Traveling the Roads of Ghana

This past week has been very interesting and full of fun adventure. My mother and I are two individuals who can find enjoyment anywhere.

Everyday has been unique and full of things to do. My mom has attended each of my classes at least once and met all my instructors. This is definitely another motivation for me to do well since she has exchange emails with all of them. It is very interesting to see her reaction to campus life. One thing that she brought to my attention is the amount of African men who are attending college. In all my classes the amount of women students are no more than 10 in a class size of 125 students. She was glad to see so many African men getting higher education in a great number which is something that is not seen in American colleges. It is an advantage to see things in the perspective of an individual of a different generation. 

Outside of life on campus we have been able to travel the roads of Ghana and broaden our arisen. On Saturday at 3am, we woke up to catch the 4am bus ride to Cape Coast to visit the Cape Coast Castle. The Cape Coast Castle is a museum with information about the history of Ghana and slave trade.  Initially, we thought that we were riding a nice charter bus and came to find out that we were traveling in a compact bus that can accommodate 12 adults. We had to hold are bags in our lap and sit closely for 3 hours to our destination.  Once we arrived to the Cape Coast Castle it was a sight to see and great history to learn. The Atlantic Ocean was beautiful, relaxing to see, and a place to catch great sea food. While being in this city for a short period of time I have never see so much fish, shrimp, and octopus for sell. Even though I was very hesitant, I did try octopus and it was not that bad. While traveling abroad, I made it a goal to try different foods at least once. By trying something you can distinguish what you like and what you do not like for the future. After a day of sightseeing and buying souvenirs we headed back to Kumasi.

Sunday we went to church at the campus Presbyterian Church. Presbyterian is similar to Baptist and the service was good. I have learned that culture of people can change, the appearance of churches can vary, and the conduct of a church service can be different but you’re praising the same god. After church we were invited to Sunday dinner at the home of the Engineering International Director. It was the best dinner; I have had since I have been in Ghana. Everything was hot and fresh and cook to perfection. There was an appetizer, main course, and dessert. I felt like I had just eaten for a holiday back in the United States. It was cool to go to a Ghanaian home and see that they live no different than Americans. We ended the evening my watching an African Reality TV Show called Big Brother.

Throughout the week we had the chance to visit The Ashanti Museum and Bonwire. These outings were great in learning the culture of Ghanians as whole and buying souvenirs for my family.  As we traveled various places we tended to meet so many people. I can truly say that I love Ghanaian people.  Overall are intelligent, hard working, genuine people. I also admire how calm and mild spoken they are. To describe the people here in one word it would be peaceful.

Even though I do not want her to go, my mother is leaving me this week. I will miss her and join her for Christmas in the states. I am back to adventuring Ghana solo.

Spending Quality Time with My Mom

When studying abroad, you learn that it is an experience of a life time. Your able to meet new people, be a guest student of a college, learn a new language, learn a new cultural, and see life in a different perspective. You also learn that there is no place like home with your family and friends.

When I began to plan my study abroad to trip to Ghana, my mom began planning time off work to come visit me. My mom and I both enjoy traveling and see new things in life. We had always talked about traveling to the Motherland and we have finally made it.

My mother arrived the morning of September 19, 2010, which was my 20^th birthday in Accra, Ghana. Once we left the airport we got settled in a Guesthouse which was very nice. When we first arrived they told us we had to get separate room because they could not allow the same sex adults share a room. At that point we had to explain that we were mother and daughter. Then they apologized and moved us into our room. Throughout this day we toured the Makola Market and Labadi Beach.  My mom was taking pictures none stop and enjoying the different cultural. Labadi Beach is a sight I will always remember. It was a cultural shock to go to a beach where everyone looked like me. There was also horse riding up and down the coast. I definitely enjoyed riding which is something I have not done in some time. It was very relaxing and my first time seeing the Atlantic Ocean from this part of the world. After a day full of fun, we went to bed to wake up early to catch the 4am VIP, Charter Bus to Kumasi. The bus ride was 5 hours which we slept through.

Once my mom was settled we were on the move to explore Kumasi. She noticed first there was no KFC, McDonald’s, Burger King, or any of our usual franchise operations here. She enjoyed seeing African people on the currency when she exchanged her money.  My mom is very adventurous; I would have to say I have gain that trait from her.  Everywhere we go it seem like she has these great conversations with Ghanians from the taxi drivers to the waiters at restaurants. She has been very shock to see that Africans have a picture of a white Jesus hanging from their rear view mirror. Every time she sees it she lets the driver know that Jesus is not white and that the bible describes how he looks. It is so funny to see her do this when we get in most taxis. The drivers usually are like really. One driver took out his bible and asked her to show him the scripture that describes how Jesus looks. I was in the back seat wondering where this conversation was going to lead to. Besides the mosquitoes at night she is truly enjoying her time in Ghana.

September 21, 2010 was a national holiday in Ghana. It was Ghana first president’s birthday, Kwame Nkrumah, which meant no class. It was a great day just because I did not have to go to 3 classes for a total of 6 hours. We spend most of the day in town looking for fabric to get dresses made. In Ghana many women wear dresses made from fabric with different designs. These dresses are usually worn to church or for special occasions. It was fun shopping for material. In the past, I thought it was sometimes hard looking for certain clothing items but, try looking for the material of clothing. We ended the day with a dinner of fried rice and fish.

