International Research Co-op at University of Cape Coast

University of Cincinnati undergraduate students can travel to Ghana for an immersive eight-week research co-op experience at the University of Cape Coast. Participants will earn co-op credit and BoK credit. 

Overview

Each student receives support worth approximately $10,000 which includes: A stipend of $600/week, a $1,000 scholarship from UC International, free on-campus housing, meals, and free airfare, cultural tours, and visas.

The first edition is for Fall 2025. Please return to this page for 2026 information.

This international co-op experience is available for all UC students who are eligible for co-op in the fall semester. This co-op will not count against your CPT, an additional benefit for international students.

Click here to read what UC’s students say about visiting Ghana

Details and Dates

  • Applications are due February 28, 2025.
  • Online summer preparation between May 2025 and July 2025. Students will earn BoK credits (3 credits) toward graduation. 
  • Co-op in Ghana in Fall 2025. Students will obtain co-op credits.

Program Provider

The University of Cape Coast is a strategic partner of the University of Cincinnati. UCC is ranked best university in West Africa, and third best university in Africa. See UCC’s website.

Location

The University of Cape Coast is located in the historic town of Cape Coast in Ghana. The campus has a rare seafront and sits on a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Immersive Academic, Workplace, & Cultural Experiences

Through this program, students will participate in conducting education outreach, develop important professional skills like critical thinking, problem solving, cultural intelligence, communication, and empathy, as well as develop a professional, global network of connections. 

Research Areas

  • Soilless fresh/brackish water solar-powered AI-controlled aquaponics system
  • Low-cost technique to immobilize heavy metals and recycling plastic waste in coastal areas
  • AI-based agric-product price monitoring systems

Workplace Experiences

  • Sika Chemical
  • Chocolate Factory
  • Ghana Water Company Quality Control Labs
  • Zeal Environmental Technologies Limited

Cultural Experiences

Students will have the opportunity to be engaged in the Ghanaian culture and country. 

Students arriving in Ghana stand in front of bus holding UC banner

In Cape Coast, students can experience: 

  • Elmina Castle
  • Kakum National Park 
  • Cultural Dance Classes 
  • Fetu Afahye festival 
  • Odwira Festival 
  • Ghanaian Culinary art 

In Accra, students can experience: 

  • Kwame Nkrumah Museleum 
  • Art Center 

In Kumasi, students can experience: 

  • Manhyia Palace, the seat of the Monarch of the Asante Kingdom 
  • Bonwire Kente Weaving Center 

In Takoredi, students can experience: 

  • Nzulezu Stilt Settlement 

Interested in learning more?

Attend an information session on January 20, 2025. Check back soon for details. 

Contact

Headshot of Cedrick A.K. Kwuimy

Cedrick A.K. Kwuimy

Assoc Professor - Educator, CEAS - Engineering & Computing Education

4150F EDWARDS 1 Edwards Center

513-556-2034

Headshot of Sheryl Ann Sorby

Sheryl Ann Sorby

Professor, CEAS - Engineering & Computing Education

620U Old Chemistry Building

513-556-0420