Student Spotlight: Sydnee-Marie Edusei in Ghana
What is one challenge you experienced during your first month? How did you overcome that challenge?
“One challenge I have experienced so far is adjusting to the values and ideas in Ghanaian culture. Typically, in the states if there are values and ideas I don't believe in, I might ignore them or challenge them, but in Ghana it doesn't work like that. For example, because your left-hand is seen as dirty or unclean, you are supposed to use your right hand for many things such as eating, talking, touching, or even raising your hand in class. As someone who is left-handed, having to subscribe to the idea that my left-hand is dirty and therefore I must use my right has been one of the many challenges. Some days I want to protest by using my left-hand, but I understand that I am coming into a new culture and I cannot bend or change a culture to my will. I have also learned that it is also not my place to protest other culture's beliefs, ideals, and values to my liking or standards. I am starting to overcome that challenge by adjusting and adapting. I have used my left hand in many instances and I have been taking that same approach with other aspects of Ghanaian culture that I initially did not want to conform to.”
What similarities and differences have you experienced between your host culture and your culture?
“As a Black woman who has ties to different parts of the diaspora, I notice many similarities between African-American and Caribbean culture with regard to Ghana. For example, there is quite a big emphasis on greetings, titles, and formalities which I see in Caribbean culture. Additionally, there is big emphasis on the importance of elders and respecting elders which I see in African-American culture as well as Caribbean culture. I notice there is similar respect in multi-generational homes within African-American families. Despite me being Black, there are many differences between African Culture and New York culture. For example, in NYC we mind our business, don't speak or greet, and there is also a respect for personal space. In Ghana, that is the complete opposite. When you see someone you must greet, there is no personal space, and everyone is in your business. Sometimes I find it comical when I notice how close someone is to me and I start freaking out. Then, I remember it's a different culture and I calm down. There are many more differences and similarities, but these are the ones that stand out to me the most.”
What are you looking forward to experiencing in your second month abroad?
“I am looking forward to starting my coursework and meeting other Ghanaian students. So far, during my daily exploration I have met wonderful Ghanaians and students at the University of Ghana. I am looking forward to continuing to build those relationships.”