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Abdul-Razak Amadu, a junior in microbiology, came to study at Oregon State from Ghana, West Africa. Amadu plans to pursue a doctoral degree in the U.S. and then return home to teach.

Peace to study, dream to teach

Abdul-Razak Amadu from Ghana hopes to return home to teach after finishing degrees, studying at Oregon State

By: Caitlin Cagle

Posted: 5/21/09

Leaving the family nest and traveling to another county, city or state is difficult for any student. Leaving the family nest and traveling to another country, however, is another thing entirely. Adjusting to the different culture, environment and atmosphere of Corvallis, one student reflects on his educational career at Oregon State.

Abdul-Razak Amadu is an international student from Ghana, West Africa. In his junior year at OSU, Abdul is majoring in microbiology with a minor in chemistry. He is part of the International Cultural Service Program, where he acts as a student ambassador, giving speeches and presentations about his country and culture.

"It's really amazing to talk to people about my culture," Amadu said. "People ask me all kinds of questions. Elementary kids are most fun to talk to; they are so excited to learn about it."

As an ICSP ambassador, Amadu has received scholarships that help fund his schooling and make it possible for him to attend Oregon State. Aside from the scholarships, Amadu also holds a toxicology research job at Weniger Hall and receives support from his family. With a 15-credit class schedule, 16 hours a week at his job and his duties with ICSP, Amadu finds his time very crunched.

"I play soccer when I can," Amadu said. "But I have no time to join the Oregon State team."

Amadu made the transition from West Africa to America about two years ago, first spending a week in San Francisco with his uncle before coming to Corvallis. He opted to stay in an apartment, skipping dorm life as a freshman.

"It wasn't too much of a culture shock," Amadu said. "But there are definitely things I had to get used to, like the weather.

"It's very rainy here, where in Ghana the climate is warm and humid. I've also noticed that everyone here is always on the go, always on the run, you know? It's always snap, snap, snap. Ghana is a bit more laid back."

Amadu plans to pursue a Ph.D. or master's degree in the United States. He has looked into graduate schools on the east coast, OHSU and of course, Oregon State.

"I want to be able to travel to other safe countries and conduct my research in peace," Amadu said. "Then go back home and teach."

Unlike most OSU students who visit their homes frequently, Amadu hasn't seen his family since he moved here two years ago. With his parents, three sisters and five brothers, Amadu constantly keeps contact via phone calls.

Amadu found no trouble finding a place at OSU. His first year brought forth lots of friendly faces and new people.

"Everyone here is really friendly. I've never ran into any situations where I felt harassed or uncomfortable," Amadu said.

Despite the culture differences and missing his family, Amadu has found a home among the OSU environment. Amadu enjoys the outdoors, the nature that can be found in Corvallis and the overall community feeling that OSU has.

"I feel like Oregon State has been a home and a family to me at the same time, and Corvallis has been the best place to go to school because it's really peaceful and there are not many distractions," Amadu said.

Caitlin Cagle, staff writer

news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231