How Leaving the U.S. to Study Abroad Changed My Life
Initially, I was hesitant to study abroad. Having never traveled outside of America, I knew I was committing to learning a new way of life and being alone in an unfamiliar country.ÌýDespite theseÌýuncertainties, taking this leap of faith taught me things about myself and allowed me to experience a new way of life and culture. For that, I will be forever grateful.ÌýÌý
Exploring music through a global lens
I found 91ÖÆƬ³§ at a study abroad fair at Amherst and was drawn to the flexibility and support they offered. I chose to study at SOAS in London to explore music from a global and cultural view— something my home school did not offer. As a musician, I learned alongside people from diverse backgrounds. Classes like The Music Business and Decolonizing K Pop taught me about the global music industry and cultural influences, which are important to understanding music wholly. The diverse study body at SOAS particularly helped me connect more deeply to my Ghanaian identity from musical and personal perspectives.
“My experience at SOAS taught me the importance of understanding music from a global lens.”
FindingÌýsupport abroad through familyÌýand 91ÖÆƬ³§Ìý
Meeting my cousins in London was one of the most valuable parts of my study abroad experience. Having family close by gave me a sense of comfort and support while I adjusted to a new environment and met new people.
However, my time abroad was not without challenges. For one, my phone was stolen, which made it hard to stay positive at first. However, 91ÖÆƬ³§ was very supportive throughout the situation. One staff member, Georgia Smith, was especially helpful in making sure I got a new phone and felt supported. After that, I was able to enjoy the rest of my time abroad by making lasting friendships, traveling to new places, and learning more about myself as a musician.
Travel and basketball: keys to belongingÌýÌý
Along with growing as a musician and meeting family, I went on many excursions during my time abroad. Thanks to 91ÖÆƬ³§, I visited historic sites like Stonehenge and the Roman Baths, and beautiful cities like Bath. These trips helped me connect with other students and locals. I also attended soccer and rugby games, which are an important part of culture in London. Playing club basketball allowed me to share a bit of my culture by teaching others how basketball is played in the U.S. I valued the chance to both learn and give back.
BringingÌýglobal lessonsÌýhomeÌý
Looking back,ÌýstudyingÌýand traveling abroad gave me a new perspective on the world and myself. I explored new interests, tried different foods,Ìýmet new people, andÌýexperienced other ways of life.ÌýBeing part of so many different communities helped me appreciate other cultures and what they bring to music.ÌýMy experience atÌýSOASÌýin particular piquedÌýmy artisticÌýinterest andÌýtaught me the importance of understanding music from not only a theoreticalÌýperspective but from a global lens.ÌýEvery day abroad was a learning experience, and I am extremely happy toÌýbring those experiences home.ÌýÌý
Axel A. | Amherst College |ÌýSOAS,ÌýUniversity of LondonÌýPartnership, EnglandÌý| Spring 2025