Hey - Are you "Ghana" be in my class??

Today I registered for my classes in Ghana. My Spring 2009 Schedule right now looks like this

Monday:

9:00-11:55 Globalization and the Developing World

Tuesday:

10:30-1:25 History of the Atlantic Slave Trade
3:00-6:25 Documenting the African City

Wednesday:

10:00-12:55 Projects in Photography

Thursday-Sunday:

Shenanigans

This schedule is by no means set in stone. It's only 15 credits and I'm actually looking to take 19 credits. I'm planning on applying for an internship for credit (hopefully at the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice), but I can't know for sure for a while. Also, the globalization class will most likely get booted for a human rights class at UGhana Legon.

One Week In, Not Quite Crazy

The first week of the Mefloquine (anti-malarials) went relatively well. I did experience a few intense, vivid dreams, but no depression or anxiety or any of the other too intense things (although Briana insists I'm crazy, I'm not sure if this is a new development...). Last week I made the purchase of my airline ticket so this week is all about actually getting my visa. I've started the actual process which involves filling out an eVisa application. The type of visa I'm applying for is called a multiple entry, student visa. It's $30 more than the average visa, but it's what NYU recommends to allow for the possibility of travel outside of Ghana. All I need to do now is head up to the Consulate and bring them all the necessary documents.

Not gonna lie, this is getting exciting. Only 63 days until I get in touch with my inner African.

Flying to Ghana...and other not so fun preparations.

In terms of actually getting to Ghana, NYU doesn't really have much to say. They provide a travel agency that "students have used in the past," but really make no recommendations. According to the Ghanaian Consulate in New York, there are a few options ranging from Northwest Airlines (the cheapest) to Luftansa (most expensive non direct) and Delta (which provides a 10 hour direct flight from New York).

Booking a trip like this is proving to be a relative hassle. Many of the airlines will not allow this itinerary to be booked online. Almost all have inconvenient layovers that result in over 20 hours of travel time. Not to mention, flying to Ghana is fairly pricey. I will also have the lovely opportunity (not really an option) of spending my 20th birthday in the air and airports. I'm pretty positive I have settled on a British Airways flight with a layover at Heathrow - at least I will be able to celebrate with Digestives, my favourite British treat. Another nice benefit to this choice is that I will hopefully be flying home with my roommate Briana who is studying abroad in London in the Spring. (She'll have a blog up soon.)

After this flight is booked I'll be able to proceed with getting my student visa. Living in New York is great for this as there is a consulate located in Midtown. The whole process seems rather intense. There's a looooong checklist of things needed for a visa (or it just seems that way since I am new to this whole travelling to non-western countries sort of experience). I've already gotten the necessary passport photos (4), the necessary immunizations (many. Including Yellow Fever, Hep A, Typhoid, and the adult Polio booster. Really only Yellow Fever is necessary, but while student health had me, they thought it would be a good idea to poke me with multiple needles. Also, I'm TB free, fyi.), program acceptance letters (2), and proof of financial support.

In other news, I might be going insane soon. I've started taking a trial regimen of Mefloquine, which, the travel consultant at the health center made sure to warn me, a lot of students can't handle. Among its side effects: stomach pain, nausea, hair loss, ringing in the ears, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, strange dreams, loss of coordination, numbness and tingling in the extremeties, unexplained anxiety, depression, hallucinations, and confusion. This will be a fun two week trial!