Tess K. Study Abroad Ambassador
What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:
"Going to a deer hunting festival and camping on a beach with two international students I had met one week into my exchange set the tone for my time in Ghana, as I learned to trust in the generosity of people and also my own intuition, to speak up, to embrace spontaneity, to appreciate nature, and to navigate the Ghanaian trotro transport!"
TESS K.
Exchange student at the University of Ghana, Ghana
Summer semester
Studying Bachelor of Arts & Sciences, majoring in Social Science
- What is the best thing that happened while you were studying abroad?
Being able to explore, learn, love and be loved, connect, feel belonging all while establishing healthy routines and habits, and valuing everyday life moments.
- What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make?
Letting go of certain organizational and time related norms which inform systems we are habitually adapted to within Canada.
- In terms of your own cultural self-awareness, were there any instances where you realized that your own behaviours, perspectives, or attitudes were different. Where did those differences stem from?
Several preconceptions and stereotypes I had surrounding opportunities and safe environments across the African continent were changed by learning from my peers at the University of Ghana through cultural differences and focuses surrounding nutrition and geography. A lot of misconceptions I may have carried stemmed from media depictions in the Western world.
- Where was the coolest place you travelled to during your study abroad experience?
There were many memorable places in Ghana to see. Those which stood out to me were staying in a treehouse in Kakum National Park, camping on many of Ghana's beaches, and visiting the Northern region of Ghana where Mole National Park is located.
- What is something that you know now, that you wish you knew before you studied abroad?
That the academic experiences are more feasibly balanced with exploration and socializing and experiential learning, and regardless of system differences all will work out.
- What was your best learning moment?
Going to a deer hunting festival and camping on a beach with two international students I had met one week into my exchange set the tone for my time in Ghana, as I learned to trust in the generosity of people and also my own intuition, to speak up, to embrace spontaneity, to appreciate nature, and to navigate the Ghanaian trotro transport!
- Is there an issue that you can articulate whereby you had the opportunity to view the perspective from a different worldview or cultural lens?
There were several issues for which being in West Africa provided realistic and insightful, unstereotyped insights. Learning about the colonial history of spatial planning, the integration of climate change and gender roles (very different) into educational teachings, and understanding malnutrition issues such as anemia, wasting, and stunting through the study of national policies were incredibly refreshing and valuable.
- Who was the hardest person to leave from home? How did you deal with that?
There wasn't a singular person which was hard to leave, I miss my family and friends which live in various parts of the world on an ongoing basis, but ultimately I habe discovered that for me "home" can be made wherever the special people are, regardless of the external environment!
- Who was the hardest person to leave that you met while on exchange? How did you deal with that?
I met another international student while in Ghana who I became close to and traveled around with a lot. It was hard to say goodbye but we will continue to call on occasion and plan to reconnect through travel at some point in the future.
- If you were to recommend exchange to your best friend, what would you say?
Not everyone would feel comfortable or be able to thrive in a space so notably different than that of Canadian society. It would be important to trust your intuition, but foremost to not let biases and stereotypes induce unnecessary fear if you decided to study abroad in Ghana. If you would want to be challenged, learn to let go, and be ok with the a sort of freedom which is accompanied by functional chaos, then it would be the place to go. Despite some other challenges, the peacefulness and lack of certain threats I felt in Ghana, were more than in some areas in Canada, and was positively unexpected!
- What are your packing recommendations?
Mosquito net, mosquito spray, lightweight clothes, water shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a good hat, a mini fan, a lightweight towel, swim clothes, camera, reusable water bottle, water filtration packs, journal, earplugs, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper.
- Would it be helpful to learn another language for this exchange?
English is widely spoken in Ghana, however I wish I had been able to learn more Twi or Ewe before going, as it enables further connections and respect within communities to know these languages.
- What role did language and communication (both verbal and non-verbal) play in fostering appreciation for a different perspective?
Languages were interesting because within the international communities there were different dialects and people would build off of their expansive or limited knowledge of various ones to try and best to connect with others. Some of my lovely friends spent the time to teach me basic Twi phrases which made a big difference and I really appreciated.
- Did you live on-campus or off-campus? Would you recommend it, and why?
I lived on campus and would say the best option by far is to live on campus in the International Student Hostels. You are close to the gym, the pool, the market, health clinic, the grocery store and your classes to a degree. To live off campus would be very stressful and a hassle, and on campus you get to meet lovely people and form a community.
- How did you finance your study abroad experience?
I saved up working part time throughout university before going abroad, and am fortunate to have financial support through my RESP education funding which allowed me to budget for tuition as I would at U of Guelph.
- What interesting courses did you get to take while studying abroad? What was the title of the course(s)?
Geography of Gender and Development in Africa Agricultural Land Use Systems in Africa and the Developing World Spatial Organization Nutrition for Vulnerable Groups and Emergency Situations Nutrition and Food Policies in Ghana.
- How do you see your exchange experiences benefiting your future career?
I can see myself learning languages, travelling within West Africa, connecting with international agencies and organizations, and pursuing future studies which are related to global health, thanks to my exchange.
- Is there any other helpful information you would like to share with future study abroad participants?
The University of Ghana has several wonderful amenities on campus but the educational system takes some letting go and getting used to. The good moments outweighed the frustrations overall. The food is amazing, and rather than letting fear and apprehension being guiding feelings, try and lean into trust and gratitude and curiosity and patience when trying new things and interacting in various capacities.
