Interviewer: Tell us a little about yourself.
Dahlia Kraus (DK): I am a junior studying Health, Society, and Policy with a minor in nutrition and business. I am from California and was drawn to the U because of its access to the outdoors. Last year, I joined Prosperity U because it sounded like a great way to combine many of my educational interests with more meaningful experiences.
Interviewer: What made you decide to do a Prosperity Science Internship in Ghana in the summer of 2023?
DK: I love to travel and had never been to this part of the world, so going to Ghana seemed like a unique opportunity. The internship was a hands-on real-life experience, combining professional, educational, and fun components. Additionally, I wanted to explore my career path options further by combining business and health. I ended up doing the three-week Prosperity Science Internship, and then staying an additional six weeks to intern for a non-governmental organization (NGO) called Engage Now Africa.
Interviewer: Tell us a little bit about the projects you worked on during your internships.
DK: For the Prosperity Science internship, I was with four other students assisting with pilot research on a community-based health program called Health 2 Go. We went into communities to interview individuals about the health of their children to assess infant mortality rates and help determine the impact of Health 2 Go. It was an incredible experience to work together in the field with peers and local Ghanaians. In the end, we reflected and presented what we learned and what could be improved for the research director going forward.
I stayed in Ghana for an additional six weeks interning for Engage Now Africa and lived with the director. Engage Now Africa does work related to literacy, human trafficking, and albinism. I had the opportunity to help facilitate many classes and workshops and taught basic business skills. My main project focused on improving data collection for the adult literacy program. I created a questionnaire for adult literacy students to take before and after participating in the literacy program to assess the impact and effectiveness of the program.
Interviewer: Have you had any previous experience with community health or non-profit work?
DK: I did not have direct experience with community health, but I had volunteered in my community and worked as a sustainability intern on campus. It’s great that no prior experience is necessary for the Prosperity Science Internship and you can learn everything as you work.
Interviewer: Do you feel like you grew from these experiences?
DK: I learned so many things during my time in Ghana. One of the biggest takeaways was the importance of teaching self-reliance skills to communities in need instead of simply giving money, materials, or temporary fixes. For example, instead of just building a school or digging wells, outside groups should work alongside communities to create long-term sustainable solutions. I also learned about myself through working with a variety of people and reflecting on how the concepts of prosperity applied to me.
Interviewer: What was the most rewarding portion of the internship and the travel?
DK: For the internship portion, I loved connecting on a personal level with so many Ghanaians. Even during the short period, I was there, I was able to see the impact of the programs and research we were conducting. For the travel component, it was incredible seeing the diversity of Ghana, from rainforest to coast to cities.
Interviewer: Why do you think other students should take part in a Prosperity Science Internship or other courses that have student experiences in West Africa?
DK: These internships are applicable no matter what you are majoring in or the career path you are pursuing. I’ve found that concepts related to prosperity connect to all disciplines and allow you to approach your goals in a more meaningful way. You will definitely develop your critical thinking and teamwork skills, plus you get to visit amazing places.
Interviewer: What was the most fun/exciting highlight of your time in Ghana?
DK: Seeing wild elephants was one of the most magical moments because they are so powerful but peaceful at the same time. Also, exploring the hikes and waterfalls in the rural areas of Ghana was gorgeous.
Interviewer: Any final thoughts to share with future students?
DK: I recommend journaling when you travel and intern to reflect on your experiences as they unfold. It makes it more valuable as you look back. Every day I learned something new. The Prosperity Science Internship is perfect for anyone looking to make an impact in some way.