REPORT OF MY EXCHANGE PROGRAM TO AT THEUNIVERSITY OF

by KAETE DOMNIC SAITOTI STUDENT: SCHOOL OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM EMAIL: [email protected] ; PHONE: 0713886619

exchange program report

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ...... 3

CHAPTER ONE ...... 3

1.0 introduction ...... 3

CHAPTER TWO: MAIN REPORT ...... 4

2.1.0 General description of the organization ...... 4 1.0.1 Academics ...... 5

2.1.1 Student Exchange program provides students the opportunity to: ...... 5

2.1.2. Challenges of an exchange problem ...... 6

Lack of choice ...... 6 Lack of information ...... 6 Space ...... 6 2.2.0 TOURISM ATRACTIONS ...... 6

CHAPTER THREE: CONCLUSION ...... 8

exchange program report

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I consider it a gracious honour and privilege, to thank Prof Olive Mugenda, the Vice- chancellor , for the ‘mammoth’ work done to ensure that the exchange program is a success. I also accord my appreciations to the Centre for International Linkages and Collaboration (particularly Dr. Onywera and Mr. Allan Mwangi) and the entire KU fraternity for the support accorded and for granting me an opportunityto explore a new place and experience a new culture, where the language, ideas, and people are so different. This has greatly impacted both my social and academic life.

I would also like to thank the University of Cape- Coast, especially the Centre for international education and the department of tourism for their total hospitality. In fact,It was a very maturing moment; It was one of thefirst times I ever felt like I was truly alone, whichwas surprisingly very empowering and motivating.

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CHAPTER ONE

1.0 introduction This document is a brief report of the activities that took place during my stay in West Africa, Ghana; University of Cape Coast. It also contains valuable lessons I learnt and personal views of the different aspects of the organization, its people and work during my exchange program period.

Exchange program is an indispensable opportunity that allows a student to appreciate the people's diverse cultures as well as the beauty of this planet. It also prepares the student broadly for the working world instead of only concentrating on one's country alone.

During this period I worked alongside Dr.Ishmael Mensah; Senior Lecturer Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Gladys Attah-Gyamfi{ms} Junior Assistant Registrar- Centre for International Education.

exchange program report

CHAPTER TWO: MAIN REPORT

2.1.0 General description of the organization.

Ghana is a home to a number of diverse people and cultures, all coexisting peacefully in a country that is modernizing quickly. Tourism is presently its third biggest source of foreign capital behind gold and cocoa.

The University of Cape Coast{U.C.C} is one of the rare sea-front universities in the world. It was established in October 1962 as a University College and placed in a special relationship with the , Legon, on October 1,1971,the college attained the status of a full and independent University,with the authorities to confer its own degree, diplomas and certificates pursuant to the University of Cape Coast Act,1971{act 390} and subsequently the University of Cape Coast Law,1992[PNDC law 278]

The University is situated precisely between two of the most historically significant towns in Africa: Cape-Coast and ,UCC was established out of dare needs to train graduate teachers for second cycle institutions; teachers training colleges; and technical institutions, a mission that the two existing universities were equipped to fulfil.

Since its establishment, the university has added to its functions to include: the training of education planners, administrators, agriculturalists and health professionals. The university is therefore, playing a key role that is unique and vital to the education enterprise of the nation. With judicious planning and careful execution, UCC has transformed itself into Ghana'sUniversity of choice, and has become one of the most reputable higher-education institution in West Africa.The University offer courses in BA,B.COM,B.Ed,BSc,MA,MBA, M.Ed,MSc,M.Phil,MBchB,O.D,and,PhD.

exchange program report

1.0.1 Academics

During my stay in Ghana, I managed to enroll to a number of courses namely:

 Leadership and professional management  Spas and recreation management  Facility management in hospitality and tourism  Strategic management in tourism  Human resource management in tourism  African studies  Ticketing and reservation in hospitality and tourism

The main purpose of taking part in the exchange program was to experience the Ghanaian university system. The best part was represented by the courses I enrolled in, and the professors’ way of teaching literally enchanted me. I could feel a “human” relation between professor and student. A relation,almost completely absent in the Kenyan system.

2.1.1 Student Exchange program provides students the opportunity to:

�Broaden personal and educational perspectives �Explore and appreciate new cultures �Learn from prominent professors �Explore new areas of study �Live in different geographic areas �Investigate graduate or professional schools �Look for future employment opportunities

exchange program report

2.1.2.Challenges of an exchange problem

Lack of choice Many people choose places to go based on geographical reasons or where they can get the right courses but there is no possibility of going everywhere. It all depends on the agreement that the University has with the host institution and it has to be a certain predetermined college and not one of your choice.

