black abroad

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 

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.