Duke University Office of Study Abroad

Dear Global Education Office:

I have grown a lot in the past month and a half. I can honestly say that I pushed myself very far out of my comfort zone and was surprised to find that I was not only perfectly okay, but glad to be outside of it. For the past six weeks, I saw and experienced so much and ended every single day completely exhausted, but completely happy. My eyes were opened to an entirely different way of living, and I was challenged to reflect on myself and my own society. Although it was not always easy, the lessons I learned, the friendships I formed, and the memories I made were worth more than anything else and I am grateful for every moment.

Clara, a native Ghanaian who was the assistant director for our trip, told us at the beginning that her one hope was that we would leave "just a little bit Ghanaian." As I boarded the plane and said goodbye to my host family, the aching feeling in my chest told me that Ghana had most definitely become a very special part of me, and that I would carry this little bit of Ghana with me for the rest of my life.

-Ashley Tsai