Ghana: The History and Culture
of Western Africa
~January 2008~
| Pictures |
Studying abroad in Ghana was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I will never forget. Ghana is a developing country on the continent of Africa, and recently celebrated it's 50th year in it's current Democratic government system. With that being said, I had my hesitations and pre-conceived ideas prior to departure. I wondered how safe the food and water would be, and for that matter, how appetizing it would be. I feared people would not speak English and I would easily be confused by the mixing of various regional languages. I also knew of the turmoil and unrest that was plaguing nearby African countries and I feared this could impose some unsafe conditions or negative feelings towards Western visitors. However, arriving in the warm climate of Ghana, only two words can describe the daily life of a Ghanaian ...Relaxed and welcoming.
As a leader, this laid-back view was challenging. Time, day of the week, and priorities to fit everything in, that was scheduled, did not seem to be a thought on anyone's mind. If you were 3 hours late because of car trouble or you felt like sitting around chatting for a while, no one seemed to mind. As long as you were relaxed, enjoying life and everyone's company, all other matters were put off.
Another aspect I enjoyed while visiting Ghana was their pride in their nation and their cultural history. Attending the opening ceremony of the African Cup of Nations Soccer Tournament emphasized their pride and love of Ghana and the unity that one sport has on their nation. When traveling to villages we were always welcomed and invited to dance and sing the native songs, as well as be entertained by skilled musicians on African drums. We were warmly invited into the homes and taught to harvest foods and prepare meals, to fetch water from the wells, to wash clothes in the streams, and to weave kente cloth for clothing. We visited Wli Falls, Ghana's largest waterfall; Walked across a rope bridge over Kakum rainforest; Explored the Cape Coast and Elmina Castles used during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade; and Explored Mole National Park, where we were only a few feet from wild African elephants, monkeys, baboons, crocodiles, and gazelles.
Ghana is definitely a unique study abroad experience that will leave you with a new view of our world, its diverse cultures, and a true look at the workings of a developing country. If you're looking to find a study abroad experience that will change the way you look at society and will open your eyes to a part of the world rarely seen by travelers, Ghana is the perfect location to focus your interests.
This site was created by Danielle Gilbert. For further information please contact DGilbert3@elon.edu