Dr. Lamont Slater
Note: The 2026 trip has been postponed to 2027. Keep watch for additional information.
By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
Join Rio Salado College in June 2026 as we travel to Ghana for our first-ever study abroad program. The travel portion of the program takes place June 15-23, 2026, and offer students a once in a lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves in a cultural learning experience.
Students will enjoy an unforgettable 9-day program in Ghana, West Africa. The program blends academic study with real-world exploration, providing the chance to engage with history, religion, politics, architecture, intercultural communication, environmental conservation, and more.
Combined with classes before and after the trip, students will earn three credits for the Ideas and Values in the Humanities (HUM250) course, taught by Dr. Lamont Slater, Humanities Faculty Chair, who will lead the Ghana tour.
Slater was instrumental in creating the Ghana study abroad program at Rio, having previously worked with Augsburg University's Center for Global Education at its location in Windhoek, Namibia.
“It was there that I had the chance to work first hand at designing curriculum and witness the impact that study abroad had on students,” Slater said. “Studying abroad often takes students out of their comfort zone and allows for critical thinking and analysis that will hopefully lead to a transformative experience.”
Program Coursework
The HUM250 class begins in May 2026, with five required in-person meeting dates on Mondays and Wednesdays, May 27-June 10, 2026.
In Ghana, students will attend morning classes led by local experts at the University of Cape Coast. In the afternoons, students will embark on cultural excursions to visit museums, historic sites and cultural landmarks in Cape Coast and Accra.
Slater said students can expect both a bustling urban environment and relaxing coastal setting during their visit to Ghana, along with impactful learning experiences.
“Students can expect to learn about the history of the transatlantic slave trade from the perspective of local historians and by visiting the dungeons where the enslaved were held,” Slater said. “They will also learn about Pan African leaders, and witness how trading has shaped Ghana’s economy. Additionally, students will enjoy vibrant music, traditional dance, art and unique architecture.”
After returning from Ghana, students will finish the course with four required in-person class meeting dates on Mondays and Wednesdays, June 29-July 8, 2026.
Whether you're passionate about humanities, global studies, or simply ready to expand your worldview, this journey offers a powerful opportunity to connect learning with life in a global context.
“It is important to be a student of the world because we will realize that there is more to life than the small bubble we live in,” Slater said. “Once students remove themselves from their comfort zone, they will discover unique opportunities to learn and understand from each other.”
More Information
If you are interested in learning more about the study abroad program, attend one of the upcoming virtual or in-person information sessions.
- Virtual Sessions: Tuesdays - Sept. 30, Oct. 28, Nov. 25 - 2:30-3:30 p.m. and Thursdays - Oct. 16, Nov. 13 - 3 to 4 p.m.
- In-Person Session: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, 11 a.m. – noon, Rio Salado College Tempe
A full list of estimated program costs, application requirements and program deadlines can be found online.
Questions? Contact Dr. Lamont Slater at [email protected] or 480-517-8071.
Ghana at a Glance
Capital: Accra
Population: 34 million
Languages: English (official) with other major dialects including Twi, Fante, and Ga
Climate: Tropical
Currency: Ghanaian Cedi
Government: Multiparty constitutional democracy
Key economic sectors: Agriculture, mining, and oil and gas production
Natural resources: Gold, diamonds, bauxite, manganese, forestry, agricultural products