By Tanesia Williams (UC Santa Cruz)
Last fall, I had the pleasure of studying abroad at the University of Ghana, and it was a roller coaster of emotions and experiences. At orientation, the program’s leader, Sharon Okantey, better known as Aunty Sharon, told us about the four H’s. I had no idea how accurately they described the experience of studying abroad.
If you’ve studied abroad, you know it’s a journey. If you haven’t yet, I’m here to share some insight into the experience before you go.
The honeymoon stage
When I first landed in Ghana, everyone was incredibly welcoming. The airport workers made sure I found my way to my bags and even helped me carry them! One of the student leaders picked me up, and while riding in the van, I got to see Accra for the first time. The city was beautiful, but what really touched me was the fact that I was in my homeland. I was in Africa, the continent where my ancestors once stood. It was an indescribable feeling. I was in awe of how many people were dressed in beautiful Ghanaian traditional clothing and speaking their local language—I felt instantly connected to Ghana.
As we drove onto the University of Ghana campus, I saw it was full of beautiful nature, with markets selling fruits, vegetables, hot food, and anything else you could imagine, right next door. Everything felt perfect.
While I was settling in and getting familiar with the dorms, things like the slow internet, different bathing and laundry systems, and electricity issues didn’t faze me one bit. I was determined to have an open mind and welcome any challenges.
The honeymoon stage lasted for a good two to three weeks. The program had a set routine, and during those first weeks, we explored Ghana and learned about its local history and culture. We went as a group to historical buildings like the Kwame Nkrumah Museum, Independence Square, and participated in dancing and drumming classes. We also took a trip to the Cape Coast, stayed at a luxury resort, and rode horses on the beach! You can probably see why this time was the honeymoon stage.
Once the orientation weeks were over, we began to navigate Ghana independently – just the idea was scary and challenging, eventually leading me into the hostility stage.
The hostility stage
One minute, you’re having fun and learning about Ghana, and the next, you’re moving everything out of your dorm in a single day due to construction. No one could tell us when we would return, and it was it was both overwhelming and uncertain.
The new dorm had plumbing issues, but we welcomed amenities like air conditioning. We had a chance to reconnect as a group, which I appreciated.
During this stage, my body was also becoming accustomed to Ghanaian food, some of the most delicious food I’ve ever tasted, but my stomach needed time to adjust to it. At one point, I got food poisoning, which left me bedridden for a week! I also found the weak internet particularly challenging at this time. It was hard not being able to talk with my friends and family as much as I’d like, especially when I needed them.
At this time, I reminded myself that I was experiencing temporary challenges that were manageable; this helped me through the hostility stage and onto the humor stage.
The humor stage
One day, as my friends and I walked through Makola Market – an enormous place with hundreds if not thousands of sellers and shoppers, the very definition of overstimulation – and vendors were pulling on my arm trying to get me to buy something, I laughed it off. Instead of being annoyed or anxious, a simple smile and no thank you was enough.
I was learning Twi (the local language) and had just reviewed a chapter on bargaining, which I got to try out in person. Speaking Twi made it easier for me to get things cheaper, but even better, the seller’s jaw dropped, and they started laughing; it was an amazing way to genuinely connect with local people. It was the perfect example of the humor stage, when everything that was aggravating is suddenly funny and acceptable.
The home stage
A few weeks before returning to America, I felt that Ghana was my home. My favorite foods were yam chips and a light soup with fufu. My group of friends had become very close and included some cool local students. Every day, I was experiencing a culture and lifestyle that was different from what I was used to but had also become my own. I was completely immersed in Ghanaian culture and feeling sad to have to leave it all behind.
One of the last days in Ghana happened to be my 22nd birthday. My friends and I were at a Black Sheriff concert and somehow found ourselves in the front row. As the clock struck midnight and my friends sang Happy Birthday, I was touched because even though I was thousands of miles away from home, I felt I was in my second home, surrounded by people who cared about me and wanted to celebrate with me.
And now I’m home again, dreaming of Ghana.
If you’re thinking about studying abroad, do it – no question. Yes, there will be challenges and difficult situations, but there will also be life-changing moments you may never experience if you don’t go. I was scared and almost changed my mind about going, but I’m so glad I pushed aside my doubts. I have had experiences I will remember for a lifetime, and every stage I went through made me grow as a person. For that, I will be forever grateful. Go to Ghana—it will change your life.
Leave A Comment