Ghana: Global Gateway Summer 2026 (First Impressions)

Program: UW Global Gateway in Ghana, Summer

Mariama B: Sustainable Travel Practices and Goals

One of my goals while studying abroad is to be more mindful when it comes to sustainability and the impact of my daily choices that affect the environment. During my time in Cape Coast, I have seen how the citizens are trying to send a message about the importance of recycling. In front of the slave castle, there was a fish sculpture filled with plastic water bottles inside. This is a powerful statement because art was used to address a real issue and to promote sustainability.

A sculpture of a fish made out of metal wire that is filled with plastic bottles and other plastic recycling. It is on the grass with palm trees and the ocean behind it. — The fish filled with plastic

A white building with a slanted dark roof. It reads "Books Preservation Lab" in dark writing. There are cars parked to the right side and a gravel pathway in the front. — The fish filled with plastic

In Accra, I saw a lot of green spaces as well as in Cape Coast as well that are integrated into the urban life, this highlights the importance of balancing development and environmental wellness. Moving on to the W.E.B Du bois Museum, there was a Book preservation lab. This is highly important because it contains important history for the future generation and it gives something for them to refer back on. These experiences have helped shape my understanding of sustainability.

Looking down on an intersection of roads. There are a couple short buildings on both sides of the road and greenery in the middle. The city buildings are visible in the distance. — The greenery and infrastructure in Accra

Thinking more critically when it comes to waste reduction, resource conservation, and roles individuals can play in creating a more sustainable future. I hope to pick up a healthy habit of reducing waste, supporting local initiates and the environment, and being extremely mindful of my consumption both during my program and once I return home.

Hayley M: The 5 Senses in Legon

Stepping outside into a new environment such as Ghana, I was immediately surrounded by new sights, tastes, sounds, and smells. One experience that immersed me in the country’s natural beauty was the walk through Kakum Natural Park. As I followed the trail leading up to the canopy walkway, I could hear the birds calling in the distance, the rustling of the leaves in the gentle breeze, and a group of locals chanting traditional songs as they hiked along the winding forest path. The warm, humid air felt like a tight embrace and the vibrant greenery made the rainforest burst with life.

A thin bridge with rope on either side suspended above a forest with green trees all around. — This is an example of one of the canopies on the walk and the fresh vegetation that surrounded us.

A student walks with their back to the camera on a thin wooden plank suspended between two sides of a rope bridge above a forest. — This is an example of one of the canopies on the walk and the fresh vegetation that surrounded us.

As I walked further along the trail, overlooking the canopy of trees, I could feel the sun shining on my back while the earthy scent of soil and fresh vegetation filled my lungs with each breath, leading me to a sense of peace. As I looked around, I took in the sight of the untouched nature that surrounded me. Towering trees that seemed to stretch to the clouds, with their roots spread across the ground like a spider’s web. Near the end of the hike, I noticed a millipede slowly making its way through the leaves that were scattered across the rich soil, reminding me how abundant life is in Ghana.

A black, shiny millipede crawls over brown leaves on the ground. — This is a millipede I saw towards the end of my walk, which I found interesting since I have never seen one in person before.

As I ended my walk, I stopped at a small drink stand and tasted the refreshing, nutty flavor of a fresh coconut given to me by a local. This experience made me realize how alive and interconnected nature truly is, leaving me with a deep sense of respect for Ghana’s environment.

Mel R: “We’re not in Madison anymore” Moment

My “we’re not in Madison anymore” moment occurred almost as soon as we got off the plane. As we boarded the bus to leave the airport, we started talking to our CIEE Legon leaders to get to know them better. We met Rose, who almost immediately mentioned that this weather was considered their winter season. We all laughed because it was 75 degrees Fahrenheit outside! At first, we thought she was joking, but she explained that in Ghana this truly is considered “winter” because it is their wet season. Hearing that was shocking to a group of students who had just survived a Wisconsin winter.

From there, we naturally began comparing other parts of our cultures. Rose was just as curious about life in Wisconsin as we were about life in Accra. We talked about everyday clothing, and she was amazed that during the winter we often wear the same coat everyday. She explained that in Ghana, people enjoy dressing stylishly and use fashion to express their personalities, so she could not imagine having to cover every outfit with the same heavy coat for months at a time. This conversation turned into a long, playful debate that had everyone laughing.

Students waiting to board a small bus with white on the top and blue on the bottom. It has luggage strapped to the top with black rope and a yellow tarp over it. — This is the bus we have been taking, with all of our luggage secured on the top.

This moment really highlighted that we were no longer in Madison because it showed how differently people can experience weather, fashion, and daily life depending on where they grow up. At the same time, the conversation felt incredibly easy and welcoming, which made the cultural differences captivating and enjoyable to talk about. It was one of the first moments where I truly realized that studying abroad would challenge many of the things I had always considered normal.