Welcome to my blog!

Hello dear friends,

Akwaaba! (welcome in Twi, the language of Ghana). Welcome to my study abroad in Ghana blog! I am about to embark on a very exciting journey to spend nearly half a year in Legon, Ghana studying at the University of Ghana with CIEE. I will be arriving in the country on January 9th, and leaving May 17th. While in Ghana I'll be taking 5 classes including: Twi for Beginners, Sociological Foundations of Development, Internship Course, Conflicts in African Societies, and Growth and Development in Ghana. In addition, I'll be interning in a local development-focused NGO. While studying at the university, I will be staying with a host family and taking trips with other members on the weekend.

Ghana is a particularly interesting country. The first country to recieve independence, Ghana has a history of military rule and democracy, rich culture and music, and pan-African leadership. Ghana has been a democracy since elections in 1992 and just 2 days ago elected an opposition leader, Professor Atta Mills as president in a close presidential election. Ghana has a rich culture focused on closeness of family and respect for ancestors, gods and witchcraft, and is predominately Christian, to my surprise. Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana has a legacy of African cooperation, Ghana helped start the African Union and ECOWAS is active in both organizations.

As you can guess, I'm very excited to be studying in such a wonderful country. I look forward to making the journey with all of you. I will be posting to this blog probably once a week with updates about my travels and experiences. Have a wonderful semester and I look forward to taking this journey with you!