Boundless Horizons
African and Global Development Field Studies in Ghana
Information last updated: September 15, 2026
Subject to change.
A rich tapestry of culture
Immerse yourself in Ghanaian culture, history, and social dynamics.
As one of the first sub-Saharan African nations to gain independence, Ghana offers profound insights into African history and resilience. This program will immerse you in urban and rural communities where you will witness first-hand the development challenges and resulting grassroots innovations that have contributed towards Ghana’s societal growth.
In the pre-departure phase, you will come together with your classmates and instructors for introductory classes in Calgary, designed to give students from all academic areas the necessary background knowledge and research skills. You will then travel to Accra for three weeks of fieldwork. Engaging with local students, professors, NGOs, and community leaders, you will experience local traditions and ways of life. You will critically examine the ethical dimensions of development, grappling with questions of power dynamics, cultural sensitivity, and social justice. Documenting your learning journey, you will find by the end of this program that you have gained deep cultural awareness as well as personal and intellectual growth.
Students in Accra for the 2026 Global Classroom.
Meet your instructors
Dr. Caesar Apentiik, PhD
Dr. Caesar Apentiik is a professor in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Calgary. His areas of teaching and research cut across several disciplines and include African and Diaspora Studies, Development Studies, Environmental Studies, Indigenous Studies, and Anthropology. Dr. Apentiik’s approach to both research and teaching is grounded in anti-oppressive frameworks and methodologies, aims to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression, and as such prioritize equity, diversity, and inclusion, resulting in learning environments that empower students and researched communities. His leadership has been instrumental in providing students with invaluable exposure to real-world development and environmental challenges, ensuring they gain practical experience that enhances their academic and professional growth.
Dr. Motilola Akinfemisoye-Adejare, PhD
Dr. Motilola Akinfemisoye-Adejare teaches courses in the African Studies program in the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology. Before joining the University of Calgary, Akinfemisoye-Adejare taught both theoretical and practical broadcast courses in the Media Studies department at the University of Botswana for five years. She is an Africanist scholar focused on the intersection of popular media, politics, journalism and technology in Africa, and has published in these areas. She also particularly interested in the representation of women politicians in Africa and what these might mean for their inclusion (or not) in governance.
Important dates
Questions?
My time in Ghana was as much an exploration of myself as of the world outside. Over three weeks, I got the opportunity to practically apply the research skills and theories I learned in class as a social and cultural anthropology major. It inspired me to take a moment to look at my goals for the future, and the experience will resonate throughout my life and continue to make a positive difference.
Dalsher Singh Virk, 2025 program participant
Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, Faculty of Arts
Upcoming program info sessions
Courses
Please note: course descriptions are tentative and subject to change.
Students in this program are required to enroll in two courses:
- AFTS 400 — Building Sustainable Futures: Community Development Theory and Practice Inside Out (6 Units)
- DEST 401 — African Field Studies: Ethnographic Narratives Across Ghana (3 Units)
Questions about these courses should be directed to the program instructor.
Itinerary
Travel can be unpredictable. Global Classroom travel itineraries are tentative and subject to change, including while in the field.
- Mar. 26: Pre-departure and group dynamics
- May 3–7: Lectures and assignments
- May 13: Leave Calgary for Accra
- May 14, Accra: Arrive in Accra and settle into hotel
- May 15, Accra: Orientation, site visits — Christiansburg Castle, Black Star Square, Kwame Nkurmah Memorial
- May 16, Accra: Tour of old Accra and Cultural and Arts Centre
- May 17, Tamale: Travel to Tamale, tour of historic sites
- May 18, Tamale: Guest lecture, safari field trip
- May 19, Bolga: Travel to Bolga, lecture and debrief
- May 20, Bolga: Visit Tonga Sacred Shrine (UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site)
- May 21, Bolga: Visit Ton Irrigation Project, reflection and personal time
- May 22, Kandiga: Travel to Kandiga, engagement with local experts and communities
- May 23, Bolga: Independent research projects, engagement with local experts and communities
- May 24, Kumasi: Travel to Kumasi, lecture and engagement with local experts and communities
- May 25, Kumasi: Visit Kumasi Central Market, Palace Museum, lectures
- May 26, Kumasi: Visit art centre, weaving and craft village at Bonwire, engagement with local experts and communities
- May 27, Accra: Travel to Accra, debriefing
- May 28, Accra: Individual research time
- May 29, Accra: Day trip to Cape Coast, Elmina Castle
- May 30, Accra: Individual research time
- May 31, Accra: Visit Art Centre
- June 1, Accra: Finish final assignments
- June 2, Accra: Free day
- June 3, Accra: Depart for Calgary
Accommodation
Accommodations throughout the program will be in hotels. These will be safe, clean, student-appropriate, and vetted by the program instructors. Rooms will likely be shared, with two students per room in separate beds.
Cost
The estimated cost of the Boundless Horizons Global Classroom includes tuition for 9 units (one 3 unit course + one 6 unit course), airfare, field trips, local transportation, accommodations, and meals. The program cost is $9,775.
For the full cost breakdown and payment deadlines, please see the program Student Cost Summary.
Important information regarding deposit payments: Deposits are non-refundable. Deposits secure your space in the program and allows payment for logistical arrangements to be made in advance.
Eligibility
This program is open to students from all faculties.
Open Studies students are are not eligible for this program due to the limits in number of units allowed for the Spring/Summer term.
FAQ
Please ensure that you have read the Global Classroom FAQ thoroughly before applying.
Students require Yellow Fever vaccinations before they can apply for a visa for this trip.
Funding
This is a UCalgary course so you can apply for any awards and scholarships you are eligible to receive from the university, as well as student loans.
There are also several Global Experiences awards you can apply for, including the Global Access Fund and the Global Learning Award.
How to apply
All applications require a written application (completed online), supplementary form, and an unofficial transcript.
Applications will be considered after your online application and supplementary documents have been received in full.
The online application asks you questions about how the program will meet your goals (academic reasons, personal interest, career prospects, etc.), how you plan to finance your program, and coping skills for travelling abroad. These questions are designed to help narrow down your motivation for applying, and why you should be selected.
Upload your unofficial transcript when you complete your online application.
Meet your advisor
Lynn Dittmer
Lynn draws from 15+ years of supporting students in their career development and engaging her own education to continuously explore and co-create, with students, ways to foster their career readiness. She loves assisting students in discovering and engaging opportunities where they can tap into more of their potential, grow it, and thrive in ways that they might have not yet even imagined. An avid explorer, Lynn enjoys nature sports (particularly in the mountains), new cultural experiences and immersing in different forms of dance.
