Trent University’s International Development Studies (IDST) Year Abroad Program (YAP) in Ghana is part of the IDST curriculum. It combines third year level university course work in a developing country context with valuable hands-on experience through a community placement. Students learn about the history and culture of another society, acquire skills in community development, engage in a cross-
cultural living experience, and make contacts and friendships in a new community. Students who participate in the YAP generally do so in the third year of an honours degree. Many students have found the programs to be immensely rewarding, transformational experiences. Working and living in another culture challenges many of one’s assumptions, and opens new avenues of thinking and understanding. The Trent-in-Ghana (TIG) Program has been operating for over twenty years. It enables undergraduates to deepen their understanding of international development by living, studying, and working in a developing country. The program is based in Cape Coast in the South and Tamale, in the Northern Region. Exposure to these various locations enables students to become familiar with the diverse cultures and regions of Ghana. Students spend a full academic year in Ghana, from September until the end of April, participate in several field trips, and work for twelve weeks with a development organisation. All students must register in five full credit course equivalents, and may not drop any while on the program. TIG selects a number of Ghanaian students on a competitive basis to join the program.
