An extraordinary, life-changing experience helped Berkeley Institute students become more aware of other parts of the world and more grateful for what they have.

From January 21 to January 29 a group of Berkeley Institute students travelled half way around the world to Accra, Ghana. The purpose of the trip was a cultural tour of three cities: Accra, Kumasi and Elmina. Each city was full of colour, excitement and, of course, people.

All students who took Drama, Music or Art were given the opportunity to embark on the trip. Eleven students from S2, S3 and S4 were joined by five chaperones. Most of us were excited to visit Ghana, though one or two were more apprehensive. After a total of 14 flying hours from Bermuda to London then to Ghana the nerves had pretty much been slept off.

We were greeted by the humid air as we stepped off the plane into the hazy night where the sky was void of stars or moon. The evening atmosphere was unlike the one experienced in Bermuda. The sky was more of a clay colour compared to black, star-sprinkled sky in Bermuda. The air was stifling but fresh and there was absolutely no breeze.

Our first night in Ghana we stayed at Erata Hotel in Accra, where we were introduced to our tour manager who accompanied us during the tour orientation and welcome dinner. I must admit that everyone was clueless about what to expect for dinner. The food was very different from what we were used to eating; though both Bermuda and Ghana share the same concept, the preparation is not the same. At the self-serve buffet the favourites were chicken, a pasta dish that included macaroni and spaghetti combined, a vegetable stir-fry and fish. The night ended with dancing and mingling with the Ghanaian people.

On Saturday the 23rd, we travelled from Accra to Kumasi to partake in a Music and Dance Workshop at the University of Ghana. A well-known professor at the university spoke to us about Ghanaian music and dance. We learned that the drum beat dictates the dance that must be done, unlike in Bermuda where dances are just made to go along with the music. After we had grasped the concept, we learned a song that also went along with the dancing and music. The exercise required a whole lot of energy and had most of us sweating profusely. At the end of the day it was all very worth it.

Our third day in Ghana, we visited a village school. We donated clothes, school supplies and other things that the very grateful families needed. The people of Ghana are very congenial and vivacious. Coming from Bermuda our group was very accustomed to their behaviour. One thing we were not accustomed to however, were the living conditions of the average people. For those of us who had never been to a country similar to Ghana, we never appreciated how these people lived. It would have been nice to spend more than one day with the children of the village to find out more things about them and their outlook on life.

At the Natural Cultural Centre of Kumasi, where craftspeople and artisans weave, work with brass, and make homemade instruments, our group was split in two. One group was sent to artwork and weaving while another was sent to drum-making, which was hands on. After the drum-making process was explained, we were allowed to make our own drum. All of us agreed that while drum making was fun, it was not nearly as easy as the craftsmen made it look. It took approximately two days for our drums to be completed – and the craftsmen did most of the work. There was so much to see in such a small area. There were tie-dye, mud cloth and patchwork bags, dresses, hats and other fascinating things. This place was beautiful and presented Ghana's rich culture in detail.

The next day we visited two very informative and interesting museums, The Armed Forces Museum and The Manhyia Palace Museum, after which we returned to the Natural Cultural Centre to pick up our drums and eat lunch. This particular lunch was special because the woman who owned the hotel made all of the food herself to show her appreciation to us. This lunch was the best by far.

On the 27th of January, the group travelled to Kakum National Park, the most extensive pristine rainforest habitat in Ghana that houses more than 40 large mammal species and over 275 bird species. We climbed enormous hills and manoeuvred through a vast landscape of trees that ranged from three feet to over 150 feet. When we reached the top of the climb and looked ahead, we saw a series of narrow boards hoisted up by thick ropes. The sign above the entrance read "The Canopy Walk". There were seven boards connected by huge trees, the longest board being 10 or 12 feet. Despite being almost 20 feet above ground, the whole group made it across safely. It was phenomenal to be able to look around the forest from an aerial view.

Teacher-in-charge, Mrs. Dana Semos, commented on the trip: "The highlight of the trip for me was visiting the village and being welcomed so warmly. It was eye opening to see how others live and what their life goals are in comparison to the western, developed world. The other highlight was that we had 11 wonderful students who were loads of fun!"

Michelle Onyia, an S2 student who traveled with the group, enthused: "I truly enjoyed my trip to Ghana. If I could go again I would and with the same people. I also learned a lot about their Adinkra (printing on cloth) and artwork which, I have purchased and framed for family and friends."

Overall, Ghana is a beautiful country with lots of life. The experience will also be a significant memory in our lives. Each and every one of us has been positively influenced and will forever appreciate this tremendous opportunity.