JHU sponsors trip to Ghana

This year's Intersession will see the premier of a University-sponsored trip to Ghana. The trip is the brainchild of Associate Dean Ralph Johnson. Having participated in a seminary sponsored through the Council on International Educational Exchange in Ghana last summer, his experiences there inspired him to begin a similar program at Hopkins. He feels that the trip was a "life-transforming experience," and that this program will be similar to the trip that he took in terms of the lectures and excursions offered.

While in Ghana, students will attend lectures at the University of Ghana on topics such as "Democratization and Economic Reform," "The Role of Ghanaian Women," and "The Economy of Health Care and the Environment."

There will be a host of diverse excursions to various museums and cities, including the Elmina slave castle, Kumasi Central Market and the Kakum rainforest. Johnson commented that his own trip to the Elmina slave castle was one of the most moving experiences of his life. He sees this program as a way for students who may not have much international travel experience, or may not be able to study abroad for a prolonged period of time, to experience an entirely new culture.

Johnson feels that, not only is Ghana a fascinating country, but it is an easy country to visit because English is widely-spoken. He hopes that the program will "whet students' appetite for international exchange."

Johnson commented, "International experiences are of special importance in light of the recent tragedies that have devastated America. America is a part of the global community and it is important to hear others' perspectives and understand how America is viewed."

Emphasizing the importance of international experiences in a well-rounded education he said that he would, "love to see [the trip] become a yearly program."

The program is being organized as cost-efficiently as possible and will be about $1100, plus airfare. Students will keep a journal while on the trip and will be assisted in arranging credit for the trip through professors at Hopkins. An informational meeting will be held Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the AMR I Multipurpose Room. There, Johnson will show a video of his trip and answer any questions students may have. There will also be a panel of students who have visited Ghana present. Traditional food will be served.

Questions can be directed to Johnson at his email address: rjohnson@jhunix.hcf.jhu.edu.