APPLICATION DETAILS:
Priority Application Deadline:
March 3, 2024
FINAL Extended Deadline:
March 20, 2024
Please note: This program is only open to graduate students. Applications will continue to be accepted for this program until it fills.
Development and Security Dynamics in
Contemporary Ghana
Course Number: GLOB1-GC 3010 (3-credits) – listed under Ghana: A Case Study in Development
Term: Summer 2024: Session 1
Location: Ghana – Accra
Program Dates: June 2 – June 15 (students must arrive by June 2 – depart on June 15)
NY Based Pre-departure course sessions (REQUIRED):
May & June sessions (dates TBA)
CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO INFO SESSION
Instructor: Dr. Jumo Ayandele
Degree Requirement: This course is a 3-credit course elective or concentration course within the MS in Global Affairs program. With the approval of the department, this course may count as an elective for the MSGSCC. Non-SPS Global Affairs students must consult with their individual academic programs for approval.
Registration for program: All students must apply for this program using the online application form and with the submission of a personal statement uploaded to the form. The personal statement should address the following: “In 500 words, please explain why you would like to go on the GFI, what questions/issues you’re interested in, and how the GFI relates to your academic and/or professional goals.” Accepted students will be registered by the department.
Documents: A valid passport is required for entry. General info about visa requirements can be found below, but more specific guidance will be provided by the department and the NYU Office of Global Services.
Entrance to Ghana: All visitors entering Ghana must have valid entry visas or, in the case of Commonwealth nationals, entry permits issued by a Ghana diplomatic mission or consulate abroad or any other visa issuing authority mandated by the Ghana Government to act on its behalf. (ECOWAS nationals and those of other countries with which the Government of Ghana has specific bilateral agreements, are exempted).
Program Overview:
Embark on a profound exploration of development and security dynamics in the context of Ghana, a nation emblematic of intricate transformations in economic, political, environmental, social, and cultural spheres. As the pioneering sub-Saharan African nation to achieve independence, Ghana’s historical trajectory mirrors the broader narrative of the continent’s quest for autonomy. From initial promises to periods of political upheaval and economic challenges, Ghana has emerged as a key player in Africa’s ongoing renaissance, navigating the complex interplay between development and security. This course comprises two segments: pre-departure sessions in New York and on-site sessions in Ghana. Prior to departure, students will delve into development issues, African history, and Ghana’s unique context, with a specific focus on security dynamics. In New York, they will initiate research projects, preparing for individual fieldwork that integrates both development and security perspectives. Upon arriving in Ghana, the class will engage with officials, academics, and civil society leaders, visiting diverse development and security projects across the capital region and rural areas. The course offers a firsthand experience of field research, emphasizing individual interviews and immersive engagement with the Ghanaian community. Designed to illuminate the challenges and synergies between development and security, this course provides students with theoretical insights and practical skills. The curriculum involves meetings, visits, and research projects, introducing students to the field research experience.
Site visits and briefings may include:
- Lectures at NYU Accra
- Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-Ghana)
- Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG)
- CEO Farmerline
- Mansa Gold
- Market Tour
- University of Ghana Legon
- KAIPTC
- UNDP and World Bank Offices
- Gold Mining visit in Kumasi Overnight trip: Kakum National Park, Elmina, Cape Coast Castle Tour
Trip Leader:
Dr. Olajumoke (Jumo) Ayandele is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Practice at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs. She also serves as the Senior Nigeria Advisor for the Armed Conflict and Location & Event Data Project (ACLED). Prior to assuming her current role, Dr. Ayandele was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at NYU’s Center for the Study of Africa and the African Diaspora (CSAAD) and a Non-Resident Fellow at the Center for Global Affairs.
Dr. Ayandele’s research interests revolve around comprehending the dynamic relationship and intersection between African governance, human development, and political stability. Her research has earned her numerous awards and grants, including visiting research fellowships at the National Defence College, Abuja, and the Center for International Studies (CERI) at the Institut d’études politiques de Paris (Sciences Po). A distinguished African Security Scholar, Dr. Ayandele maintains collaborative partnerships with international and regional decision-makers, as well as governmental institutions, to advance human security initiatives and programs that contribute to a peaceful and secure Africa.
Dr. Ayandele is a member of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) Global Research Network and also holds membership in the Effectiveness Peace Operations Network (EPON). She holds a Ph.D. in Global Affairs from Rutgers – The State University of New Jersey, an M.P.A. in International Development Policy and Management, and a B.A. in Economics (Hons.), both from New York University.
Basic Itinerary:
- June 2: Arrival in Accra
- June 3 – June 14: various visits and lectures in and around Accra + 2 overnight excursions – Cape Coast, Kakum, Elmina Slave fort and Kumasi area for gold mining visit
- June 15: Departure day from Accra
Program Costs: Tuition, registration & service fees,
& Program fee
Tuition: Cost of 3-credit tuition (at the slightly reduced summer tuition rate of $2000 per credit). Students will be eligible to be made half-time equivalent in order to take advantage of financial aid.
*Normal Registration & Service Fees Apply to this tuition
Program Fee: $1,832 (shared double room); single rooms may be available for an additional fee.
The program fee includes the following:
- Lodging and Transportation in-country (airport transfers to and from the hotel are not included)
- All meetings and guest lectures
- Multiple local and regional site visits and cultural excursions
- Geoblue travel health insurance
- All breakfasts, most lunches, 2 group dinners
NOT Included
- Airfare, passport and visa fees as needed, personal items such as wines, liquors, laundry services, dinners (other than those specified in the program), special arrangements before or after the program, and other items not specifically mentioned as included. Insurance for trip cancellation, flight cancellation, luggage loss or damage, medical and accident is not included but is strongly recommended.
Other Travel Details:
Lodging/Accommodations: Students will stay at the Lancaster Hotel in Accra.
Booking Flights – Arrive: Accra (on Sunday, June 2); Depart: Accra on Saturday, June 15)
Student participants will be responsible for booking flights to and from the GFI entry and departure cities. Students should plan to arrive in Accra on Sunday, June 2nd (at the latest). Students will depart from Accra on Saturday, June 15 (program officially ends on Friday, June 14th). More information will be provided upon your registration.
Program cancellations must be made in writing and may result in full forfeiture of the program fee. To protect yourself, we recommend that you purchase flight cancellation insurance.