I participated in the Trent in Ghana program in 2008-09, and I can say without any reservation that it was the highlight of my undergraduate experience.
During my placement, fieldwork, and throughout daily life, I gained knowledge that complimented the more scholastic lessons from the University of Ghana. One professor’s talk of a ‘Levantine mercantile class’ clicked into place while out with Lebanese business owners in Accra. Different perspectives on gender relations, poverty, and politics were garnered from neighbors and people on the street. While doing research in the field, I was able to see how policies are realized on the frontlines of service delivery.
I cannot stress enough how valuable this kind of experience is for students of development. There is only so much that can be taken from books and lectures. More importantly, as illustrated by The Anti-Politics Machine, when policymakers are out of touch with realities on the ground, the consequences can be devastating. The TIG program is a terrific opportunity for anyone seeking a career in international development to get some real-world experience.
Being a part of TIG does have its challenges. In any given year, some participants will be struck by illness, some will have things stolen from them, and at some point everyone will feel homesick. Daily life in Ghana is full of frustrations, from being pawed at in markets to ‘tro-tro’ breakdowns in sweltering traffic. These experiences, and a multitude of others, will invariably push many participants to the very limits of their patience and tolerance. In the end, the biggest challenge for me was feeling different. After a few months as the only foreigner in a rural community, I yearned to be someplace where I could blend in and not cause a scene simply by existing.
This being said, with the right perspective, the challenges themselves can become catalysts of growth and learning. Difficult questions I faced became the seeds for future research, both back at Trent and during my MA. The differentness I experienced forced me to hurdle cultural borders and find common ground to forge meaningful relationships. I feel that my time in Ghana shaped my perspectives and helped me grow as a person.
As a final note, it is important to avoid thinking that you’re going to change the world in eight months. It is almost certain that you will get more out of this program than you will contribute in your placement. Although there are opportunities to make an impact, I would suggest that it is best to think of the TIG program as a learning experience first and foremost. Go to Ghana with an open mind, a desire to learn, and a willingness to be challenged; you will be rewarded with the experience of a lifetime.