Roots & Routes Unveiled: Tracing Ghana and Togo’s Revolutionary Legacy from the Gold Coast to Global Innovation

Two semesters (Spring FIU & Summer abroad), 21 days, 4 cities

$4,950 (airfare not included) | Payments as low as $2,225

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   Structure: Two Semesters

   Activity Level: Moderate
Travel Portion:

2026:
Start
: Monday, May 18

End: Sunday, June 7
Price (airfare not included): $4,950


The 2026 Honors College Ghana-Togo study abroad program has been canceled due to low enrollment. 
We encourage you to review our available
2026 Honors College Study Abroad programs.

We hope to offer the program again in 2027. 
The 2027 Honors College Study Abroad Application will open in Fall 2026.

Overview

Program Overview

This course, designed as both a Global Learning and interdisciplinary experience, fulfills your
This course will prepare students for an immersive, multi-city educational and service-learning adventure through Ghana, where they will embark on a transformative journey through the nation's rich history, vibrant culture, and commitment to community development. From bustling cities to serene villages, students will delve into Ghana's customs, laws, and tribal ritual before traveling across the country. They will engage directly with historical sites, cultural traditions, and local communities, gaining an in-depth understanding of Ghana's past, present, and future. Through dynamic lectures, hands-on workshops, guided excursions, and impactful service projects, participants will deepen their appreciation for African history, culture, and the challenges and opportunities that define contemporary Ghanaian society. This experience promises to be an eye-opening exploration of one of Africa's most influential nations.

Course focus

  • History, Culture, & the Arts
  • Technology and Innovation
  • Politics and Society
  • Global Issues and Social Justice
  • Business, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership
  • COURSE SYLLABUS: 2026 Syllabus

Program information

  • Spring 2026 (on campus - hybrid): IDH 4007 (3 credits) - MMC, Thursdays, 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
  • Summer A 2026 (abroad): IDH 4008 (3 credits) - May 18-June 7, 2026

Program highlights

  • Meeting students at the University of Ghana
  • Exploring the Kakum tropical rainforest
  • Volunteering at local schools by painting classrooms and common areas and engaging with school kids
  • Exploring Lomé National Museum, Akodessewa Fetish Market, and the Artisanal Village
  • Visiting the Shai Hills Forest Reserve and participating in a traditional craft beads workshop

What is included

  • Airport pick-up and drop off
  • Mineral water
  • 20 nights in handpicked accommodations
  • Expert Faculty Director
  • 24/7 support from Faculty Director
  • Private naming ceremony
  • International travel medical insurance
  • Local tour guide
  • All ground transportation
  • Admission to traditional home of Nana Yaa Asantewaa, Elimina Castle, Fort Amsterdam, Cape Coast Castle, and so much more

What is not included

  • International airfare to/from Accra, Ghana
  • $195.00 Education Abroad administrative fee (OEA Fee)
  • FIU in-state tuition (6 credits, $205.57 per credit)
  • Passport, visa, and other necessary documents
  • Personal expenses, including but not limited to meals, laundry, etc.
  • Tips to guides, porters, drivers, and other field staff as a token of appreciation
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Key:

(#) = number of nights; dot = overnight stop; squiggle line = boat

Itinerary

Itinerary is subject to change. It is a “living document,” meaning that scheduled "Free Time" may be utilized for in-person quizzes, class meetings, and/or class days.
Students should always consult with their Faculty Director prior to scheduling plans during "Free Time"

  • Day 1-4: Accra

    Highlights include welcome orientation with elders and tailors, Accra city tour, W. E. B. DuBois and Pan African Center, National Museum, Independence Square, Aburi Botanical Gardens, ATV ride through nature and villages, University of Ghana, and more

  • Day 5-6: Kumasi

    Travel to Kumasi by bus. Visits to traditional villages (Adanwomasie, Ntunso), home of Nana Taa Asantewaa, city tour of Kumasi, Manhyia Palace Museum, National Cultural Centre, Prempeh II Jubilee Museum, Ketetia Market, and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

  • Day 7-13: Elmina

    Travel by bus to Elmina with a stop in Assin Manso to participate in "First Bath Of Return" ceremony in Ndonkor Nsuo (Enslaved African River). Highlights include Cape Coast Castle, University of Cape Coast, Elmina fishing market, and Elmina Castle. While in Elmina, four days will be dedicated into multi-faceted effort to support a local school and its students. Students will transform the school's classrooms and common areas with fresh coats of paint. Additionally, students will engage with local student by conducting interactive sessions, sharing their knowledge, and inspiring the young minds. Finally, FIU Honors students will provide much-needed school supplies to support the educational needs of the local students. Plus, a day trip to Kakum Tropical Rainforest to experience the Canopy Walkway (1,150 ft) that connects seven tree tops

  • Day 14-15: Accra

    Travel by bus back to Accra with a stop for a Shea butter Processing Workshop on the way. Highlights include Fort Amsterdam

  • Day 16-18: Lomé

    Travel overland by bus to Lomé, Togo with a stop for border check. Students will visit Kwame Akoto-Bamfo, Grand Marché, Sacred Heart/German Cathedral, Lomé National Museum, Akodessewa Fetish Market, Artisanal Village, and top university faculty. Day trip to Aného and Togoville

  • Day 19-21: Accra

    Travel back to Accra, Ghana with a stop for border check and a river cruise on the Volta River. Highlights include Shai Hills Forest Reserve, hike ancient caves, traditional craft beads workshop, arts and crafts market, farewell dinner, and transfer to the airport. End of program

Faculty Director

Trina Sanders

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Trina Sanders is an Instructional Design Manager for FIU Online, supporting the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education. In her role, she oversees a team of Instructional Designers and Specialists in the production of over 400 fully-online and hybrid courses each semester. Trina is also an Adjunct Professor currently teaching The Power of Black Music in America: Its History, Language, and Culture from the Past Until Today for the Honors College and the First Year Experience Course for the Division of Academic and Career Success. Trina is a lifelong learner with over 20 years of experience in Corporate Training and Development, in both asynchronous and synchronous learning environments. She obtained a Doctor of Education with concentrations in Organizational Leadership, and in Instructional Technology and Distance Education from Nova Southeastern University. She also holds a Master of Science in Adult Education and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. On a personal note, Trina enjoys reading novels and volunteering in her community. She is also a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Contact Dr. Sanders

2026 Payment Schedule

1st Payment (Deposit)*

2nd Program Payment*

Spring 2026
In-State Tuition

3rd Program Payment*

Education Abroad Fee*

Summer A 2026
In-State Tuition

Deadline
1 Week After Interview

Payment
$500

Deadline
December 1

Payment
$2,225

Deadline
January 14

Payment
$616.71

Deadline
February 1

Payment
$2,225

Deadline
March 1

Payment
$195

Deadline
May 20

Payment
$616.71

*Payments are non-refundable & non-transferrable

Learn about Scholarships & Funding
Upcoming Honors Hours
2026 Checklist
Apply Today!