Intercultural Exchange Program
GAP YEAR CULTURAL IMMERSION PROGRAMS
for individuals & groups
Are you considering gap time directly after high school, during college, or a mid-career break? iLeap gives the latitude to individuals & groups to create new networks and learn how to talk and interact with people from other cultures.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We work with the best of creative talent to develop innovative, high-quality events and collaborations with institutions around the world. We secure relationships with creative partners internationally to deliver exciting projects from dance, arts, theatre , sports, visual arts and design.
At iLeap, our cultural exchange programs offer the following;
- Homestays, where a local family will welcome you into their home, provide room and meal, as you “live like a local” for a specific period of time.
- Dormitory or hostel-style living arrangements where volunteers have the opportunity to socialize and learn from other cultural exchange participants.
iLeap cultural exchange programs provide life changing opportunities for adventurous travelers (international students, gap year students among others) who want to spend time and participate in the Ghanaian culture, not just pass through as a tourist. Our programs give travelers deeper connection to the Ghanaian lifestyle, language and culture and offering a more meaningful and rewarding travel experience.
The goal is to promote respect, broaden mutual trust and deepen understanding for cultures to flourish in diversity. As volunteers interact, there is mutual understanding of each other’s way of life which then inspires forms of artistic expression, creating networks.
Choose a Program
Explore iLeap Cultural Exchange Programs
Talking Drum & Dance Program
Come and learn how to beat the drums with us. Let us feel your hands on the hard goat and cattle skin in the sway of your waist dancing all decorum of civilization. Leap trainers are ready to teach you how to make your drum rhythms communicate important messages about bravery in war, unity, honoring ancestors, initiation into adulthood among others.
You will be taught how to do the slow step where the arms mov back and forth while extending downwards, and a fast step where the arms flap at the side with elbows extended. This dance is called ‘agbadza’ performed by the Ewe tribe of the Volta Region and it is accompanied by drums, rattles and gong-gong.
How about the ‘bamaya” dance of the Dagbamba’ tribe from the Northern Ghana, where men dress as women in a dignified manner under the impression that women ask the gods for help and their prayers get answered quickly.
The ‘adowa’ dance also known as the antelope dance as it mimics the jumping of an antelope. Other dances in Ghana include ‘Kpalongo performed by the Gas, Patsa by the Ga-Adangbe and many others.
It’s a great opportunity to experience the folklore around you and the mix of distinct traditions that exist in the same place. You may be surprised by the differences and commonalities! Have you any dance to teach the I Leap family? We are waiting. Apply now.
Music Program
At iLeap we believe that music is an inseparable part of the culture of any country. There’s no better way to get to know a culture than from its cultural roots. We welcome music and musical instruments that are native to your area. You will marvel at how iLeap kids will welcome and cooperate with you as you teach them how to use certain musical instruments.
Gastronomy Program
Get personal with your own cooking. This exchange offers travelers a unique experience for a culinary arts student, a cook or even a foodie. As you live with host families, you will be taught how to make local Ghanaian dishes, culinary traditions and local cooking methods first-hand. A cuisine-based exchange lets you dive into a new gastronomy and internalize aspects that you find most familiar or fascinating.
Fashion Program
It is a lot of fun working with African print fabrics. The bright colors, versatility and bold unique pattern which feature animals, geometric shapes and tribal motifs will amaze you. ILeap mentors will teach you the hidden meanings behind designs, pattern matching, cutting and sew African fabrics. The program will transform you from being amateur to a professional designer after just 3 months. You will have a wealth of experience creating stunning African styles and accessories for men and women. Come and discover new trends that dominate the world’s fashion capitals before anyone else. It is a huge opportunity and the beginning of a career path!
Braiding Program
In Africa, some tribes see braided hair as a sign of fashion, tribal identity, cultural significance, cultural beliefs and fashion. In some communities, ones braiding patterns in hairstyles could indicate a person’s, age, wealth, marital status, social position, religion and power. At iLeap, braiding is seen as a social art and a skill. Travelers who are looking to learn or expand braiding skills in an afro setting are encouraged to apply for this program. In a safe, friendly and stress free environment, travelers gradually learn the fundamental techniques of braiding including basic braids. Whilst living a local Ghanaian life and getting acculturated, you master the arts of braiding various hair and having fun at the same time. Turn your experience into a business when you go back!
Languages Program
Language is a vital part of human as it creates instant connections. It permits us to share our ideas, thoughts, and feelings with others. It has the power to build societies, but also tear them down. Ileap Languages program gives opportunities to volunteers ready to learn how to speak and write any of Ghana’s 50 languages. Whilst learning, you also are given the chance to teach us your language.