This year, our International Study Program (ISP) cohort embarked on a transformative journey to Ghana. Seventeen incredible youth members representing eight of our programs began this month-long experience after six months of learning, preparation, and meaningful conversations exploring Ghana’s history, culture, politics, and present-day realities.
Throughout the program, the cohort will travel to Accra, Wusuta, Kumasi, Cape Coast, and Elmina, where they will engage in immersive cross-cultural learning experiences. BroSis has facilitated International Study Program trips to Ghana in 2001, 2007, 2011, 2014, 2017, and 2023. This year’s program continues our longstanding commitment to fostering global understanding, cross-cultural exchange, and leadership development among our youth members.
Over the course of the month, participants will engage with Ghanaians from diverse communities and backgrounds, meeting with educators, activists, artists, and community leaders. Through lectures, discussions, visits to historical landmarks, cultural performances, and shared meals featuring local cuisine, they will explore the country’s complex history, contemporary social issues, and enduring traditions. As they build meaningful connections and experience daily life in Ghana, our members will broaden their global perspectives, strengthen their leadership skills, and gain a deeper appreciation for the people, stories, and communities that make Ghana unique.
Follow along throughout the month as we share reflections, photos, and highlights from the cohort’s journey across Ghana.
Throughout the course of their time in Ghana, each youth member will contribute to a Group Journal that becomes a record of each day’s activities and the meaningful insights acquired while studying and living overseas. Below are segments of some of those journal entries, which we will update periodically during their trip.
After a 12 hour flight, we finally landed in Togo, expecting to catch our connecting flight to Ghana. Instead, we got some terrible news, our tickets had been canceled without any of us knowing. We were stuck in Togo for the night. As if that wasn’t enough, when we went to get our luggage, we found out our bags had already been sent to Ghana. We had to spend the night without our clothes, toiletries, or anything we packed. We couldn’t shower or really get comfortable, and it was frustrating. Even though the day didn’t go the way any of us expected, I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. We were all dealing with the same problem, so no one had to go through it alone. We laughed, encouraged each other, and made sure everyone stayed safe and in good spirits. It reminded me that sometimes the hardest moments become the best memories because of the people you’re with. This wasn’t the start I imagined, but it taught me that this trip is about more than just getting to our destination, it’s about the experiences, the challenges, and the friendships we’re building along the way.
Arlene | Age 17
July 1st, 2026
My first day but second time in Ghana. Sights so wonderful it seems like I wasn’t here four years ago but just last night. Like a vivid dream and not a flashback. An embracing mother and not a distant lover, pride for my people and country like no other. And Togo, even though it was one night I wish I could experience it in slow mow. The food, the dances all cultural enhancements leaving me stuck in a trance. A lifetime spent back home with amazing sights. From the plane ride to the hotel check in I no longer felt foreign. This isn’t something id consider boring. Emotions changing like water pouring. And then all the trees flourish, nothing malnourished. And the sky went hand in hand with the clouds. An underrated beauty not too loud. I can’t wait to go to Makala market and be part of the crowd. This is way better than spending summer days in the everglades. My mind’s no longer in a bind. I just don’t want this trip to pass me by, a long way from home but i found it. It didn’t take me having to do some digging, I’m reintroduced to living.
Ayikwei | Age 15
July 2nd, 2026
Before coming to Ghana, one of my biggest goals was to experience not only the dancing but also to build genuine connections with the people. I’m so happy to say that tonight, I did exactly that. My first day in Ghana left me feeling welcomed, inspired, and even more excited for everything that’s still to come.
Brooke | Age 18
July 3rd, 2026
Being in Ghana and meeting the people from here has changed my life forever. The way they received us with open arms and are so excited to share their culture with us is incredible. The Ghanaian people have been some of the most friendly people I have ever met. Something about being here and sharing the good and not so good with my peers has definitely created a bond between us that I can’t explain…
…I feel so grateful being here and allowing myself to feel all the emotions that I have felt and will continue to feel because it means I’m living to the fullest.
Emely | Age 18
July 4th 2026
Today was a pretty connective day. We went to a chocolate factory where they had us dress up like surgeons, we got to see the entire meticulous chocolate making process and eat some while observing. Something that really touched me was the story of the CEO, he had a choice between keeping a stable American job, or coming back to his country with the intent of creating jobs for his people. This reasoned with me because I feel like lots of people wouldn’t even consider that.
Jazmine | Age 17
July 6th, 2026
Ghana feels like it’s a part of who I am in this short amount of time. I feel spiritually connected to this country, from learning about the country’s history, to talking about the welcoming ceremony hosted for us.
John | Age 15
July 8th, 2026
Now I am in Ghana for my last ISP trip with BroSis and my purpose is moving with gratitude. Knowing that I graduated in three years and they all have changed the way I move with and without that world I will never change that. Graduating and knowing that every decision that I made was for me and nobody else. From Brazil to South Africa, now Ghana in my sight, every step shaped my purpose and brought me to the light. I leave with more than memories, I leave with gratitude too. I found my voice, I found my strength, I found a version that’s true.
Madison | Age 17
July 11th, 2026
Today was a good day! It was very fun and educational. We learned about the Ashanti people and their rich culture, traditions, and history. I enjoyed hearing about how important family, leadership and craftsmanship are in Ashanti culture. One of the more interesting things I learned was about kente cloth and how each pattern and color has its own special meaning.
Tyler | Age 17
July 14th, 2026
