Trent-in-Ghana Participant 2014-2015
My decision to enroll at Trent University was influenced by the Trent in Ghana program. I came to Trent with the sheer determination to participate in this program. I can honestly say that spending my third year in Ghana affirmed my career aspirations as well as provided tremendous personal growth. The Trent-In-Ghana Program within the International Development Studies at Trent University differs from many other year abroad curriculums, placing the program in league of its own!
As a grade ten student researching prospective universities, I was attracted to the Trent-In-Ghana program because it was structured within the four years required to complete my undergraduate degree. All of the Trent-In-Ghana courses would be fully accredited to my International Development Studies degree. I would also have practical experience in a Global South country, which would be facilitated by a four months internship. These advantages are the main reasons why I applied to Trent University.
My year abroad completely altered my entire view on development and development studies. The lessons I learnt in my first two years of formalized university education, was further enriched with real world situations in Ghana. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that solidified my desire to go into the field of Human Rights and Advocacy for refugees. I was fortunate enough to have two placements. One with the Ghana Refugee Board, which is the government ministry charged with handling their refugee population. The second was with a community-based organization in the Buduburam Refugee Camp. These placements allowed priceless insight on the overall structure of the refugee apparatus, which I could not possibly learn in the classroom or from a textbook.
Academics aside, my year in Ghana was filled with experiencing an amazing new culture, seeing many beautiful places, meeting and connecting with extraordinary people and learning to speak a whole new language. Although it was all new to me, I felt completely welcomed and at home. I am truly grateful for the learning opportunity that the International Development Studies department provided through the Trent-In-Ghana Program and I cannot imagine my university experience without this year abroad. I would encourage students to seriously consider this program. It is truly life changing.