Lack of information This leads to a small number of possibilities. For instance one cannot adjust to what he or she wanted to do, for the study plan or for the language of the host University. Again, it is very important to know the alternatives and where to get the same or part of what you can get out of the exchange program which is almost unavailable to many students. For example if the student is only looking for hospitality and tourism courses it is advisable to take other curricular courses instead of spending months abroad making a normal course.

Space Sometime there can be no enough places for all the applicants, so the competition is high, and sometimes even good students are out of the program

2.2.0TOURISM ATRACTIONS

During my stay in Ghana, i managed to visit some of the leading tourism attraction sites including Kakum National Park whereby tourist walk on suspended ropes tied on trees {canopy walkway}. The Canopy Walkway, is Africa’s first and only rainforest walkway, is a 350 metre long suspended bridge made up of 7 bridges and six tree-platforms that reach the height of 30 metres above the forest floor. From the treetops, i got to experience a unique and spectacular view of the rain forest. The following can be found inside KAKUM national park.

a) Transportation-Kakum is situated approximately three hours from . Visitors can arrange the drive with a local tour operator or can rent their own vehicle. b) Canopy Walkway- The award-winning Kakum Canopy Walkway leads visitors through the treetops of Ghana’s Kakum National Park, offering a spectacular, c) Unmatched view of the rainforest- The suspended walkway comprises 1,000 feet of swinging bridge and six tree trunk–perched platforms that do not rely on nails or bolts for support. Instead, steel cables are carefully wrapped around the trunks to provide the necessary stabilization.

exchange program report

d) Visitor’s Center and “Hidden Connections” Exhibit- The innovative stone and timber design of the center – which has been based on local materials, crafts, and labor – has made it a model for other protected-area facilities and has become one of the park’s main attractions. e) Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing- More than 250 bird species can be observed in Kakum, as well as more than 500 species of butterflies. Tourists may catch a glimpse of the rare Diana monkey, forest elephant, bongo, yellow-backed duiker, and many more large mammals. f) Afafranto Campsite-The campsite can accommodate 12 adults or 16 children. g) Bamboo Orchestra-TheKukyekukyeku Bamboo Orchestra from Mesomagor, a nearby village, uses bamboo instruments to produce a melody of sounds accompanied by traditional dances. h) Mesomagor- Visitors to the village can experience typical, rural Ghanaian life, eat local Ghanaian dishes, see the distillery of local gin, visit cocoa farms, listen to "spider" stories at night, dance to the songs of the Bamboo Orchestra, and sleep in a wildlife-viewing platform in the park. i) Kuntan Trail- With an experienced guide, visitors to the trail can learn the secrets of the forest, including the uses of various medicinal plants and beautiful hidden areas of the rainforest. j) Kakum Rainforest Café- The site restaurant provides international and Ghanaian standards with fresh local produce.'i got to enjoy them myself

Eguafo is an ancient settlement of the 11th century,which migrated from old Ghana Empire through Techiman.They were the former overlords of Komenda,Edina,Abrem,which now constituesKEEAMA,Eguafo became very popular in the 15th century by Nana KwamenaAnsah who leased the two pieces of land on which the portuguese built the st.George’s castle and the Fort st.Jago...

exchange program report

Cape Coast and Elmina Castles and Fort St. Jago (Elmina) declared by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, were stabilized and rehabilitated under the NRCHP project. Basic services at these sites were upgraded. Museum galleries and shops were developed.

CHAPTER THREE:CONCLUSION

To sum up, the exchange program is an indefatigable promoter of learning, and vital in breaking down the barriers to cultural understanding and securing world peace for future. Infact, it is a key to achieving international competence hence should be encouraged by all means possible.

It is advisable that the University should consider paying all the necessary services at home institution including food to avoid frustration which come as result of lack of ready cash to spent on a daily basis especially to students visiting countries with higher economy than theirs. It is also very important for the University to frequently get in touch with the students during their stay abroad to ensure that they are comfortable.

Actually, the benefits of an exchange program are very clear and even if the program is a total failure one always learns something new. In general you get more than you were expecting, but sometimes you do not realise, you just get it step by step.

exchange program report

Fortunately, all my main expectations were met. However, there are many challenges to meet some other expectations.For instance there are a lot of difficulties in getting adapted with the localpeople. Besides, I have to add a lot of challenges with the administration and bureaucracy at the host university{u.c.c}.Just to say, it is difficult to know the credits you have been doing once you are back at home. Hence a lot of efforts have to be put in place to lighten the bureaucratic load of the program.

exchange program report