Reader,

I thought I was sharing a little piece of Ghana with my students. Then my TikTok video started making its rounds in Ghana, and Ghana had something to say. 😂🇬🇭

The video showed me teaching my students Twi, a language spoken in Ghana and one I’m still learning myself.

An influencer in Ghana roasted me. Other Ghanaian influencers shared the video, and I was even mentioned on a Ghanaian Christian radio station and TV channel.

As the saying goes, “Any publicity is good publicity.” 😂

What started as a classroom lesson has sparked a conversation across borders. As I write this, the video has 365,000 plus views, 44,000 likes, 3,435 comments, and 4,197 saves. The comments were mixed.

Some people roasted me in the comments, while others loved seeing their language being introduced to students in another part of the world.

Ghana, you certainly got my attention! 😂🇬🇭

Who knew a classroom lesson could become an international conversation?

Learning Out Loud

Ghana is part of my family’s story. Teaching my students a few words in Twi lets me bring that connection into the classroom.

I’m not a fluent Twi speaker. I’m a learner sharing what I’m learning.

Of course, sharing a language comes with a responsibility to keep improving. Pronunciation matters. Meaning matters. Being willing to listen to native speakers matters, too.

There’s room for correction, and room to appreciate someone making the effort.

That’s something I want my students to understand: you don’t have to know everything before you begin learning. You do have to stay open to being taught.

The Conversation Crossed Borders

What stood out to me was how differently people received the same video.

Some saw something to laugh about. Others saw someone helping their language reach a new audience.

Meanwhile, my students were being introduced to a place, a language, and a culture beyond their everyday surroundings. A few greetings can open the door to questions about where people live, how they communicate, and what we share.

And this time, people across the ocean joined the conversation.

What This Has To Do With Travel

Learning even a little of another language asks you to step outside your comfort zone.

You may stumble over a word. You may need someone to repeat it. You may discover that what you practiced sounds different when a native speaker says it.

But that effort can spark a connection.

As we prepare for The Essence of Ghana Tour in 2027, we're learning basic Twi. My travelers and I will be learning together, with plenty of opportunities to listen, practice, and improve.

If you’ve been waiting until you feel completely confident to try something new, consider this your invitation to begin.

I’m still practicing my Twi. Now, apparently, I have an audience in Ghana. 😂

To everyone who offered encouragement or helpful corrections: medaase (thank you in Twi).

And to those who roasted me, I hope you’ll stick around for the next lesson.

Have you ever tried speaking another language and gotten an unexpected reaction? Reply and tell me your story!

✈️ Travel Tip of the Week

Eligible travelers can apply for a visa online. Here’s what to know before you begin.

How much does it cost, and how long does processing take?

The fee depends on the processing speed you select. These are estimated processing times. Additional document requests can pause processing.

How long is the visa good for?​
The e-visa is single-entry and valid for 90 days from issuance. You must enter Ghana within that window. Upon arrival, the immigration officer determines your permitted stay, up to 60 days.

When should you apply?​
Apply early enough to allow for processing and follow-up requests, while keeping your arrival within the visa’s 90-day validity. I recommend applying about 4–6 weeks before travel, once your documents are ready.

What do you need for a tourist e-visa?

• Passport valid for at least six months after your planned departure from Ghana, with three blank pages.
• Passport photo taken within the last six months.
• Confirmed return or onward travel ticket.
• Accommodation evidence covering your entire stay.
• Proof of funds, such as bank or credit-card statements covering the last three months.
• Active email address and payment method.
• If staying with a host: a signed invitation, host identification, and applicable residency documents.

You also need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate for entry. Follow the portal’s instructions for required uploads.

Check your eligibility first: your passport and nationality determine whether you need an e-visa, an Electronic Travel Authorization, or qualify for visa-free entry.

​Review Ghana’s official e-visa requirements​

🔗 Helpful Travel Links

A few other ways I can help this week:

Prepare to Travel

🌍 Applying for your first passport? Follow my step-by-step guide; see exactly what you need to get started.

🇬🇭 Ready to experience the magic of Ghana? Join me for The Essence of Ghana Tour 2027; explore the experience and secure your spot.

🧳 Planning your own trip? I offer 1:1 itinerary planning; see how it works and book a session.

Strengthen Your Travel Finances

💰 Saving for your next adventure? Create a dedicated travel fund with SoFi; open an account and start preparing today.

💳 Want to elevate your travel experience? Explore the benefits of the American Express Platinum Card; learn more through my referral link.

📘 Building your credit for travel? My credit guide ($8) walks through exactly what I used to qualify for cards that fund trips like this — grab it here.

Join the Community

💬 Come hang out in the Xotic Xcursions Facebook Community​

☕ Enjoyed this newsletter? If it gave you something useful, you can buy me a coffee; every bit helps me keep writing these.

Stress less. Travel more. Create memories of a lifetime. ✈️

Disclosure: Some links are affiliate or referral links. If you apply, open an account, or make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive compensation or rewards at no additional cost to you. Please review the terms, fees, and eligibility requirements before applying.