Youth Cultural Exchange to Ghana

Now Accepting Applications for

2027 Program

Due to the evolving global travel landscape, including international unrest and continued TSA delays, we have made the decision to postpone this year’s Youth Cultural Exchange Program to Ghana.

We will continue to accept student applications, which will be applied to our 2027 program.

The safety of our youth participants remains our top priority as travel conditions continue to shift.

We remain optimistic and look forward to resuming travel with our students next year.

What Is a cultural exchange program?

The purpose is to promote youth leadership through global education and peace exchange between students in the US and Ghana. This program is a cultural immersion experience in Ghana.

This tour will take you to visit many areas in Accra which is the capital of Ghana. We will visit the city of Kumasi, the Asante Empire and surrounding villages.

We will travel to Cape Coast and Elmina where you will walk into the actual slave dungeons. You will visit the Slave River known as Donor Nsuo where the enslaved took their last bath before a 3 week naked trek through the dense forest to the ships which took them away from their homes.

Program Eligibility:

• High School students, 9-12^th grades, ages 14-18,
• Recent High School graduate at the time of travel in summer 2027,

 Application Requirements: Due Jan 30, 2027

1. Submit the application form (available at afripeace.org or www.empoweringtravelstours.com
2. One-page letter of interest describing:
   • Personal and academic background
   • Reasons for applying
   • How you will apply and share what you learn
3. One letter of reference (teacher, pastor, or organization leader)
4. $25 non-refundable application fee (pay online at empoweringtravelstours.com

   Email: application materials in .pdf format to info@empoweringtravels.tours
   For Questions and additional information Phone: 916-309-9709

   Pre-Trip Orientation:
   Selected participants must attend 4–5 orientation sessions and a conflict-resolution workshop. Dates announced after selection or by request for group/school presentations.

   Program Fee: TBD   There may be scholarships and fundraising opportunities to defray cost.

   • Round-trip international airfare (U.S.–Ghana)
   • Breakfasts and dinners
   • Lodging
   • Group admission to museums, parks, and slave castles
   • Ground transportation and local guides in Ghana
   • Project administration
   • Deposit due upon program acceptance (February  2027)
   • Balance payable in monthly installments February – May 2027
   • Costs may adjust if exchange rates or airfare change

   Families, churches, businesses, organizations, and philanthropists are encouraged to sponsor or donate on behalf of participants.