This information will help you plan before you leave for your Study Abroad Experience

Arrival

The Centre for International Education (CIE) will be available to meet exchange students at the airport upon arrival. In order to receive an airport greeting, you must submit a completed Arrival Information Form to CIE at least two weeks prior to your arrival. You are advised to email or phone the office to verify receipt of your arrival information. Upon your exit from the airport, you may encounter a number of individuals offering to help you by carrying your baggage. Do not allow anyone you do not know to carry your baggage. A UCC official should be at the airport awaiting your arrival if you sent your arrival confirmation form in as directed.

If for some reason you do not locate a UCC official upon exiting the airport, you should get a taxi to the University of Cape Coast Guest House in Tesano. The cost for a taxi to the Tesano Guest House will be around GH₵25.00 or $8.00 USD. You should change money at the airport near the baggage claim area. You will want to have the local currency, Ghana Cedis, on you when you exit the airport. It is recommended that you exchange only cash at the airport. Traveler’s checks will get you a much lower rate of exchange. While the airport is not the best rate of exchange, you will need some cash for your first day or so in Ghana. Most places in Ghana expect to be paid in cash. Credit cards are used in only a few up-scale places.

Introduction to Fante

You can also learn more from Nkyea, Ghana: Important Phrases But don't worry as you will have some language lessons on your arrival.

Local merchants and other members of the community will show great appreciation for your interest in learning the language.

It is also important that you learn about the current events happening in Ghana. Knowledge about current events will be useful when you are engaged in conversation with others. Read newspapers and visit the Ghanaian Embassy website at www.ghana-embassy.org for additional information.

Other websites where you can find valuable information include: Ghanaweb or Joy Online. The most widely read newspaper in Ghana is called the Daily Graphic.
You can access articles from this paper on the web.

Visa

You must apply for a visa for entry into Ghana. In order to apply for your visa to Ghana, you must have an official letter of acceptance from the University of Cape Coast. Visit the Ghanaian Embassy website for details on applying for a visa at www.ghana-embassy.org. Carefully review the application process and requirements. The Ghanaian Embassy does request that you send 4 signed copies of your visa application with 4 passport-size photos.

You are required to send your original passport in the mail. It is advisable for you to send your materials through a reputable mail service that offers a system for tracking your package. Remember to provide a return envelope so that your passport is returned using the same service. Once you have entered Ghana, if you would like to leave for a short trip and re-enter, you will need to get permission from immigration.

There is a drop-in or appointment service available at the Centre for International Education for students who wish to get additional information on how to extend their visas or resident permits. Alternatively, it is advisable to start with a multi-entry visa if you know you will be traveling outside of Ghana during your semester study.