Engineering and Technology Projects in Ghana
Russ College of Engineering and Technology
Details below pertain to the summer 2009 program. Please check back for updated information on the summer 2010 program.
Engineers Without Borders – Ohio homepage
Maase-Offinso is a typical village in the developing world where the people are optimistic, warm and friendly but have yet to fully realize the full benefits of the past engineering achievements, making their life more difficult than it needs to be.
Program participants will travel to this village in the West African nation of Ghana to work with faculty mentors, fellow students and community members to implement an engineering project that meets the needs of the village. The goal of the program is to simultaneously give students the opportunity to help people in the developing world while developing experience, skills, and attitudes that will help them practice engineering in a global environment in a sustainable and ethical fashion.
Non-traditional educational opportunities are an integral component of the learner-centered education provided by the Russ College. These activities provide students with essential skills that are crucial for their career development.
2009 Project Description
Maase-Offinso has identified their most pressing need as the design and development of accommodations for teachers at the village schools. The accommodations need to be adequate to attract and retain qualified teachers in the village, but yet be affordable so that they are self-sustaining.
Specific technical topics that will need to be addressed are structures and materials, water supply, energy supply and usage, and sanitation. The initial design and development of the project has been done by students from the Ohio University chapter of Engineers Without Borders-USA, which applicants are strongly encouraged to participate in.
In addition to this, participants will work with the village identifying and collecting data on other engineering projects of mutual interest.
Program Length
June 23 – July 14, 2009
Application Deadline
Click HERE
Eligibility Requirements
This program is open to sophomore, junior, senior, recently graduated and graduate students in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology. Students from other majors who have the necessary background and interest to contribute to the project will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Living Arrangements
Students will be working, eating and living side-by-side with the local people.
Courses & Credits
All undergraduate students will enroll in a 4 credit course, Engineering and Technology Projects in Developing Countries. (Cross listed as EE 490, CE 499 or ME 489.)
Non-engineering and graduate students will have the option of enrolling in 4 hours of independent study, research, thesis, or dissertation hours with approval.
Costs
Billed by Ohio University
Tuition: 4 OHIO credits
Program fee: $3750*
Administrative fee: $150
* Program fee includes: roundtrip airfare, accommodation, meals, in-country transportation, HTH health insurance, supplies.
Out-of-pocket expenses**
Passport & photos: $115
Visa: $50
Immunizations &
anti-malaria meds: $400
Incidentals: $250
** These are estimates. Actual costs may vary.
For more information contact
Dr Jeff Giesey
Stocker 343
740-593-1573
Laurence Tuccori
Education Abroad Program Coordinator
Lindley 185
740-597-2721
