When I was first trying to decide where I wanted to go to study abroad, I never would’ve thought I would end up in Ghana. It took one information sessions and two very ecstatic past participants to completely sell me on the program. It sounded like an opportunity of a lifetime that would change my perspective of the rest of the world and give me an opportunity to see what it would be like to work for a foreign media house. As time went on, every new story I heard about Media in Ghana got me more excited for the opportunity.
Now that my time in Ghana has come to end I can say that it was so much more than anything I could have anticipated. I’ve heard stories about the past student time in Ghana, but to be able to live that experience and let it have a real impact on your life is so important. Before I came to Ghana I had an idea of how people lived here but it only came from popular culture or single stories from people who didn’t live here. I was able to learn more through the introductory class during spring term but other than that I wanted to see how it was here without someone else’s opinions changing my perspective. I’m thankful I had the opportunity to live here for six weeks so I could experience firsthand what life is like in this part of the world.
At work and around the towns, I felt like most people were eager to say hello or help out if I needed. I’m really glad I took the time to learn some simple phrases in Twi because it made it possible for me to connect with strangers with just a few words. Sometimes my “medaase” would award me a laugh from that new friend but I took it all in good favor. The people I met throughout my time here are what really made it an incredible experience. I’ll miss daily life in Accra and all the interactions, noises and smells that became a regular part of each day.
Thank you for everything, Ghana. I hope to be back soon.
