Kevin Coriolan | Staff Writer

Living temporarily in a foreign world requires preparation and meditation throughout the stay. That contemplation will never be perfect from what I can see this semester.

Currently, I’m studying abroad at the University of Ghana, Legon for the length of more than four months. Studying abroad is more than an opportunity to attend classes in a foreign country; it’s a chance for one to gain at least a minimal understanding of how different people live in their everyday life. Knowledge can be gained in all instances from restaurant etiquette to gender roles, economics to volunteering, and from homework to socializing.

However, there are obstacles that education abroad services encounter such as the luxurious demands of American students and the difficulty of the participants’ cultural immersions. I’ve experienced both of these challenges since I’ve been in Ghana, which is considered a developing country in western Africa.

The University of Ghana is a prestigious institution with a respectable faculty and a resolute student body. This is unimportant though to some American students who may miss features they took for granted back home. Features such as Internet, microwaves, hot showers, meal plans, and office hours are not readily available or sometimes non-existent. This is a challenge, but studying abroad is not a vacation. At least, it shouldn’t be a vacation.

Since I’ve arrived, vacation-like activities have included visiting the beach, eating at restaurants, and enjoying the night life. I presently even have opportunities to see award-winning hip-hop artists like Nas and Ludacris perform live. It goes without saying that my life hasn’t been tough. I didn’t ask for any of this, though. Actually, I was prepared to live a semester much less comfortable. Thinking back, I should have gotten into a mindset before I left home to avoid such tempting endeavors and live the Ghanaian life instead. The conversion of U.S. dollars to Ghanaian sedis works in favor for the American with one sedi equaling half of a dollar.

Being a foreigner can be the same as being a wealthy person in the eyes of locals. In Ghana, I’m an Obruoni (white man or foreigner). I’ve dealt with some locals that believe I can live a comfortable life both here and back in the States, which I can to an extent. Nevertheless, the label that skin color determines your status is irritating. During these times I feel the only reason they are interacting with me is because I have money. Not all people living in Ghana follow this mindset, but it is fully apparent whenever I encounter situations involving it.

Also, because of the fact that I’ve lived in the United States for two decades inhibits me from ever truly diving into the culture and living like a Ghanaian. I’m just different; I stand out without doing anything.

Regardless, it may be too early in my life to truly immerse myself in foreign beliefs and ideals. From living in Accra, the most populated city of Ghana and thus the biggest attraction to foreigners, I’ve been frustrated by features of the native culture I wouldn’t find back home.

Communication is not ideal. A course scheduled at noon may mean the lecturer arrives thirty minutes late every class. Accents are also a hassle despite English being the official language. I tell a tro-tro driver I’m going to Agogo and receive a blank stare. After I repeat myself several times, they finally understand. “Oh you mean Agogo” in what I thought was the exact same pronunciation that I used. Communication of values is another discussion as well involving ethical, social, and religious principles.

I can’t imagine living in the rural communities towards the northern parts of Ghana where Western ways dwindle even further. Accra has so many sights similar to home, yet I feel uncomfortable from the culture shock I feel.

Being here is the experience of a lifetime. The frustrations are part of the learning. I just need to remind myself I’m learning every day.

Graphic by Keyla Sosa