RCBC Launches West African Exchange Program

Rowan College at Burlington County is now offering students the chance to travel the world by studying with with the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, West Africa.

“This summer, Rowan College at Burlington County is bringing an incredibly enriching global experience to our students that will help them compete in the global marketplace,” Rowan College at Burlington County President Paul Drayton said. “The study abroad opportunity will focus on the effects of technology, or lack thereof, on society in Ghana and the STEM faculty exchange program will bring an African scholar from a higher education institution in Africa to RCBC to teach two courses.”

“Technology, Society & Development,” will be led by Rowan College at Burlington County Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Dean Dr. Edem Tetteh in conjunction with SECCOM International Foundation, Inc.

Tetteh is originally from Togo, a nation that neighbors Ghana. He travels to his native country every summer to lecture at The University of Lomé.

“The lack of technology has major impacts on everyday life in West Africa,” Tetteh said. “From the internet to medical equipment to traffic, we will look at the technological evolvements in the context of a developing nation. Students and community members will examine how technology plays a role in global moral, political, economic and social choices.”

SECCOM is a New Jersey non-profit organization focused on establishing cultural and educational opportunities to further development in various African countries, through travel, cultural exchange, and in-country networks.

It has worked with other colleges and universities to arrange similar study abroad opportunities and is designing the itinerary that will take students to the most modern city to poor villages, and everywhere in between.

“The students will find it very rewarding and exciting to see and experience different cultures from Ghana. They will learn so much when they interact with other people and cultures,” SECCOM CEO Samuel T. Blango said. “Our intent is to expand the global community and promote harmony between countries.”

The program will run from Friday, Aug. 4 through Monday, Aug. 14. Students will tour major cities such as Accra, the capital of Ghana located on the Atlantic coast, Kumasi, Cape Coast, and Obuasi, home to Ghana’s largest gold mine.

They will have the chance to experience botanical gardens, craft villages, cultural centers and museums, Africa’s famous rain forest canopy walkways, and more.

The trip also includes volunteer work in the villages of Yamoransa and Simew to examine educational access, youth development, and generational poverty.

Students are able to earn three academic credits, but also have the option to take the trip without credit. Community members are welcome to register for the non-credit trip as well.

The college’s Summer Personal and Professional Development (non-credit) registration opens on Monday, April 17. The course is listed in rcbc.edu/webadvisor under course number: SPT 970 50, and course name: Technology, Society & Development.

The entire program, which includes lodging and meals, academic excursions and transportation abroad, airfare and VISA, is $3,962 for non-credit and $4,368.50 for academic credit (includes tuition and fees). Eligible students may be able to apply their financial aid if they register for academic credit.

Prior to registering, students and community members interested in the study abroad program to Ghana need to contact the RCBC STEM division at STEM@rcbc.edu or 856-222-9311, ext. 1402. Participants will need to get a vaccination for yellow fever prior to departing the United States.

The faculty exchange program will also launch this August. The African scholar will need to meet the same standards as Rowan College at Burlington County adjunct faculty, possess a master’s degree, and have experience in his or her field.

Selected faculty will teach two STEM courses for the fall 2017 semester at Rowan College at Burlington County, and volunteer in the Burlington County community. Rowan College at Burlington County faculty interested in teaching in Ghana will meet the same requirements.

The attached image was provided by Rowan College at Burlington County.