Help Jenice’s Study Abroad Media Project in Ghana

My name is Jenice Waldron, and I am a freshman at Georgia State University. I have always felt like the world was within reach and that I could become anything I wanted to be. I have been gifted with so many different talents including playing the violin, drawing, and the ability to play multiple sports. Most recently I have been able to pursue my passion for media and photography. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and knew that I wanted to take a path less traveled by being my own boss and owning my own business. Intertwining my passions and interests without having to give up one for the other. In addition to my entrepreneurial spirit, my passion for learning led me to Georgia State University, where I can build a foundation that will provide me with amazing opportunities and prepare me for the future. Currently, I am in my second semester, and I am majoring in Media Entrepreneurship. A degree in Media Entrepreneurship allows me to combine my passion for media and photography with real world business insight and will make it possible for me to follow my dreams. After all, isn’t that what life is about? I have been afforded the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Ghana this May. I am beyond excited and honored to have been given this once in a lifetime opportunity. This study abroad program will allow me to explore the creative economy, culture, and tourism in Ghana. My group and I will be collaborating with Regional Director of Ghana’s Museums/Monuments, Ghallywood producers and local creatives to work on a multimedia project, focusing on Reimagining Elmina Castle and Cape Coast Castle(“Door of No Return”). I am honored to be part of this powerful project that will have an impact on the world. Below, I have included the program description and the courses covered under the study abroad program. The cost for the program is $7,219.00. Any monetary contributions that you or your business can make to make this trip a success is greatly appreciated.

“The Creative Economy, Culture, and Tourism in Ghana”

Program Description

This study abroad program explores the intersection of Ghana's creative economy, culture, and tourism with an emphasis on storytelling. Students will examine how Ghana centers the African Diaspora in its tourism strategy to facilitate reconciliation while expanding markets for local goods, services, experiences, and long-term community development. They will also examine the role that Ghana's film, music, and digital media industries play in reshaping the Africa narrative and bridging the diaspora divide.

Program partners include the Ghana Tourism Authority, the National Film Authority, and the Ghana Board of Museums and Monuments. Students will collaborate on a multimedia project with local creatives and learn best practices for producing content on behalf of a stakeholder. While doing so, they will gain entrepreneurial and managerial insight into current trends and challenges in Ghana's creative and cultural industries. This is an opportunity for students to think and act globally as they build creative media competencies and produce content that matters.

• CMIS 4030 - Managing the Creative Enterprise: Students will explore the intricacies of management in Ghana's creative economy with a focus on film, music, digital media, and cultural arts. Students will also examine industry best practices for producing content, curating cultural experiences, and developing organizations. The course will also provide managerial insight into current trends and challenges in Ghana's creative and cultural industries.

and/or

• CMIS 4914 - The Art and Transformational Power of Storytelling: This is a skill-development and portfolio-building class that examines the nexus between culture, narrative, media, and social impact. Students will have the opportunity to strategically create content that supports a larger community transformation initiative in Ghana and across Africa.

Thank you for your time and support,

Jenice Waldron

“The world is the true classroom. The most rewarding and important type of learning is through experience, seeing something with our own eyes”- Jack Hanna