My internship in Ghana has been an incredible and transformative experience. During the weekends, I’ve had the chance to explore different parts of the country, including Accra, where I visited historical sites like Jamestown, the National Museum of Ghana, the Independence Arch, and the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum. One of the most unexpected moments of my trip happened there—a trained monkey tried to steal my purse! I wasn’t paying attention when I suddenly felt pain in my arm, only to realize a monkey was lunging at me. Thankfully, my crossbody bag was secure, and after a brief standoff, the monkey and its handler moved on.
During the week, my time is filled with meaningful social work at CORM. I’ve been involved in case planning, counseling, scholarship renewals, and leading programs like a reading initiative and a peer leadership group. We also hold lessons for single mothers in the CORE program, with topics like healthy relationships. I recently turned 30, and while it’s a Ghanaian tradition to splash someone with water on their birthday, I was lucky enough to stay dry. My cohort surprised me with a chocolate cake, which we shared with students at Palm Institute, where I live.
Living at Palm Institute has been an adjustment, but I’ve grown to love it. I’ve built strong friendships with both locals and fellow students and have fully immersed myself in Ghanaian customs, food, and language. The people here are so welcoming, and my coworkers at CORM—Ruby, Grace, Phillip, and Aaron—have been wonderful. They’re curious about American culture, and I’ve introduced them to snacks like M&Ms, Pringles, and Oreos (which were a huge hit). We’ve also bonded over small moments, like when Aaron gave me a drink called Sobolo, which I thought was pomegranate juice. It turned out to be a strong ginger hibiscus tea that burned my throat, but it was meant as a wish for good health, which I appreciated.
One of the hardest yet most rewarding parts of my work has been with orphaned and trafficked children. While here, five orphans arrived at CORM, rescued from trafficking. Watching them slowly adjust to their newfound freedom has been both heartbreaking and beautiful. Many of the orphans at CORM have families, much like children in the American foster care system, but Ghana doesn’t have a culture of adoption or foster care. The orphanages do the best they can with limited resources, and CORM is one of the best, providing education, healthcare, and a nurturing environment. Still, the emotional weight of this work is heavy. Helping some of the children write letters to their extended families was particularly difficult—many tears were shed. I do my best to stay strong for them, but in my private moments, I grieve with them. If the only thing they take from my time here is that they were loved and seen, then I know I’ve done something meaningful.
Beyond CORM, I’ve had the chance to engage with the local community. I’ve visited businesses that received microloans from CORM and supported them in small ways by shopping there. I even had a skirt custom-made by the women in the CORE program, who are training to become seamstresses. Transportation here has been an adventure. I usually take the school bus with the kids, who know me as “Aunty Caeli,” and I’ve learned to navigate the chaotic but efficient TroTro system. Being white, I attract a lot of attention wherever I go, but the TroTro drivers seem especially amused by me.
One of the biggest cultural differences I’ve experienced is the language barrier. While English is the official language, many people—especially parents of scholarship students—speak only Twi or other tribal languages. My coworkers are great about translating for me, and I practice Twi daily. People love hearing me speak it, even if they laugh at my accent. It’s humbling, but I appreciate the connection it brings.
At this point, I feel completely at home here. Whether I’m exploring town, bonding with my coworkers, or just relaxing at Palm, everything feels second nature. I’ve even joined in on school events like field day, which was incredibly competitive and fun. I’ve built strong friendships with students like Mary, Eugene, Gloria, and Joses, and we’ve spent countless nights playing games and sharing our cultures.
The thought of leaving makes my heart ache. I’ve reached the halfway point of my internship, and I can’t imagine saying goodbye to this place, the people, and the work I’ve grown to love. Ghana has truly become a part of me, and I know this experience will stay with me forever.ying goodbye to this place, the people, and the work I’ve grown to love. Ghana has truly become a part of me, and I know this experience will stay with me forever.