Name: Shirley N. Weber
Faculty/Rank: Associate Professor and Chairperson
Department: Africana Studies
College: Arts and Letters
Office Phone X46550
Other Phone x46531
E Mail address : weber2@mail.sdsu.edu
Proposal Title: Ghana, West Africa
Country visited: Ghana, West Africa
Institution visited: University of Ghana, Lagon
Dates of Travel: March 14-20, 2004
Number of student participants: n/a
Previous IP proposals submitted and grants awarded: 3/3
Have all required reports been submitted? Yes
Other funding for this activity available/applied for: None
Proposal Abstract:
The department is in the final stages of developing a summer instituted as an introduction to a semester abroad program. In order the finalize the program (lectures, lodging, etc) it is necessary to have someone travel to Ghana to finalize the deal. WE have tried to do it over the phone but communications with Ghana is difficult and slow. Additionally, culturally, they are more oriented to personal agreements and contacts than the cold medium of phones and emails.

TRAVEL REPORT
After Dr. Toombs and I visited Ghana during the spring of 2003, we remained in contact with MR. Kwame Ansong who is known in Ghana for his contacts at the major universities in Ghana. He came to San Diego State in September of 2003, to meet with our students and discuss the possibilities of a summer institute. We have been trying to get students to travel to Ghana for a semester abroad and have not been very successful. There is a similar program at the University of Wisconsin run by Dr. Gene Grisby that introduces students to African through a summer experience. That gives students the chance to experience a third world country in a "comfortable" setting (professor and fellow students ) for a shorter period of time. It also allows students who for various personal situations cannot spend an entire semester away from family and other obligations, a chance to experience Africa.
After much discussion via email, phone and land mail, Dr Charles Toombs represented the team of Weber, Toombs and Alkebulan, and traveled to Ghana during the spring break to finalize plans for a summer institute in Ghana. Prior to Dr. Toombs departure, I had been in contact with our contact, Mr. Kwame Ansong, an educational tour planner, concerning possible lectures, lodging, excursions available. We had prepared a curriculum that focused on the performing and expressed art and culture of Ghana. The University of Lagon was receptive to us coming and being a part of several of their established programs as well as fashioning our own.
Upon arrival in Ghana, Dr. Toombs made contact with Mr. Ansong. Dr. Toombs met with university officials, lecturers and professors. He visited the places where the students might be staying .
An agreement was reached with those in Ghana concerning lectures, programs, excursions, lodging, land transportation, etc.

Conclusion:
Dr. Toombs returned and based on his findings, the summer institute was established. Last year, seven students from SDSU and UCSD spent three weeks in Ghana. The program was quite a success. However, there is always room for improvement and it is our hope that this year's institute will be even better.