Ghana: Internships in African Industries

*Applicants to this program are eligible to apply for the Rusty Johnson Scholarship for Study and Internships in Africa which provides full funding*

This 6-week internship program is designed to allow students to immerse themselves in an industry-specific business environment, gaining useful skills, while at the same time experiencing Ghanaian culture in an authentic way. Students will receive academic credit for their internships as as BEM 391. Global Business Studies (3h).

The African continent is a compelling location for a study abroad internship experience. Students will be exposed to unique learning opportunities that will prepare them for living and working in a globalized world. A few important factors that lead many experts to say that “Africa is the Future” include:

• Demographic advantage stemming from a youthful population 
• Untapped market potential
• Ecosystem of entrepreneurship
• Technology – leapfrogging and mobile penetration
• Expanding consumer market and a growing middle class

Accra, Ghana

WFU/Ghana: Internships in African Industries
BEM 391. Global Business Studies (3h)

Organizations across Africa are seeking international talent to bridge the skill gap within the continent and to redefine African business. As such, Wake Forest, Hilltop Global Group, and local Ghanaian companies are partnering on this 6-week internship program to provide opportunities for undergraduate students, from various academic backgrounds, to immerse themselves in an internship based in Accra, Ghana. Through industry-focused internships, companies will provide students with direct work experience in a dynamic learning environment and a fascinating cultural paradigm. This program seeks to merge both the academic and career aspirations of young people interested in development and the cultural landscape of Ghana which underpins the country’s growth. Students will have the opportunity to select their preferred organization according to their academic backgrounds and future career aspirations. Examples of internship placements include:

• Maverick Research (Data Analytics)
• Interactive Digital (Digital Marketing)
• Kola Markets (Marketing and Finance)
• Farmerline (Agro Tech)
• Fastcare Clinics (Medical)
• Ndako Properties (Real Estate)
• Jamestown Cafe Portfolio Companies (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods)
• Hubtel (Fintech)
• and more….

Students will receive academic credit for their internships as as either BEM 391. Global Business Studies (3h).

Students will live in a hotel in the Osu area. This neighborhood is at the hear of the city of Accra. There are malls, convenience stores, and other shopping outlets within easy walking distance. 

NOTE: All students participating in the WFU/Ghana: Internships in African Industries program are required to live in program-provided housing. Housing accommodations students may have on campus do not automatically transfer to abroad and certain housing accommodations (single rooms and private bathrooms, for example) may not be available.

Potential excursions and cultural activities include: Guided tour of Accra City, visit to Cape Coast, traditional dance performance, batik making, etc.

• 2.0 minimum GPA
• Good Academic Standing
• Interest in subject matter
• Background and experience for internship

The total cost of summer study abroad can be broken down into four categories:

• Program Fee – Usually covers room, in-country travel, excursions, some meals and other costs associated with the program.
• Tuition – Students on WFU summer programs pay WFU summer school tuition per credit hour. The summer rate for 2024 was $950/per credit hour. You could expect a slight increase for 2025. 
• Airfare (estimated) – Varies per location. Students are responsible for their own airfare unless otherwise noted.
• Personal Expenses (estimated) – These will vary depending on the students’ spending habits, cost of living in the destination country, and the number of meals included in the program fee. This may also include visa fees, vaccinations, academic supplies/books and other miscellaneous daily expenses.

Program Fee (estimated) – $7,600
Tuition (3 hrs) – $2,850
Airfare (estimated) – $2,500
Personal Expenses (estimated) – $2,200
Estimated total cost – $15,150

Applicants to this program are also eligible to apply for the Rusty Johnson Scholarship for Study and Internships in Africa which provides full funding. Additional scholarships are available through the Center for Global Programs and Studies.

Passport Information
Students need to check their passport’s expiration date and ensure that it will be valid for at least 6 months after the program’s end date.

Students going on a summer program need to make sure their passport is valid through at least mid-February of the following year.

US passport holders who need to renew their passport should visit the U.S. Department of State’s passport website for information on this process.

Non-US passport holders who need to renew their passport should refer to their home country’s passport office.

Visa Information
All students attending this program must have a Ghanaian Student Visa in order to study in Ghana, unless the student holds a passport from Ghana, an ECOWAS Member State, or other exempt country. Visa application details will be shared with you by GPS. The earliest time to apply for your Ghanaian visa is 3 months (90 days) before the program’s start-date. The average visa processing time is 2-4 weeks. 

Yellow Vaccine Requirement
You must have your Yellow Fever Vaccination in order to apply for your Ghanaian visa. Contact the WFU Travel Clinic Nurse or other provider in order to schedule your appointment. It is recommended that receive your vaccination 8-12 weeks prior to travel. However,  4-6 weeks prior to travel will generally suffice.

Janice Claybrook
Associate Director of Global Study Away: Operations & Strategic Initiatives
336.758.2561
claybrjw@wfu.edu 

Tyler Favale
Study Abroad Advisor
Center for Global Programs and Studies
(336) 758-4072
favalet@wfu.edu