Pre-departure sentiments

I've always been one for journal-ing, and now that I'm going abroad, I want to document and share the experience with anyone willing to listen! I think this will be a great way to keep everyone posted on the new things I see and learn, as well as how I feel along the way. I don't know how reliable my internet will be through out my time there, but I will also be keeping a personal journal so hopefully that will help if I get behind on posting here.

It is 12 days until I depart for Ghana! I thought I would post before I leave so that my pre-departure feelings could be shared as well. As of now, I am feeling excited and slightly nervous for my semester abroad. I'm really only nervous for the beginning. I know that I am an adaptable person and will be able to embrace everything wholeheartedly, as soon as I know what I've gotten myself into. And I am comforted by the fact that I'm not all alone. I am one of five Clark students to embark on this program, and we are the first group of Clarkies to ever participate in CIEE's Ghana program (Click here if you want any background info on my program).

Most people ask me why I've chosen to study abroad in Africa. My main response is that I just want a very different experience. I have lived, and probably will always live, in the Western world. I have zero perspective on life outside of America, especially life where I am part of the racial "minority". Sure, I could have decided to live in Europe this semester, and undoubtedly learned so much about culture and history. But I feel like this amazing opportunity to study and live in another country for four months will be most fulfilled through stepping out of my comfort zone. That is part of what excites me so much, I just have no idea what to expect.
I also wanted a program where I can really try to be a part of the community. As a student, and an international, I realize that this will be hard. But the opportunity to volunteer and intern in organizations is another reason that I really wanted to go to Africa.

While three of my very close friends have been to Ghana before and have told me so many wonderful things about it, I can't wait to see for myself why people feel so energized and welcomed by this country.