This is an expression students will see and hear numerous times on this journey. Ghana is known for the hospitality and friendliness of the people, something students will experience daily as they travel the country. Akwaaba! means ‘Welcome’! And it’s genuine.

One of the first ways we are often introduced to a new culture is through the food. It won’t take long after landing to discover which of the travelers have the most open and adventuresome spirits. Everyone will try something new. Everyone will be surprised by something that they like. And everyone will come home with an interesting culinary story to share. Fufu is a favorite dish for many Ghanaians.

Traditional crafts are integrally tied to Ghanaian culture and Kente, a cloth made of intricately woven strips, may be the most iconic. As students learn directly from artisans about their crafts such as Kente, bead making, brass casting, wood carving, fabric dyeing, etc., they’ll also be absorbing knowledge about the people and history of Ghana.

Our environment is fundamental to who we are and how we function. For a country about the size of Oregon, Ghana’s natural environment is very diverse. Between the sandy seashores of the south and the desert-like Sahel of the north, lies everything from tropical rain-forest to woodlands, and savanna. Students will have a chance to observe, explore, and experience these diverse ecosystems, including a stop at Mole National Park where a walking safari may give them an up close and personal view of African elephants in the wild. The shy Pangolin, (an endangered, scaly anteater), is more illusive.

"Fie" is Twi for house or home. Like the landscape, the architecture in Ghana varies greatly. Whether mud and thatch, brick and tin, or steel and concrete, ‘home’ is what we call the places where we live. Students will contemplate what we need to be happy and healthy, and what it means to live sustainably. They’ll also come to appreciate ‘home’ as being much more than any type of structure.

It seems very strange when you first hear this common Akan phrase cast in your direction, "Where are you going"?! But as you settle into the rhythm of the country, you come to realize that it’s a friendly, caring, gesture akin to “Hello, How are you”?, combined with “Can I help you find…”? Don’t be surprised if students who are able to go on this journey, return home with a more defined sense of life direction and the confidence to reach their destination.

There are different ways to travel. Often times we travel to spend time with friends or family. Sometimes we travel to escape and relax. Other times we’re seeking new knowledge, experiences, or ideas. While we hope that the students who are fortunate enough to be a part of this learning tour experience at least a little of all those things, the service-learning projects provide a unique situation for something deeper. A transformation often happens when working alongside peers and counterparts toward a common goal. When first arriving in Ghana it's common to be called "Obruni", which means white man/foreigner, but by the time comes to depart, many will be called "Adomfo" which means friend.