“If nothing else, you will learn Patience while being here” – University of Ghana’s Study Abroad Leader

Hello! Noah Waltz here. I am a fourth year student in the GLI who has chosen a public and global health theme. Recently, I’ve returned from a Semester Abroad at the University of Ghana in Accra, Ghana where I had the goal of getting to know the emergency response system, the school and university system, as well as the overall culture. Through the volunteering at the local fire station and the ambulance service, enrolling in 15 credits, and engulfing myself in the culture for three and a half months, I achieved these goals! I got sick with Typhoid, got baptized, made great friends, grew in understanding how much of the world lives (as in less developed to America), and grew a whole lot in gratefulness. I’m sure glad I went!

In achieving these goals, I went through trials of various kinds, which I’ve come to understand is how one learns. The University system was less organized, less professional, and often chaotic. Eventually, I saw some good in them, which was that classes were more lively than I am used to, as well as that in West Africa’s history, the university system has come a long way. My health struggled at times due to Typhoid, although this is was simply cured when treated early with antibiotics. Eventually I learned which foods to eat, and I thoroughly enjoyed the foods they have to offer. My time with the fire and ambulance services were often difficult due to the lack of quality care comparatively to what I have seen in America. The key word in this is comparatively…

My heart grew while I was here, as a result of my relationship with God growing. Ghana can not be mentioned without it’s large religious presence. Even the stores have a religious influence to them as shown in the picture below of the beans seller titling her business “FEAR THOU NOT BEANS”. It was a great opportunity to grow in my religious convictions, and one that I am incredibly grateful for. The picture after my baptism is the first picture.

In conclusion, my experience in Ghana was worth it. Among the roller coaster ride of emotions that come from going from 1st to 2nd world (3rd world depending on what part of Ghana you go to), I am so grateful I went. I would likely not have done it if it wasn’t for the GLI scholarship that comes in year three of the program. Below is a picture right before I went to the airport with an amazing family I got to know well.We had just finished crying so forgive the picture.