My Search for Belonging

Did your study abroad change how you look at your identity in any way?

Photo provided by Akintunde 

My study abroad experience in Ghana really made me rethink the way I view being an African American. While it was clear how much of an influence West Africa had on African American culture, there are many distinctions to be made. Now, I view being an African American as a nationality in itself, with its own unique culture. We have our own food, music, dances, and even dialects, just like any other African nation. And since each of us is such a huge mixture of African geographic backgrounds, it would be hard for us to trace our heritage back to just one country. I came here searching for some sense of belonging. I definitely found it here, but I also realized that in Oakland is where I truly feel at home.

What You Should Expect...

What do you think students from a similar background as you should know before studying abroad in Ghana?

Photo provided by Akintunde 

Before coming to Ghana, there are some common misconceptions that people of African descent should get clear. I don’t want people to come here and be let down by anything, so I will be real. When you come to Ghana, and you first arrive, do not expect to immediately feel at home. Do not expect a super warm welcome. Yes, there may be a feeling of relief or comfort within you from seeing only black people, but remember only you are feeling this, and not those who have lived it for their entire life. You will come to see people speaking another language, and often broken English. You will encounter open gutters. There will be people immediately trying to sell you things, and others trying to get you in their taxi to take you where you need to go. It will be a lot, so I’m warning you. Do not get overwhelmed or discouraged. It’s part of your experience here, and with time, trust you will learn to love it, or at least, become used to it.
 

My Opportunity to Study in West Africa

Why did you decide to study abroad in Ghana?

Photo provided by Akintunde

Selecting my study abroad program wasn’t too hard for me. I knew that I wanted to go to an African country. To be more specific, I wanted go to West Africa. As an African American, history shows that our people were forcefully brought to the America’s from regions in West Africa, so this is where I wanted to go. Studying abroad here was much more than just a chance to get away from campus. It was me bridging the gap that the Transatlantic Slave Trade had created, and being the first person in my family to return to West Africa since my descendants were stolen from their homes. So, when I found out that my school had an approved study abroad program in Ghana, I instantly applied, and now I’m here.