Alumni Stories: Get to Know Ghana!
Abdul Razaak (Zack) Adams is a YES alumnus from Ghana who spent the 2017-18 program year in Raleigh, North Carolina.
In November 2020, Zack gave a special International Education Week presentation to American Councils staff. Hear Zack talk about Ghana, his host family, and the exchange experience below, or scroll down to read Zack’s advice for prospective host families and discoveries from his exchange experience!
After his presentation, we asked Zack some follow-up questions about his experience on the YES program:
What was the best (or most surprising!) food you tried while living in North Carolina?
The food I liked the most in the US was Mac and Cheese! That’s stuff is amazing!
What would you say to someone who’s thinking about hosting an exchange student but not sure if it’s right for them?
If there is any family considering hosting a student, I would happily encourage them to if they have the time and recourses for it. Hosting someone who usually has very little knowledge on how your part of the world works is a noble and exciting thing (as my host parents said). You introduce the person to your part of the world and…you see the wonder the person has when he/she experiences something amazing. And most importantly, you get to understand more about the other person and his culture. You get faced with differing views and culture norms which will help you grow as a person when you know and understand more.
What is one thing you learned about America that surprised you?
I was surprised Americans have to do taxes on basically everything they do. In Ghana your salary and all goods bought and sold are pre-taxed. I was also surprised you could get a cup and get free McDonald’s refill.
How has the YES program impacted your life?
Throughout my stay in America, I had to speak to a lot of people and in front of large crowds. I must say I’m far less tense around crowds and new people. I speak better and more freely. I’ve learnt a lot of stuff both academic and moral. I’ve also gained better writing skills and built up a small portfolio.
I have several new friends and family in different parts of the world and we all do our best to keep in touch. This program has opened my mind to the world more than I could ever imagine.