Cohen visiting Mole National Park (with an elephant).
In spring 2024, history major Jess Cohen studied abroad in Accra, the capital and largest city of Ghana. Through her program, she was immersed in West African history and culture and studied at one of Ghana’s best-known universities. Cohen also took advantage of opportunities to travel and explore the unique histories and cultures of nearby regions.
Cohen talks about how her study abroad experience is connected to her history major and how living in Ghana shaped her thinking about the world.
How did your history major help prepare you for your study abroad experience?
My history major has taught me to ask questions. This was crucial when I arrived in a new city with unfamiliar cultural expectations. Having the willingness and self-awareness to respectfully ask about traditions and seek clarity helped me navigate Accra.
Studying history as an interpersonal discipline has also informed my time here. I’ve learned so much about Ghanaian history and politics through conversations with neighbors and coworkers. Their individual experiences provided a lot of insight and pushed me to examine what I’ve learned in class from new viewpoints.
A busy market street in Accra.
How did your time in Ghana enrich the ways you think about the world?
Living and studying in the first African country to gain independence, I’ve been immersed in the history of Pan-Africanism and have seen the legacy of its spirit. I now have a deeper understanding of African independence movements and their role as models for social change.
More broadly, I’ve learned the importance of immersing yourself in a place to appreciate its history. Although I previously studied Ghanaian history, living in Accra and being part of different communities here has taught me in new ways. I deeply appreciate how living in a place with a different historical and cultural background than my home country has broadened my perspective.
What were some of your favorite things about your time in Ghana?
One favorite memory is working as an elementary and middle school assistant teacher. I loved learning about students’ interests, their impressions of the United States, their favorite Ghanaian dishes, and local sites to explore.
Another favorite memory is going to Mole National Park in the Northern Region. We saw African elephants up close and toured a mosque that was constructed over 600 years ago. It was fascinating to visit an area so geographically different from Accra and learn about its rich history.
