacey Reynolds at reynoldsse3@vcu.edu.
Child Development and Disability Culture in West Africa
1-3 graduate credits in Occupational Therapy
May 19 – June 2, 2009
Registration deadline: November 7, 2008
Course and Credit Options:
OCCT 691 Special Topics in Occupational Therapy
Course description: The focus of the course will be on understanding child development from the Ghanaian perspective and the challenges faced by children in developing countries. A special focus will be placed on children with disabilities and children who are disadvantaged by their family situation (e.g. orphans, street children). Participants will visit and volunteer at several orphanages and schools in the Central and Volta regions of Ghana as well as work with street children currently being served by the host organization, Sovereign Global Mission. While in the country, students will meet with and interview local leaders to gain a better understanding of the disability culture in this part of West Africa. They will also conduct needs assessments at several of the facilities; identifying barriers to health and development in the children at those facilities and suggesting realistic mechanisms for overcoming those obstacles.
Students will have assigned readings and assignments prior to the trip to Ghana. They will also attend (live or virtually) two pre-trip sessions which will review travel safety, course objectives and an introduction to Ghanaian culture. Upon return to the U.S., students will be responsible for working in teams to prepare a presentation (local, state or national level) on their trip and complete.
Program Cost: $3,055 + applicable VCU tuition
The program fee is $3,055 and includes the following:
• Accommodations
• Airfare
• Some meals
• Study visits and tours
• Ground transportation
• On-site Program Director support
• Application fee and deposit
• Pre-departure orientation
• VCU administrative fees
• International Student Identification Card
The following are NOT included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:
• VCU tuition and fees
• Most meals
• Passport application fee
• Visa fees
• Necessary vaccinations/medication
• Personal expenses during the program (estimated at $300)
• Anything not specifically mentioned above
Please budget for these additional expenses.
Tuition: Tuition is charged separately and additionally at standard VCU rates on your spring bill. Estimated costs, based on current tuition per credit, are as follows: graduate in-state, $498 (per 3 credit class: $1494); graduate out-of-state, $981.30 (per 3 credit class: $2,943.9).
Airfare: Round-trip airfare is included from Dulles International Airport to Accra, Ghana.
Payment of fees: The non-refundable registration fee of $250 is due upon registration. The balance of the program fee and the tuition costs (based on the number of credits taken) will be billed separately through VCU Student Accounting. (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)
Eligibility: In order to participate in this program, students must have taken OCCT 532 or a graduate level child development course.
Registration deadline: November 7, 2008. Applications will be accepted until the deadline or until participant space is full.
Activities and Excursions: Students will visit the SGM Children’s Center, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Independence Square, National Museum, Eugemot Orphanage, Accra Rehabilitation Centre, Cape Coast Castle, and the West Africa Historical Museum.
Accommodations and meals: While in the Accra Region, students will be housed at The President Hotel, and in the Volta Region, students will stay at the Hohoe Guest House. A few group dinners will be included in the program fee; however, students will be responsible for most of their meals.
Financial aid: Eligible VCU students may apply for need-based financial aid to participate in this program. Contact VCU Financial Aid, Ginter House, Room 110B; phone 828-6669; or email faidmail@vcu.edu. VCU offers its students a limited number of scholarships for study abroad participation. Contact VCU Education Abroad or see our website for further details.
Passports: If you have a passport, make sure it is valid for at least six months after your return date. If you do not have a passport, apply early because the processing time is up to eight weeks. For more information on how to apply for a passport, visit http://travel.state.gov
Program director: The program will be led by Dr. Stacey Reynolds from the VCU School of Allied Health Professions. She is currently working with the VCU Partnership for People with Disabilities and the VCU Head Start system. Dr. Reynolds volunteered at the Eugemot orphanage in the Volta Region in Ghana and visited the Osu Children’s Home and Eban House; she is familiar with Ghana most notably the Accra region.
Every effort is made to provide updated and accurate information at the time of publication. The sponsors reserve the right to make necessary changes to the programs and costs. The university reserves the right to revise or alter all fees, regulations pertaining to student fees, and fee collection procedures at any time.
