On Exchange from Ghana

It has been a few months since Abass Issaka first arrived in Vermont from Ghana. Since his arrival, Abass has been an active participant in school events and sports.

Abass describes his time in Vermont so far as a “very good experience” although it is very different from Ghana. The biggest difference for Abass is the school system. When Abass was in Ghana, he was in a class of 57 students (in the same room), which he says “made learning very difficult.”

“I like this system better because I can get in touch with the teachers,” says Abass.

Unlike WUHS, students in Ghana have the choice of whether to be a day student or a boarding student. Abass was a day student, which meant that he went to school every day and came back home after school was over.

Abass’s everyday routine began with waking up early in the morning to help his mother clean the house. After doing his share of household chores, his dad would drop him off at school. He ended every day working at his mother’s provision store.

Compared to his routine in Ghana, his new routine is more laid back and focused on education. Abass is currently staying with the McNaughton family in Weathersfield. In Vermont, Abass spends his weekdays going to school, attending sports practices, doing homework, and enjoying time with his host family.

Although his schedule is relatively simple, Abass has a lot on his plate. He is currently taking 7 classes and participating in extracurricular activities. When he first arrived, he was eager to begin his journey as a Woodstock Union Boys Varsity soccer player. Even though he missed half of the season because he arrived in mid September, he made quite an impression as a left-wing striker.

“I liked the players on the team and the coach… the coach was very motivating,” says Abass.

Now that the soccer season is over, he is training for cross country skiing, which is a first for him, since there is no snow in Ghana.

Although Abass likes Vermont, there are a few things he misses. Back in Ghana, Abass and his family were known throughout his town of Bia.

“Everyone knows my family… I like being known,” says Abass.

Abass comes from a relatively big family; his immediate family consists of his mother, father, and three siblings. Abass’s father is a farmer and works at a chocolate factory. Abass describes his father as a very “hardworking and honest man.”

His mom owns a provision store where he works daily. He has an older brother named Anass who is 20 years old and studying radiology in college. He also has an older sister named Sakina, who is currently employed as a teacher. Abass's current household includes his mother, father, and 10 year old sister, Rabi. In order to avoid feeling homesick, Abass limits the amount of time he spends on talking with his family.

Abass is eager to see what his future in Vermont holds. He says he’s open to new experiences and meeting new people. If you see him in the halls, feel free to say “hi” and recommend some of your favorite Vermont activities!