This article is the first in a series documenting my experiences studying abroad in Ghana, a small country in West Africa. At least once a day I get asked why I chose to go to Ghana. “Why not” is my answer.
Growing up, my family never lived in one place for very long; therefore, I adopted some rather nomadic tendencies.
I have a longing to travel and explore different cultures, mostly ones that are less commercialized and more remote.
When I met with Maria Costa, ETSU’s director of International Programs, I told her I wanted to go where nobody else wants to.
She told me about the University of Ghana and warned that there may be times when there is no power or water, but this intrigued me even more.
“Sign me up,” I said with excitement.
Now the date of my departure is sneaking up on me. On Feb. 11, I will be saying goodbye to my friends and family knowing that I will not see them for at least another four months.
While this fact is slightly daunting, I feel that I am doing something I really need to do. As a journalism major, I naturally am looking forward to spending a lot of time writing while I’m in Africa.
I hope to help eliminate some of the ignorance and misconceptions about Africa by carefully and truthfully documenting the things I encounter while I’m there. As excited as I am, I’m sure it won’t always be easy.
There will be days when I will miss the comforts of home and Mom’s candied sweet potatoes, but I know the experience I gain by living in Africa will no doubt help to mold me into the woman I want to be.
I will be taking advantage of many volunteer opportunities, such as working in orphanages and after-school programs.
So far the planning process has been a little stressful, mostly due to my own procrastination.
Thankfully, I have a mom who is on top of things and has been very good at reminding me of certain deadlines. I was fortunate enough to get a scholarship to help with the cost. A flight to Ghana can be rather expensive, but the cost of living is pretty low in West Africa.
The University of Ghana was founded in 1948 and is the largest and oldest of the five universities that can be found in the country. Ghana, a former British colony, gained its independence in 1957 and became the first sub-Saharan country to do so.
It boasts beautiful coastlines and is also home to the world’s largest man-made lake, Lake Volta. So far, I haven’t heard a negative review from a student who has traveled to Ghana. Everyone seems to have had a very positive experience there.
One day I came across a Facebook group for students who are going to be studying abroad in Ghana this Spring. I sent messages to the students who had responded to that group in order to kind of get to know some people who will be going through the same things I will.
Will Marks, a student at SIU Edwardsville in St. Louis, said, “It’s the first time I’ve left everyone behind, and that just hit me a day or two ago. I’m not losing sleep over it, but I’m definitely ready to get on my way.”
I know how he feels. It’s a little scary knowing that once I get on that plane, I won’t be back for four months. My friends are all discussing their plans for spring break and it’s a little strange knowing that I won’t be around, but I know that I am embarking on the adventure of a lifetime and I can’t wait.
I will be posting regular updates on a blog which can be found at http://kimberfoli.blogspot.com.
I will also be sending out mass e-mails describing my African adventures!
If you would like me to add you to my e-mail list, just drop me a line at overmyhead333@yahoo.com.

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