Before arriving in Ghana, Reeve Helvoigt, a student at the College of Wooster, had spent much of her academic journey working with data sets, statistical analyses, and existing research. Like many researchers, she usually relied on secondary data. What she had never done was gather the data herself. 

A few weeks into the Ashesi Summer Research Consulting Internship Program, Helvoigt was conducting fieldwork in communities across the Akuapem South Municipality. Through conversations with residents and key stakeholders, she gained insight into challenges affecting education, tourism, and agriculture. 

“This learning curve came with a lot of trial and error, and there were times I was kicking myself because I thought I had asked the wrong questions in the survey,” she admitted. “But I guess it gets better with time as you evolve and build your skill set.” 

Working in teams of three, two Ashesi students and one student from the College of Wooster, the student consultants were to prepare a blueprint for tackling the challenges identified. 

Team Epsilon focused on declining learning outcomes in basic education, identifying challenges related to infrastructure, teaching and learning materials, and staffing. Their recommendations included educational radio programing, teacher professional development initiatives, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) mentorship programs, and book donation drives in collaboration with Ashesi University. 

Another group, Team Tau, explored why tourism in the municipality has yet to reach its full potential despite its many attractions. Through conversations with stakeholders, the students identified gaps in destination promotion and opportunities for stronger coordination across the tourism sector. Their recommendations included improving digital visibility through a centralized tourism website, expanding recreational activities at selected sites, and strengthening destination storytelling. 

The third team, Team Alpha, explored factors affecting agricultural productivity and profitability among farmers. Their research highlighted challenges related to storage facilities, access to financing, fragmented farming practices, and market access. To address these issues, the students proposed the strengthening of farmer associations, the expansion of agricultural financing opportunities, and the creation of dedicated market days to connect farmers directly with buyers. 

While research and consulting were central to the internship, the program also created opportunities for meaningful cross-cultural collaboration and learning. For Helvoigt, working alongside Ashesi students offered valuable perspectives on community-based problem-solving. 

“We learned a lot from each other, especially in terms of reaching out and connecting with stakeholders,” Helvoigt shared. “They helped us navigate the cultural nuances that come with stakeholder engagement.” 

Her colleague, Paige Nicely, an Education and Mathematics major, shared a similar experience. “This opportunity allowed me to experience education systems outside the context I’ve always known, and I must say that I have learned a lot,” she said. 

Hosted by Ashesi University for the second time, the Ashesi Summer Research Consulting Internship Program is modeled after the College of Wooster’s Applied Methods and Research Experience (AMRE).  For about a decade, Ashesi students have participated in AMRE, collaborating with College of Wooster students on consulting projects. These engagements have included work with organizations such as General Electric and Schneider Electric. Through the Ashesi Summer Research Consulting Internship Program, that collaboration continues to create opportunities for students to strengthen their research skills while contributing to community development.