Hi, my name is Miriam Escoto! I am going into my junior year at UO, as a Global Studies major with minors in Global Health and Non-Profit Administration. I am a Mexican American student, a big part of my identity that has influenced my future career goals. As I have grown up learning how to straddle the two different cultures I identify with, I have become extremely interested in cross-cultural understanding, particularly in communities abroad. This summer, I am studying abroad through GEO on the Global Health and Service Learning in Ghana program.

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I am on day six of this eight-week program and having a great time. I chose this program because I am passionate about accessible healthcare as a tool for family preservation. Having never been to Ghana before, I did not know what to expect upon arrival. In orientation, we were told that Ghanaians are very social and kind, but men may try to befriend women in hopes of a relationship that would lead to a US visa. I was a little nervous hearing this, as I am a woman with fair skin, thus sticking out more here than in the United States. This has brought challenges, as I am easily recognized as a foreigner and have had to decipher between friend and foe, those who are naturally friendly, and those who are looking beyond.

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Upon arrival at the airport I experienced this, as many men came up to me, asking for my number and seeing if I needed a taxi ride. Even in the grocery stores, I have been asked my name and where I come from. It can be uncomfortable to experience this, as I do not always know the true intention of the person speaking to me. Through this challenge, I have learned to trust my gut and not engage in every conversation that may occur. The friendliness of Ghana has made me more comfortable in these situations, as while I have felt uncomfortable, I have never felt unsafe.

By Miriam Escoto, Diverse Ducks Ambassador

Global Health and Service Learning in Ghana, Summer 2024