Welcome to NYU Accra! We’re delighted that you’ll be spending a semester or year with us and can’t wait to greet you in Accra. In the meantime, this page will guide you through everything you need to get ready for your experience abroad.
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Admitted Students
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In order to confirm your intention to enroll, you must accept your offer of admission by submitting a $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit. You can accept or decline your offer online using a non-refundable e-check or by mail / in person (only if you are unable to accept your offer online). To accept online, please see your acceptance email with specific instructions on how to access the link through NYUHome. If you are unable to accept your offer online, please mail a completed Confirmation Form (to be sent separately) and a check or money order payable to "New York University" to NYU Office of Global Programs, 110 East 14th Street, Lower Level, New York, NY 10003. Please DO NOT SEND CASH. The check or money order must be in U.S. funds only and include your University ID number and Study Away site in the memo section. Deposits are encouraged within two weeks of acceptance. **It is this confirmation form and deposit that guarantees your place in the program. Please note that programs space is limited. If the program reaches capacity before we receive your deposit, you will be placed on a waitlist.**
Leading up to your semester abroad, your site representative will share new posts about everything from flights to registration to packing tips (and everything in between). Make sure to read all the posts to stay on top of your “to do’s” and use this blog as a your main point of reference throughout your pre-departure steps. You will be receive weekly reminders with links to recently posted items, but we highly suggest you - and your parents – subscribe to the blog as well to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Please see link below for this term's What's Next Blog.
If you don’t have a passport that is valid through the required period after the end of the program, apply for one today! Check out travel.state.gov for more information. We suggest that you request “expedited processing” (two week turnaround time) to allow plenty of time to apply for your student visa.If you do not have two weeks to spare, you can go to the US Passport Agency to request a passport the same day. For a Passport Agency near you and for more information, please refer to their website. Prior to going to the Passport Agency, please contact someone from our office so that we can provide you with the appropriate letter.
For details regarding passport requirements, please see the related What's Next page.
You must apply for your visa within 90 days of arrival in Accra or no sooner than mid-to-late May. Do not wait until the last minute to gather your materials though!
Unfortunately, NYU does not have the ability to change visa requirements, nor does it help if we call consulates or embassies on your behalf. Though we're happy to help you in whatever way we can, the decision to issue you a visa rests solely with the consulate or embassy. Below you'll find instructions for getting your visa, along with sample visa applications and supporting materials.
Find more information about the visa process here.
We strongly advise you to begin the vaccination process immediately--in some cases, the human body requires six to eight weeks from the time of a vaccination to build immunity. Please be aware that the Ghanaian government requires everyone entering the country to be vaccinated against Yellow Fever. NYU also requires students to be vaccinated against Typhoid and to take anti-malarial medication. If you plan to visit Northern Ghana--on your own or with NYU--you must also have proof on file of vaccination against Cerebrospinal Meningitis due to the high levels of infection in the area. Based upon the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), we also encourage students to have the following additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and doses of Tetanus-Diphtheria, Measles, and Polio. You can access more information on vaccinations and health in the region at the WHO Web-site for Ghana.
Before you go you are going to need to get your shots and start taking anti-malaria medication. There are a few to choose from, and they work differently for everyone. Consult your family and medical provider before you make your decision. Here are some ‘pros & cons’ that we experienced to help you before you step into the doctor’s office:
Mefloquine/Lariam (weekly)
Pros:
- Cheaper option.
- Highly effective and is only taken once a week.
Cons:
- The side effects can include weird dreams and feeling a little off the day you take Mefloquine (some people had severe effects).
- Can cause depression, hallucinations, or panic attacks in those with a history of mental illness.
Doxycycline (weekly)
Pros:
- Taken once a day, we found it to be comparable to Mefloquine in effectiveness, without the harsh side effects.
Cons:
- Can cause yeast infections in women.
- May reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
- Skin may be more sensitive to sunburn. (Remember you are right by the Equator, after all!)
Malarone (daily)
Pros:
- No side effects like Mefloquine or Doxycycline.
Cons:
- Most expensive medication.
- Tends to be less effective than the other two, often the result of forgetting to follow the pill’s strict schedule of taking one everyday at the same time.
Financial aid, grants, and scholarships are available to both NYU and Non-NYU upperclassmen who study abroad at the NYU Global Academic Centers.
NYU students with a current FAFSA on file with the Office of Financial Aid may apply for additional financial aid for their semester abroad. Non-NYU students who receive financial aid are encouraged to work with a financial aid adviser from their home school to inquire about transferring financial aid funding to NYU via a consortium agreement.
For more details about financial aid, scholarships, and grants.
NYU Students: We'll send all e-mail communication to your NYU e-mail address (not your personal or Stern address), so check that account regularly or activate mail forwarding. In addition, make sure that your addresses and phone numbers in Albert are updated so that we're able to contact you with important information throughout the semester.
Visiting Students: You created an NYUHome account when applying for the program. Please make sure you keep all contact information current and check your NYUHome e-mail account regularly.
NYU Students: If you currently live in NYU Housing, be sure to notify the Office of Residential Life and Housing Services that you will be studying abroad next semester. Bring a copy of your acceptance letter (plus the original in case they need to see it) to the Office of Residential Life and Housing Services at 726 Broadway, 7th Floor along with the Study Abroad Notification form as soon as possible. The notification form is available here. Questions? E-mail housing@nyu.edu.
The housing preferences form for housing abroad will be available through the online forms system. Please note that housing abroad is guaranteed and required for all students.
NYU Students: Attending a Pre-Departure Orientation is required for all students. At the PDO, you will meet staff from the site, learn about courses, student life, excursions, and much more.
Visiting Students: If you’re nearby and able to attend any on-campus events, we’d love to have you. However, we’re also committed to making sure that those of you who don’t live near New York City are kept in the loop. Here are a few ways we ensure that you’re just as well-informed as NYU students:
- We will send you regular e-mails with comprehensive “what to do” lists and details and post information about the pre-departure process to the site specific blogs.
- Our staff is always available to provide prompt assistance to any questions you have by e-mail or phone.
- We can put you in contact with students who attend our programs so that you can get inside information on what to expect. To speak with a former student from your program, please e-mail global.ambassadors@nyu.edu.
For a full schedule of Pre-departure Orientations please see What's Next.
Click here for last semester's Pre-departure Orientation
Registration for Courses at the University of Ghana, Legon: All students attending NYU Accra must fill out the University of Ghana, Legon visiting student application by April 20.
Please view the fall 2012 course selection within the Academics Section of this website. Please note these courses are subject to change. Days, times and call numbers will be provided closer to registration.
Official Course listings will be available through http://www.nyu.edu/registrar/.
All students are responsible for arranging their own transportation for their semester abroad. Students must plan to arrive on Arrival Day as indicated on the calendar.
Housing is available only for the dates of the program so if you plan to arrival early or leave late, please be aware you will be responsible for your own accommodations.
For tips and requirements about flights, please see the What's Next blog.
All students are required to submit a combination of paper and online forms. These forms are used to collect needed information for your upcoming semester like housing preferences, immigration preparation, and arrival itinerary.
For more information about required forms and relevant links please see the What's Next blog.
To check the status of your materials please view your Checklist through your Student Center in Albert.
Packing Tips
- Bring any brand name items you rely on
- Save room for souveniers
- More about Getting There
