Studying abroad: 8 points- Jadyn Settles co 29'

 

This past May, I studied abroad in Accra, Ghana. This was not only my first time studying abroad, but my first time leaving the United States. This experience was eye-opening for me as it prompted me to reflect on my identity as an American, a woman, and even a masculine-presenting woman. The basis of the trip was to be immersed in Ghanaian culture by learning their language, cultural values, social/political structures, and history. This was a great opportunity for me to see the parallels in American culture and Ghanaian culture, particularly when it came to the African Vs. African American identity. I quickly noticed how, as Americans, my group and I were deemed as wealthy and prosperous, but also weaker and more ungrateful than the country's natives. I felt that many Ghanaians were envious of the opportunities and identities we were able to have because of our American background, but in turn, we seemed to envy them for their culture, as most of us were robbed of our African heritage because of slavery. I had a great time, and met great people, and while in many instances it was uncomfortable for us because of the alienation we faced because we were Americans, I also appreciated that treatment. We would be spoken about, excluded from certain spaces, even recorded, but I feel so deeply about this experience because it was something we all faced. I had many fears going into the trip, thinking that I would have this experience because I am a masculine-presenting person, and have had similar experiences in the US, so I presumed it'd only be worse in Ghana because of the homophobic culture. Even though we were all kind of treated poorly, since we were all treated that way, I almost appreciated that experience because, for once, I did not feel alienated for that part of my identity. I felt judged for being American, not for being masculine or Lesbian, which was a weirdly freeing experience.