ISEP Ghana

“I arrived in Ghana in August 2005. There, Theresa, our ISEP coordinator greeted me at the airport. The first week was spent getting oriented to the campus, nearby markets, and the areas around the University of Ghana.

I found the ISEP program to be excellent; I was able to pick the classes I would take in Ghana. I focused mainly on African literature, which was useful for my senior thesis at my home university. I also enjoyed living in a hostel with several other exchange students, as well as Ghanaians. ISEP did a wonderful job planning a few trips to outlying areas, and helping to provide information on trips we could take independently. Also, the coordinators were very friendly, and willing to help out with whatever they could.

I found the program to be the perfect amount of independence. My time in Ghana was easily the most influential periods in my life. I learned a lot about the culture and how our histories are intertwined. But I also learned more about myself, my fellow exchange students, and the many friends I made there.“

“Through my study abroad experience I have learned and have taken with me a countless amount of memories. From working an internship in community development and seeing first hand the problems of a third world country and the attempts to assist those who are less fortunate to playing with children who have nothing yet seem to radiate happiness. In Ghana was the first time I was a millionaire (with an exchange rate of US$1 to ¢9,300) and the countless friends I still keep in touch with via telephone and e-mail around the country and around the world.”

“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.”