Ghana

The opportunity to study abroad in Ghana was very unexpected. Studying abroad, especially in a place as meaningful as Africa, was something that I have always dreamed about but knew would never happen. Living in poverty meant study abroad opportunities were beyond my reach; I find financing my local college education challenging in itself. However, since I have been in college, I have realized I can do anything I set my mind to, and this is why I am applying to study abroad in Ghana through The College at Brockport.
I have chosen to study in Africa, specifically Ghana with its ethnic and religious diversity, because it will give me the chance to gain a deep knowledge and understanding of African cultures, a culture to which I feel connected as an African-American. Africa, as the cradle of civilization and the birthplace of humankind, can impart to me so much of my and my family’s history. Even though I was born and raised in America, I still feel such a strong connection to Africa. Furthermore, Ghana is a beautiful country, with Amazonian jungles and tropical coastal areas, and it is known to have warm and welcoming people.
This study abroad program directly fits my career goals because I plan to be a human/civil rights attorney, working in a developing country, protecting people who may not have a voice. Exposure to Ghana’s constitutional democracy and its laws will help prepare me for law school. In addition, I have one year of undergraduate courses upon my return from study abroad in Ghana, and I would apply my international experiences to my studies at the University at Buffalo.
Studying abroad in Ghana correlates strongly with my psychology major and sociology minor because the coursework is about the history and culture of Ghana, and the curriculum involves experiential learning, library research, and writing. I will closely observe the similarities and differences among the different social groups in Ghana, comparing those to the different social groups I