Alumni Interview with Shannon Clark

What inspired you to travel abroad? 

You hear many stories about Africa from people who have never been. They don't know anything. Go yourself. I study International Relations and the whole time leading up to my departure everyone I told acted like I was stupid, like I was doing something crazy. It is not crazy. It could very well be the best decision of your life. I know it was for me. 

Why did you decide to study abroad? 

I attend Webster University St. Louis. Through them I can attend many campuses abroad that offer the same classes required for my program. The credits transfer automatically and are always accepted if it is a Webster University campus. 

What was your favorite part about Ghana? 

My favorite thing about Ghana was the people. The campus is very small, you get to know everyone, and it is easy to make strong new friendships. 

What made your experience abroad extraordinary? 

Webster University Ghana often sets up a night for study abroad students to sleep in the jungle in a tree house. It wasn't perfect, but it was an adventure. Just don't forget a flashlight. 

How did the local program staff support you throughout your program? 

The staff on campus is very involved. You see and talk to much of the staff on a regular basis. They help by providing a lot of information about the culture as well as setting up different outings for the students. 

What is one thing every future participant should know about your program? 

It is important to get to know and to understand Ghanaian culture, but you will be faced with many cultures other than just Ghana's. I would say only about half of the students are Ghanaian, while the rest are primarily from other African countries like Nigeria, Togo, Cameroon, etc. 

Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like. 

Mornings are very peaceful: breakfast with friends, classes filled with educational dialogue, and soon lunch at Webster or one of the nearby stands selling fruit, noodles, or rice. Following you could be working out at the nearby gym where many of the students frequent or studying in the library. For dinner there are many options nearby to frequent and enjoy, or you could stay in and watch a movie with friends.

On the weekends there are many clubs available and some are free to get in. Ask almost any student when you arrive; either they will know the place or they are guaranteed to know someone who will. Love it or hate it, at all times you can find people playing or watching "football." It's best not to fight it. 

What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad? 

There are many shops along the roads and various tourist areas to explore. There also some malls, movie theaters, and parks that you can visit. 

What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it? 

I was in a double room that had its own private bathroom. Outside our door was the common space with a television, lots of seating, and a table for eating or doing homework. There is a kitchen down the hall that also has a washer/dryer in it for the floor to utilize. 

Would you recommend your program to others? Why? 

Yes, I would recommend them because Webster University provides a lot of support and information to those who are going to study abroad.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad? 

I wished that I had travelled outside of the city more and maybe more up north. Various regions of Ghana are very different from each other and I feel like I only got to see one side of it. 

How has your time abroad impacted your life? 

It can be very awkward at times when people cite negative stereotypes about Africa and the people who are now your friends. 

What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is? 

You get to expand your views and knowledge in ways that you can only do by fully submerging yourself in a new way of life. 

What does meaningful travel mean to you? 

While there is nothing wrong with volunteering, I went to Ghana and tried (not always succeeding by my own standards) to remain in a student mindset and role. To go to learn, and not to teach. To be honest, it greatly improved my relationship and conversations with the local people. They were so proud to know that I came to Ghana for an education and not to provide them with charity. Their experiences often include young people leaving Africa for their education, thinking that they will do better by attending universities in the West. A westerner coming to Ghana for educational opportunities is often not something they have encountered before. I know many will advocate that meaningful travel is to give wherever you go, but there is good reason to abstain from it for at least the beginning of your stay.