• Explore Real World multimedia journalism
• Produce compelling multimedia stories in the field and on deadline
• Learn the importance of discipline with time, shooting, and gathering information necessary to advance the story
• Learn the importance of research, organization, adjusting, adapting and patience

City FACTS

The capital of Ghana, Accra, with a population of two million people, sits on the southern coast. Rich in history, culture and vibrancy, Ghana celebrated its 50th year of independence from the United Kingdom in 2007. Accra is Ghana’s largest city and its administrative, communications and economic center. The University of Ghana is just north of Accra.

Eligibility Requirements

This program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students who are matriculated towards a degree at a U.S. university or college. Students who have successfully completed their advance photojournalism and or broadcast sequence courses are especially welcome to take this course.

Academic Program

Prof. Michael Cheers, who coordinates the photojournalism sequence at SJSU, will lead this program. Cheers, the 2007 Faculty Fellow at National Geographic Magazine, worked more than 20 years as a photojournalist in Africa. An award-winning staff photojournalist for National Geographic Magazine will co-teach this course. The students will spend part of the semester prior to departure developing and researching their story idea. On arrival, the students will spend the first week adjusting and making follow-up contacts with their story subject. Beginning the second week, the students will spend 5-7 intense days shooting their assignment. There will be edit and critique sessions daily. At the end of the second week, the students will show their work in a “pre-final” presentation. During the third week, the students will do post-production work. Each student will be required to produce one photo essay with audio or one video essay.

Course Enrollment
This course is offered by the Journalism Department and all participants must take the following MCom 180 (INDEPENDENT STUDY) 3 unit course.

Accommodation, Safety and Visas

Students will stay in a hotel in secure, urban area According to the latest U.S. Consular information, Americans visiting Ghana are advised to take the normal safety precautions that travelers take when visiting a foreign country. The Consulate of Ghana requires U.S. citizens to have a valid passport and a visa to enter Ghana. All applicants must complete the online application at http://www.ghanaconsulatenewyork.org/

Program Leaders

Michael Cheers
School of Journalism and Mass Communications
Email: mcheers@casa.sjsu.edu
Phone: (408) 924-3259
DBH: 207

Program Dates

June 16 to July 4, 2008

Application Deadlines

May 26 to June 12, 2008

Application Form

Estimated Costs

$4,200. The fee includes tuition, air fare (West Coast departure) and hotel accommodations. These estimated coasts do not include personal expenses as this varies among different participants

Contact us at the Study Abroad Office, Clark Hall, Room 543 Tel  (408) 924-5931 Fax (408) 924-5976
or send us an email