FAQ

The GMP is a first-year-admit program with a mandatory study abroad component during the sophomore Fall semester in Accra, Ghana with additional project-based travel components and group class experiences. Students in the GMP will be part of a cohort experience focused primarily on business from a global perspective and building foundational knowledge and experience to become a global leader. The GMP is unique in that it encourages students to adopt new ways of thinking about what it means to be a global citizen and leader through study abroad and cultural fluency requirements.

GMP students have a cohorted experience throughout their four years at Haas inside and outside of the classroom and a dedicated Faculty Director and Academic Advisor. They also have access to exclusive business visits while studying abroad at the University of Ghana, a curated immersive experience with Ashesi University, and three unique international business classes taken by only GMP students.

Graduates of the GMP will receive a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business Administration with a concentration in Global Management.

Although other business majors may study abroad for a semester, the GMP students have extra business opportunities built into their experience with organized company and organization visits. Moreover, they are able to study abroad as a cohort which offers some familiarity and community stability while also making new friends and interacting with local students. What’s great about the GMP is that they are also able to study abroad again in another location of their choice during the summer or another semester.

The GMP study abroad opportunity is invaluable for an undergraduate business student’s experience for several reasons:

• Global Perspective. Our program has a global business focus which prepares students with a broad worldview and capabilities to excel professionally in an interconnected economy. Ghana is one of the best choices in location to learn insights into diverse business practices and cultural contexts.

• Cultural Fluency. Our goal is to help develop effective leadership skills with an emphasis on cultural understanding, adaptability, and empathy. Students will engage in Ghana’s rich history and culture in multiple and intentional ways for one semester with support from the UCEAP local staff.

• Hands-On Learning. This study abroad program has project-based learning at the University of Ghana and at Ashesi University to interact with and learn amongst local students. Through experiential learning, students also deepen their understanding of global challenges and solutions from diverse perspectives.

• Cohort Experience. The most common benefit we hear from the GMP alumni and current students is being part of such a close-knit community that lasts beyond graduation. The GMP is created in such a way that students learn from one another’s perspectives and experiences, quickly foster a strong sense of community and support, and develop their shared intention for global business.
• Leadership Development. Our program attracts the best of the best who are eager to reimagine what it means to be a global leader in business. Students build on foundational knowledge at Haas but also develop the skills necessary to take on the world’s most complex issues.

Studying abroad in Ghana as business students opens doors and perspectives preparing them to become leaders with intention and thoughtful impact.

Your academic advisor will enroll you in these three courses during the adjustment period each spring semester.

You will receive units for any AP exam with a score of 3 or higher. For a list of exams that fulfill course requirements for the GMP are outlined on the Exam Credit page.

It is common for students to pursue a simultaneous degree or minor. It is advised that interested students familiarize themselves with the requirements for both majors, as well as any minors they hope to obtain, and meet with an advisor to create a 4 year academic plan. For more information regarding simultaneous degrees, please visit our website.

Local professors at the University of Ghana in Legon, Accra. Have a look at what to expect for academics. GMP students will be taken on company visits as well as participate in hands-on case scenarios. Our faculty director, Dan Himelstein, announces the location of the semester business visits during the pre-departure orientation.

Students will be housed in on-campus dorms in the International Student Housing. This is a 4 story building with sharing a room with one other student, including a fan, desk, bed, and balcony. Each student has access to a common bathroom, coin operated laundry, and kitchen. The common bathroom has showers available and students are oriented on bucket showers. There is also a convenient store on the first floor and a small night market available.  The building’s front desk is staffed with security and a receptionist.

Housing is quite affordable. Students can expect to pay about 1,000 USD for housing for the entire semester.

End of August to Mid-December in the sophomore year

The airfare to and from the study abroad destination is an additional cost.

Once abroad, students will be sent an application from Cal Housing to complete by October for Spring semester housing on-campus. On-campus housing applications must be submitted as soon as possible as space is not guaranteed and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

There is no meal plan while studying abroad. This is not as common at universities abroad. However, students have access to a shared kitchen, night market, and campus dining halls. It is customary for students to cook their own meals.

There are medical facilities on campus and even a University Hospital on campus for emergency incidents. Students are required to attend onsite orientation upon arrival to be briefed on medical protocol.

All UCEAP participants are automatically enrolled in the student travel insurance policy, providing medical and non-medical benefits so they can get the medical care they need while abroad. You can learn more about travel insurance on UCEAP’s webpage.

There is limited accessibility when studying abroad in Ghana. Students interested in the GMP with accessibility needs are encouraged to contact our team to discuss more and answer any follow up questions.

The country generally has an intolerance towards non-heteronormative sexual orientations and gender fluidity. We encourage all students to learn the laws regarding LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana. During pre-departure orientations and onsite orientations, the GMP cohort learns about social norms and expectations to prepare for life in Ghana for the semester. Haas, Berkeley Study Abroad, and UC Education Abroad Programs support all students regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. We welcome students to reach out to our team to discuss more and answer any follow up questions.

Besides UC Berkeley tuition and fees, students should also budget for the UCEAP fees, housing, meals, incidentals, local transportation, books and supplies, pre-departure expenses, and roundtrip airfare. Students planning to do extra excursions or personal trips should budget for extra travel expenses. We recommend using the handy cost tool provided by UCEAP.

Financial aid is available for eligible students. Students must submit both the previous and next year’s FAFSA to determine aid eligibility for the sophomore fall semester abroad. Visit Financial Aid and Scholarships for additional details. You also can get an estimate of how much financial aid you might receive.

The good news is that the majority of financial aid and scholarships provided to students for the academic year travel with them for their semester abroad program.

Yes, but you should have your passport before the start of the academic year. Your passport needs to be valid until at least June 2027 or later.

Most nationalities, including US passport holders, will need a visa and your advisor will help you step by step through the visa application process.

There are going to be multiple touch points during the fall, spring, and summer before departure. We will provide more detailed information to the newly admitted students.

Students will be required to attend all pre-departure orientations, receive travel vaccinations, and prepare visa entry requirements before departure. We will discuss other logistics before departure throughout your first year at UC Berkeley.

No. This is no longer a requirement for the GMP, starting with the class of 2029. GMP students will start their semester at UC Berkeley with other first year Spieker Undergraduate Business students in their first fall semester.

Yes. Participation during the fall term of sophomore year is mandatory. GMP partners with Berkeley Study Abroad and University of California Education Abroad Programs (UCEAP) to provide a unique study abroad experience during the fall semester of sophomore year.

Students will be able to participate in cultural activities, local business visits, and immersive learning experiences with local university students.