We can’t wait to welcome you to the stunning city of Accra! 🇬🇭 Located just a few degrees north of the equator, Accra enjoys a balmy climate throughout the year. In February, although the air may be dusty and dry due to the Saharan winds that sweep across West Africa into the Gulf of Guinea, you can expect fewer rains, lower humidity (which means fewer mosquitoes), and slightly cooler temperatures, noticeable enough to bring relief.

Accra is a city full of surprises, and every day holds the potential for unique experiences. Be prepared for anything and embrace the unexpected. From cultural encounters to delicious cuisine, vibrant markets, and breathtaking landscapes, Accra offers a multitude of delights that will make your visit truly memorable.

We value the experience of student delegates staying with host families provided by ARIS. These host families take on the role of ARIS parents during our program. To ensure that all visiting students can be accommodated, we kindly ask our host families to consider opening their doors to groups of two or more students for four nights. 

While our school canteen will provide meals for students and teachers, we encourage host families to extend invitations to their visiting students for shared meals. 

Please be assured that we are fully committed to finding suitable host families for all students needing accommodation. During the registration process, we invite you to indicate whether you would like to take advantage of the opportunity to stay with host families for your student cohorts. 

Once we have received your preferences, we will make direct contact with those who have expressed interest in this option.

Sustainability

To promote sustainability, we kindly request your cooperation with the following measures during the conference:

  • Bring your reusable water bottle: Throughout the conference, filtered drinking water will be available for refilling your bottles. By bringing your reusable water bottle, you can help reduce plastic waste.
  • Consider bringing your stationery: If you prefer taking notes by hand, please bring your own. Alternatively, you may opt for digital note-taking methods.
  • Access the daily program digitally: The daily schedule will be shared digitally. We recommend bringing a device with a QR code reader to access the program easily.
  • Support our plastic-free campus initiative: We strive to create a plastic-free environment on campus. We kindly ask you to avoid bringing any single-use plastics whenever possible.
  • A carbon offset fee of US $5 per person can be conveniently paid along with your registration fee.

Teachers and adults generally stay in hotel accommodations. A list of recommended hotel accommodations is provided. We have tried to rate the hotels according to cost, proximity to the school, etc., so teachers can find the best place for them.

Visas are required by most non-residents except ECOWAS nationals. Before your visit, check the visa requirements for your nationality. Many visitors to Ghana require a visa, which can be obtained in advance from Ghanaian embassies or consulates.

If there is no Ghana Embassy in your country, ARIS provides visa assistance services for a fee of $170.00. Our dedicated team can guide you through the visa process, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience. Please ensure the entire group’s submissions are compiled in a single folder and submitted by Friday, December 15, 2023.

CASHLESS CAMPUS

We are excited to welcome you to the AISA GISS Cashless Campus, sponsored by Fidelity Bank. In our effort to provide a convenient and secure experience during your stay, we have implemented a cashless system that will simplify transactions and enhance your overall event experience.

Here are the key details about the AISA GISS Cashless Campus:

  1. Prepaid Debit Card:
    • Upon arrival at the airport, you will have the opportunity to exchange currency 
    • Upon arrival at ARIS Campus, you will receive a prepaid debit card provided by Fidelity Bank.
    • The prepaid debit card will be loaded with the desired amount during registration.
    • The card can be used at any Visa point in Ghana, including local markets, food vendors, and during the Service trip.
    • To collect your prepaid card, please ensure you bring a hard-color photocopy of your passport for identification purposes.
    • Your name will be preprinted on the card to ensure ease of use and security.
  2. Loading Funds:
    • Students are responsible for loading the desired amount onto their prepaid debit cards.
    • The loaded amount will cover expenses such as market purchases, meals and souvenirs.
    • We recommend keeping a small amount of cash on hand for emergency purposes.
  3. On-Campus Support:
    • Fidelity Bank representatives will be available on campus throughout the event to assist with any inquiries or issues related to the prepaid debit cards.
    • They will provide on-site services to load additional funds onto the cards as needed.

The AISA GISS Cashless Campus aims to streamline transactions, eliminate the need to carry large amounts of cash, and provide a secure and convenient payment solution. 

Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to our logistics team. We are here to assist you and ensure a smooth and enjoyable AISA GISS experience.

We look forward to welcoming you to the AISA GISS Cashless Campus and wish you an unforgettable event!

An aerial view of the Independence Avenue, Accra. Ghana.