The next day we started the day bright and early. I headed to class and my mom went to get her hair braided. When I was done with classes I meet her at the hair salon. She looked great with her braids. The last time she had braids was when she was 14. This special day of her trip was also her birthday. I would share her age but you would not believe her age even if I told you. Once her braids were complete I was able to share my favorite Ghanaian dish with her; Black Eye Peas & Fried Plantain with Palm Oil. She loved it! Throughout the day, I attended a few classes and she rested. We also had measurements done for our dresses. In the evening we went to dinner at Its my Kitchen which was a great restaurant. We enjoyed the remaining of the evening with some Banana Cake.

The great thing about being in Ghana is that it is relaxing. There is no rushing or counting the minutes in the day. We have been relaxing and taking life minute by minute. I am glad to see my mom relax with her working 2 jobs and always on the move.  I am enjoying every moment with my mom. I was glad to see her come but not looking forward to her leaving. 

Education: KNUST vs. NCAT

I can sincerely say that week 5 in Ghana I feel adjusted. I do have my moments where I miss my family and friends, and life at North Carolina A&T. I keep myself motivated by saying the time will come to go home but, seize the great opportunity of living in another country. My mom will be visiting me this week. She will be arriving on Sunday, September 19^th which is also my birthdayJ. I am eagered to spend 2 whole weeks with my mom in Ghana. This is her first trip to an African country so we going to be adventurous together.

For the time that I have been here many Ghanaians tend to ask me how the education is different from North Carolina A&T and Kwame Nkrumah. I answer this question firstly by saying education is education. The courses they are teaching here are the same courses taught in the U.S. For example this semester, I am taking Thermodynamics, Strength of Materials, Basic Mechanics (Statics & Dynamics), Mechanical Engineering Lab I, and Electrical Circuits. If I was at North Carolina A&T this semester, I would be taking the same courses. Then I further explain that there are differences in the resources for students and class sizes. The population at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology is approximately twenty five thousand students which more than double the population at North Carolina A&T. Typically at North Carolina A&T my courses have roughly 35 students. While my courses here have roughly 135 students. I am still adjusting to the class size difference.

Resources available to students for courses are limited. Ownership of textbooks is not common amongst students here. The library is used heavily for their books and photo copied notes are distributed to students. The price for photo copied notes is roughly five Ghana Cedis. Students here have to search for the resources compared to the majority of students in the U.S. who have every resource at the palm on their hands.

When it comes to the actual lectures they are operated a little differently. Most of my classes, I attend less frequently but for an extended amount of time. Three of my courses, I attend class twice a week and the other two courses; I attend class only once a week. While in the US, I went to most classes 3 times a week for an hour. The conduct of classes is different too. In the mist of class, there are not many questions asked by students nor are there many side conversations going on. I believe with the class sizes being larger, there has to be a minimal to class tasks that do not involve the course subject being taught. There is also a class representative for each class. This individual is the direct connection between the students in the class and the instructor. Typically, there is no one on one time with instructors here because of the size of the student population. Therefore, the class representative is responsible for distributing information to students from the lecturer.

The cumulative of grades are different too. Most of your grade is composed on your mid-term and final. There are a few homework assignment and quiz grades. For my courses my finals are 70% of my grade while mid terms are roughly 25% of the overall grade.

I will say students here take education much more serious. When you walk into a library its typically silent with everyone concentrated. I see they start their days earlier and end them early. There is more studying going on through the day time than at night. Ghanaians are not taking their education for granted. Many would also like to obtain their Masters or PhD in the U.S.

As a result, the students in Ghana and the U.S. are learning the same information in courses but in varied educational systems.

One Month In Ghana

During my short time in Ghana, family and friends tend to ask me the similar questions such as What is the food like, How are the people?, How do you compare it to the US?, and How modern is life there?  I thought this would be a great week to speak about these topics.

When I exited the plane that land in Accra four weeks ago, I knew I was somewhere different than home. From the sky, to the trees, to the roads, to pedestrians, and buildings nothing looked normal. I also know that some people have the impression that Africans live in trees and have no form of modernization but that is false claim. Ghana is modernized but in its own way. Buildings and homes have electricity and running water.  I will say that the atmosphere of this country is very relaxing and peaceful.

Many individuals use public transportation such as taxis and vans. Ghanaians tend to walk to many locations too. When Ghanians are traveling throughout the country the use of charter busses is a common form of travel.

The food is great. It is very natural and healthy. Common foods are rice, fish, chicken, plantain fruit, beans, and variety of vegetables. I tend to learn about different foods on the regular. Their meals tend to consist of more carbohydrates and vegetables than poultry. There have definitely been some meals that I have been eagered to eat chicken or fish and the portions were smaller than expected. If you love carbohydrates this is the place for you. Many of the dishes prepared are stews and soup based too. While on that note shopping for food is different than in the US. There is no Walmart or Kroger. They have outdoor markets in town that sell a variety of foods. The price for most items in the market is bargained. It is best to know their language and be accompanied by a native so you can get the best price.

There is also a currency exchange for the American Dollar. The name of their paper bills is Ghana Cedis and their coins are pesewas. The exchange rate is approximately 1:1.5 with the American dollar being worth more. The cost of living here is very inexpensive with wages being low. I have learned that a worker with no college degree typically live off less than a dollar a day. A college graduate can start out making around $250 a month and a professor with a PhD can make roughly $1200 a month. It is very interesting to see how others live and how their economy operates.

                Ghanaians are very friendly people. Majority of the people I have met are very pleasant and willing to helpful. I will also say that the people here are very hard workers. If an individual has a job with a college degree or an individual has a maintenance job they tend to do it with pride. Most of the individuals I have met are very thankful for what they do have. I sit back and think about things in the US I use to complain about and now I have a different perspective on many of those things. 

The biggest question so far is how can you compare it to the US? I have put much thought into this question and I feel there is not simple way of comparing the two. They are both great places with uniqueness and some differences.