ISEP Ghana

My first week in Ghana I was stunted by the heat and stupefied by Ghanaian accents. The first thing I learned was that I knew nothing and the second, to laugh at myself. By the end you'll master the ordered chaos of Accra and become an expert haggler – two seemingly impossible achievements your first day. Without realizing, a new normal wiggles its way into your life, creating the most liberating and influential experience of college.

Ghana is a country that exudes warmth and hospitality and radiates joy and optimism. You'll find ISEP resident director and coordinator to be Ghana personified.

Aunty Theresa and Susan work hard to make sure each ISEPer has every opportunity to give and take what they wish from Ghana. They offer seasoned travelers the independence they desire and simultaneously give first time travelers the support and security they need. Orientation week they'll truly nurse you into Ghanaian culture, giving you every resource you need to succeed… and then they watch their children grow, milestone by milestone.“

“My name is Ahtziri Gonzalez, I am from Mexico, and I was an ISEP exchange student in the University of Ghana in 2010.

I chose Ghana as a destination because I wanted to live something new, experience a different culture, and meet people with diverse lifestyles. My experience not only fulfilled my expectations, but allowed me to live very intense moments that changed me and my way of seeing Africa and the world.

It is sometimes difficult to describe my semester abroad, usual words such as "cool", "amazing", "fun" or "the best" do not really fit. The culture shock can be frustrating and overwhelming, some days Africa can simply be too much, but in general, I loved my experience, and all of my ISEP friends did.

This is a program for all those who want an adventurous semester, but in a safe and well organized environment. Theresa and Susan (ISEP Ghana's staff) are extremely helpful and make the experience a very pleasant one.”

“When it comes to Ghana, people around the world might first think of Ghana’s internationally acclaimed soccer team or the drums that West Africa is generally known for. It’s not only just about the soccer or the percussionists, it’s about the food- fufu, banku, boiled yams, rice, plantains, cassava, and ground nut soup with a sauce so spicy it could easily bring tears to your eyes.

It’s about the women who wear bright colored cloths around their waists and matching bright cloths wrapped around their heads. Esteemed women perfectly balancing huge baskets or pans full of items on top of their skulls, it almost seems like some kind of magic trick. While simultaneously caring for their babies as they sleep silently tied up around mother’s backs.

It’s about the markets where bargaining is an acquired expertise! It’s about riding the tro tros- the cheapest form of transportation and by far the most entertaining when every ride turns into an adventure.

It’s about the history –the tribes, the historical sites of Elmina and Cape Coast castle that transported slaves from Ghana to the Americas, the representation of the Ghanaian flag, history that goes on for so long it could fill up an encyclopedia.

Ghana is a nation so deep with life and brilliance to the point where it’s overwhelming at first sight.

I have to admit; when I signed up for this I had no idea what I was getting myself into. All I knew was that I was at a point in my life where I was ready for a change, but even more I was ready for a learning experience that would alter the way I view the world and the way I view myself. The lessons that I’ve gained, the places that I traveled, and the people that I met gave me the opportunity to grow as an individual and gave me the change that I was seeking for. If I had to say this was an experience of a lifetime, that would be serving as an understatement, this experience was so profound it couldn’t even compare to the greatest stories. It was hard saying goodbye, but as I walked outside to board the plane I felt the Ghanaian breeze kiss my forehead for the final time, and I knew right then this might have been my first experience in Ghana, but it was definitely not my last.

In the language of the Asantes, Ghana nantie yie, yebehyia bio –“Goodbye Ghana, we’ll meet soon"-”

“It was the experience of a lifetime and absolutely incredible. Take everything with a positive attitude and a smile. Aim high, expect nothing and be happy with what you get. I was happy with what I got”

“I am thankful to ISEP for enabling this experience in Ghana. I learned a great deal about development issues from professors and students at the university. The challenges I went through encouraged me to continue pursuing developmental work.”

“It was hard at times but I had the most amazing experience ever. I am so glad I choose Ghana to study Abroad. I wouldn’t change a thing and I have no regrets.”

“Studying abroad in Ghana was by far the best experience of my life. Before coming to Ghana, I’d never visited another country, let alone ever boarded an airplane. So coming to Ghana was definitely a new experience for me. Living, attending school, and volunteering in Ghana for four months gave me a better understanding of Ghanaian culture. Aside from exploring all of Ghana’s beautiful attractions and attending classes, the best part about coming to Ghana was meeting the people, who were by far the friendliest I’ve ever met. Through them I not only learned about how life is in Ghana, but also about their perceptions of America.”

“Approaching landing, I spotted an airplane withlarge black letters that read, ‘GHANA’, along with the national flag: conspicuous and prominent with its red, yellow, and green. Studying abroad is one of the most memorable experiences in one’s college career. Therefore, the place in which one studies should be noteworthy and worthwhile. Studying in Ghana has allowed me to challenge myself, while exploring and becoming immersed in a new culture. Also, due to the program, ISEP allowed me to discover Ghana independently. While many students may choose to visit more conventional countries, studying in Ghana opens one’s mind to a breadth of information and an entirely new lifestyle. From worldly conversations with Ghanaians on public transportation to everyday encounters, a semester in this remarkable country will surely be a unique and unforgettable one.”