Ghana & Benin
ROOTS & ROuTeS OF SANKOFA
July 14–28 •$6,890 •3 CUCs
Trace West African history from Accra to Benin. Weave Kente cloth with Ashanti artisans, meet community leaders, explore African spirituality and art-making, and reflect along the serene Atlantic coast while connecting deeply to the African Diaspora.
Applications Open • Closes April 24, 2026
Information for Parents/Guardians
Your student’s safety, growth, and cultural education are our top priorities
Safety & Security
All students are supervised 24/7 by experienced educators and local guides.
We maintain comprehensive travel insurance, emergency protocols, and daily check-ins. Accommodations are carefully vetted for safety and comfort.
24/7 Communication
Parents receive daily updates via our secure portal. Students have regular opportunities to contact home.
Emergency contact numbers are available around the clock, and our team responds immediately to any concerns.
What's Included
- Roundtrip airfare from major US cities
- All accommodations (hotels & cultural homestays)
- Three meals daily with cultural dining experiences
- All excursions, workshops, and entrance fees
- Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
- 3 college credit units (transferable)
Life-Changing Impact
This journey offers profound cultural connection and personal growth.
Students gain global perspective, historical understanding, and lasting relationships with peers and community members.
Many describe it as transformative for their identity and worldview.
Pre-Departure Preparation
Prior to departure, students and parents attend mandatory orientation sessions covering cultural customs, health preparation, packing guidance, and travel logistics. We provide detailed itineraries, reading materials, and connection opportunities with past participants.
Payment Plans Available: We understand this is a significant investment. Flexible payment plans and limited need-based scholarships are available. Contact us to discuss options that work for your family.
For Students: Your Journey Awaits
Immerse yourself in West African culture, history, and community
Create & Capture
Weave your own Kente cloth, participate in traditional dance, create art alongside local artists, and document your journey. You’ll leave with tangible creations and unforgettable memories captured in photos and journals.
Connect with Community
Meet Ashanti artisans, spiritual leaders, historians, and fellow students. Engage in meaningful conversations, share meals with families, and build friendships that transcend borders. This is about real connection, not tourism.
Learn & Grow
Earn 3 transferable college credits while exploring African Diaspora history, art, spirituality, and contemporary culture. Daily reflections, group discussions, and hands-on workshops make learning come alive.
Discover Yourself
This journey is transformative. You’ll challenge assumptions, expand your worldview, and deepen your understanding of heritage and identity. Many students describe this as a defining moment in their personal development.
Your 15-Day Journey
15 days of cultural immersion and community connection
Days 1-4 / July 14-17 / Arrival to Accra
Part 1: Arrival & Accra
Day 1: Welcome to Ghana
- Arrival at Kotoka International Airport, warm welcome ceremony
- Transfer to accommodations in Accra
- Orientation session and group dinner
- Introduction to Ghanaian customs and etiquette
Day 2: Historical Accra
- Visit Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Museum
- Tour Independence Square and Black Star Gate
- Explore Jamestown neighborhood and Ussher Fort
- Evening at Labadi Beach with local food vendors
Day 3: Doors of No Return
- Journey to Cape Coast Castle (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Guided tour of the dungeons and slave trade history
- Reflection ceremony at the Door of No Return
- Group processing session and journaling time
Day 4: Arts & Markets
- Visit National Museum and cultural exhibitions
- Explore vibrant Makola Market
- Meet with local artists at Artists Alliance Gallery
- Traditional Ghanaian dinner with live drumming
Days 5-8 / July 18-21/ Ashanti Region
Part 2: Ashanti Region
Day 5: Journey to Kumasi
- Travel to Kumasi, heart of the Ashanti Kingdom
- Visit Kejetia Market, West Africa’s largest open-air market
- Tour Manhyia Palace Museum
- Welcome dinner with Ashanti community leaders
Day 6: Kente Weaving Workshop
- Full-day workshop at Bonwire Kente Village
- Learn traditional weaving techniques from master artisans
- Create your own Kente design to take home
- Learn about symbolism and patterns in Kente cloth
Day 7: Adinkra Symbols & Crafts
- Visit Ntonso village, home of Adinkra cloth-making
- Workshop on Adinkra symbols and meanings
- Create your own stamped fabric
- Meet with local historians about Ashanti philosophy
Day 8: Sacred Sites & Spirituality
- Visit Lake Bosomtwe, sacred crater lake
- Tour Asante Traditional Buildings (UNESCO site)
- Discussion on Akan spirituality with community elders
- Farewell dinner with traditional drumming and dance
Days 9-11 / July 22-24 / Benin Journey
Part 3: Benin Journey
Day 9: Cross into Benin
- Border crossing from Ghana to Benin
- Arrival in Cotonou, Benin’s economic capital
- Visit Dantokpa Market, one of West Africa’s largest markets
- Orientation to Beninese culture and French/Fon language basics
Day 10: Vodun Spirituality
- Journey to Ouidah, spiritual heart of Vodun (Voodoo)
- Visit Temple of Pythons and Sacred Forest
- Tour the Vodun Museum with local spiritual guides
- Witness traditional Vodun ceremony (respectful observation)
- Discussion on African spirituality and its diaspora influence
Day 11: Door of Return & Memory
- Walk the Slave Route from Ouidah to the beach
- Visit Point of No Return memorial
- Ceremony at Door of Return monument
- Reflection on African Diaspora connections
- Evening: Beninese cuisine and cultural exchange
Days 12-14 /July 25-28 / Coastal Reflection
Part 4: Coastal Reflection
Day 12: Return to Ghana Coast
- Travel back to Ghana coastal region
- Visit Elmina Castle and fishing village
- Boat tour of coastal waters
- Evening group reflection on journey so far
Day 13: Integration & Creation
- Morning meditation and journaling by the Atlantic
- Creative arts workshop: express your journey through art
- Beach time for swimming and reflection
- Prepare final presentations and reflections
- Farewell dinner celebration with local community
Day 14: Sankofa – Return & Carry Forward
- Morning: Final group circle and sharing
- Student presentations of key learnings
- Closing ceremony with local blessing
- Transfer to airport for departure
- Carry forward the lessons of Sankofa: “Go back and fetch it”
“Sankofa” An Akan word meaning “go back and fetch it”
This journey embodies the wisdom of learning from the past to build the future. You return home transformed, carrying forward ancestral knowledge, cultural understanding, and renewed purpose.
Apply Now
Applications are open until April 24, 2026
Please complete all questions thoughtfully. We review applications on a rolling basis.
By submitting this application, you agree to our terms and conditions. We’ll contact you within 2-3 weeks regarding your application status.