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How Studying and Volunteering in Ghana Changed Me

March 17, 2015

Studying abroad often means learning to expect the unexpected. There’s a certain level of flexibility that’s inevitable - whether it’s adjusting a schedule because of a missed train, or trying a new dish when you thought you ordered something else. You’ll learn how to navigate these sometimes uncomfortable situations, and become an expert at thinking of creative solutions for your problems (Missed the train to Kumasi? How about a train to Cape Coast instead!). ISEP students Jetta and Hannah tell us a little bit about their experiences at the University of Ghana and how they changed during their semester abroad. 


Jetta’s Experience in Ghana

Jetta spent a semester at the University of Ghana with ISEP on the Global Engagement Program (GEP). She is an International Security and Conflict Resolution major from San Diego State University.

Jetta's study abroad experience:

“Crazy, enlightening, different, and still growing.”

Jetta's perspective of Ghana:

“Ghana is so much more than just a ‘part of Africa.’ It is a very peaceful country. The culture is so different here from anything you could imagine.”

Jetta's best piece of advice:

“Learn to laugh at the frustrations you have. That’s one of the best things I’ve gained by being here.”


Hannah’s Experience in Ghana

Hannah, is a Dance and Anthropology major from Swarthmore College, and also spent a semester at the University of Ghana.

Hannah's reason for choosing Ghana:

“I am a double major in Anthropology and Dance, and my areas of interest are in West African dance styles. This was a great way to be able to study traditional  dance, drum, and art styles.”

Hannah's perspective of Ghana:

“I tried not to have expectations of Ghana before coming here so that I could take everything in. The thing that struck me the most was that Ghana is a pretty small country but it is so diverse.”

Hannah's best piece of advice:

“Use your time to develop relations with the local students. The things other people can teach you are some of the biggest things you can take away.”


Want to learn more about life in Ghana with ISEP? You can hear more about studying at University of Ghana by watching ISEP Live on March 18, 2015 at 4 PM EST, featuring volunteer and service learning opportunities with ISEP Study Abroad. If you can’t make it, don’t worry - the video will be available for live streaming on YouTube after the show.

If you are searching for a study abroad program that will give you the opportunity to make an impact on a local community, check out ISEP’s Global Engagement Program (GEP) in Ghana. The ISEP GEP program specializes in volunteering and service learning opportunities, offered at an affordable cost.

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