10 Things I Wish I Knew Before My English Immersion in Ghana (From Real Students)

“If I could go back and talk to myself before leaving for Ghana, these are the 10 things I’d tell myself. They would have saved me stress, money, and embarrassment!”

That’s what Sarah from Belgium told us three months after completing her English immersion program in Accra. She’s not alone. We interviewed 50+ former students about what they wish they’d known before arriving in Ghana.

Their honest, practical advice could save you from common mistakes and help you maximize your immersion experience from day one.

Whether you’re leaving next week or still researching programs, these insights from students who’ve walked this path will prove invaluable.

#1: Pack Way Less Than You Think You Need

The mistake almost everyone makes:

“I packed two massive suitcases full of ‘essentials’—three months of toiletries, twelve pairs of shoes, countless outfits. Within a week, I realized I’d only wear the same comfortable items repeatedly. Ghana has everything you need!” — Julia, France

What students wish they’d packed instead:

Actually Essential:

• Comfortable, modest clothing
• Quality walking shoes
• Small travel adapter (UK-style three-pin plugs)
• Refillable water bottle
• Small first-aid kit with preferred pain relievers
• Prescription medications for entire stay
• Photocopies of important documents

Surprisingly Unnecessary:

• Excessive toiletries
• Towels
• Kitchen items
• Excessive formal clothing
• Hair dryer

Pro tip from students: “Pack one suitcase, leave room for purchases. You’ll want to bring home kente cloth and souvenirs!” — Marcus, Germany

Money-saving hack: Buy local clothing within your first week. Ghanaian fabrics are affordable and culturally immersive.

#2: Your Phone WILL Work—But Here’s How to Set It Up

The confusion many students face:

“I arrived panicked about mobile phones in Ghana. Turns out it’s simple and cheap!” — Ahmed, Morocco

Here’s what actually works:

Option 1: Local SIM Card (Recommended)

• Best providers: MTN, Vodafone, AirtelTigo
• Cost: SIM 5-10 cedis, 10GB data 40-50 cedis
• How to buy: Get at airport kiosks with passport

Pro tips from students: “Download WhatsApp—everyone uses it. Buy data at local shops for bonuses.” — Fatima, Senegal

Internet reality check: Good 4G in Accra, spotty in rural areas; most places offer WiFi.

#3: Cash is King (But Not How You Think)

The money mistake that costs students hundreds:

“I brought $2,000 in USD cash and lost money on exchanges. ATMs were the better way.” — Sophie, Belgium

What actually works:

Best approach: ATMs

• Best ATMs: Ecobank, Stanbic, Barclays/Absa
• Tips: Withdraw max per transaction, use bank branch ATMs, decline conversion

Mobile money revolution: MTN MoMo, Vodafone Cash, AirtelTigo Money are widely accepted.

Cash realities: Carry 200-500 cedis ($35-85) for vendors and emergencies.

#4: “Ghana Time” Is Real—And You Need to Adapt

The frustration every Type-A student experiences:

“Ghana nearly drove me crazy the first month. Then I adapted, and it was a life lesson.” — Stefan, Germany

What “Ghana time” means: Relaxed schedules; add 30-60 minutes to social event times.

The unexpected benefit: “Reduced my anxiety about punctuality.” — Emma, UK

Student wisdom: “For time-sensitive matters, say so clearly.” — Kofi

#5: The Food Will Change Your Life (Just Give It Time)

The initial reaction many students have:

“Day three, I cried over the food. By month three, I dreamed of waakye.” — Marie, France

The adjustment timeline: Week 1 (strange), Week 2 (enjoyment begins), Month 3 (love).

Foods that won students over: Jollof Rice, Kelewele, Red Red, Grilled tilapia.

Survival tips for picky eaters: Start with rice dishes, request less spicy, use international restaurants occasionally.

#6: Learning Twi Phrases Changes Everything

What students don’t expect:

“Learning 10-15 Twi phrases transformed my experience.” — Aminata, Senegal

Essential Twi phrases:

• “Akwaaba”: Welcome
• “Me da wo ase”: Thank you
• “Ɛte sɛn?”: How are you?
• “Eye”: It’s okay
• “Mepa wo kyɛw”: Please
• “Obroni”: Foreigner
• “Medaase paa”: Thank you very much
• “Maakye”: Good morning
• “Maaha”: Good afternoon
• “Maadwo”: Good evening

The magic: “Opened every door and improved my English confidence.” — Ahmed, Morocco

#7: Transportation Looks Chaotic But Actually Works

The initial panic:

“I thought I’d never leave my house. One week later, I navigated like a local.” — Sophie, Belgium

Understanding Ghana’s system:

• Tro-Tros: 1-5 cedis, authentic experience
• Taxis: Negotiate price, 10-50 cedis
• Uber/Bolt: 15-60 cedis, safe and reliable
• Private drivers: Arrange via program

Pro tips: Use Google Maps offline, carry small bills, plan for rush hours.

#8: Your Host Family Becomes Your Real Family

What students don’t expect:

“They became my actual Ghanaian family. Leaving was the hardest part.” — Fatima, Senegal

The relationship evolution: Week 1 (polite), Week 7+ (family).

How to build relationships: Participate, ask questions, share your culture, respect boundaries.

The long-term impact: 92% maintain contact; many return for visits.

#9: Bargaining Is Expected (And Kind of Fun)

The cultural confusion:

“I paid 50 cedis immediately and insulted the vendor by not bargaining.” — Marcus, Germany

How to bargain: Start at 50-60% of asking price, negotiate with humor, meet in the middle.

Golden rules: Stay friendly, know fair prices, be willing to walk away.

Student experiences: “Bargaining became my favorite English practice!” — Sophie, Belgium

#10: Week Three Will Be Terrible (And That’s Completely Normal)

The truth nobody tells you:

“Week three made me want to quit. If I’d known it was normal, I wouldn’t have panicked.” — Emma, UK

The emotional timeline: Week 1 (honeymoon), Week 3 (slump), Week 4 (breakthrough).

How to survive: Expect it, don’t make decisions, reach out, practice self-care, trust the process.

Scientific explanation: A predictable “adjustment dip” as your brain rewires for a new language.

Bonus Tip: Take More Photos and Videos Than You Think You Need

The universal regret:

“I have 47 photos from three months. I wish I had more visual memories.” — Marcus, Germany

What students wish they’d captured: Daily life, host family, cultural events, transformation videos.

Permission and respect: Always ask before photographing people.

Your Ghana Journey Starts Prepared

These ten insights can save you stress, money, and frustration. Use them as a foundation for your unique experience.

Final wisdom: “Give yourself grace to learn and openness to transformation. Ghana will change you—let it.” — Marie, France

You’re ready. Your transformation is waiting in Ghana.

Planning your Ghana immersion? Check out our complete program guide and speak with an advisor.