My First Interview

 

Interview

 

My First Interview with John

 

  Location: University of Saint Cloud, USA.

 

Description

 

            This was my first ever interview to conduct, and precisely on an international student in the United States of America. I interviewed an international student from the University of Saint Cloud. As a first time researcher, I knew that my preparations prior to the interview were crucial in determining the results. Quality and accuracy are very important during an interview as the data collected applies in analysis, decision making and making recommendations. Interviewing is an art that requires a skilled individual who can uncover the most relevant and necessary information from an interviewee. With this in mind, I ensured that my preparations for the interview were thorough. I had to improve my listening skills, data collection skills, as well as preparing research tools.

 

Report

 

In my interview, I met with John in Atwood on October  19, 2013. I introduced myself and told the interviewee the reason for contacting him . I managed to convince the student to give me an interview, and agreed on the venue before we parted ways. Two days later, we met for the big interview that lasted for slightly over one hour. The interview venue was at the student services center as the interviewee felt comfortable and relaxed there, compared to any other location in the campus. I think the interview went as expected since the interviewee was very open-minded and willing to provide as much information as possible.

                                                                  Country Report
                   Ghana is located in West Africa's Gulf of Guinea only a few degrees north of the equator, tropical climate, It has borders  LA Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north and the Gulf of Guinea to the south,Togo to the east. Ghana became the first country in colonial sub-Saharan Africa to win independence

There are more than 100 ethnic groups live in Ghana, the largest ethnic group in Ghana is the Akan,and the second largest are the Mole-Dagbon,  and it has the highest percentage of Christians in West Africa, but the belief in the traditional pagan religions are still very common. Major languages ​​used are Twi, Fantasy, GA, Hausa, Dagbani, and Ewe  but English is the official language in Ghana.

      Ghanaians enjoy fairly simple, many cities - such as Accra, Sekondi Takoradi, along the coast - is a modern and bustling places, with the Ghanaians, the adoption of westernized dress and eating habits. Most meals consist of thick, well-seasoned and cooked, usually accompanied by such basic foodstuffs such as rice or boiled potatoes. Cooking comes in a variety of flavors, being okra most popular, fish, beans and paper forowe (soup tomato fishy), sauce PLAVA (stewed spinach with any of the fish or chicken), peanuts (peanut), one of the dishes the country's national.
  Ghana has many tourist attractions such as castles. Most major international airlines flying to and from the international airport in Accra. Domestic flights and prosperous country has a sector, telecommunications and vibrant, with five cellular phone operators and several Internet service providers .

 

Interview Transcription

 

1.      Do you like the weather in St. Cloud? Please explain.

 

Yes. The weather at this university is favorable for learning and socialization because extreme weather conditions rarely happen, thus no cancelation or delay of classes and social events. In addition, anticipated cancellation or delay of classes and events due to weather conditions within the university ensures that students and other people receive timely notification to such effect.

 

2.      What do you do for leisure?

 

During my leisure time, I engage in numerous activities that help me relax and meet new people. Most of the time I go for walks down Beaver trail with my roommate and a few classmates. I am also an active person, so occasionally I engage in husky hockey, free rock climbing and playing pool.

 

3.       Could you please tell me about yourself?

 

My name is JohnI come from a West African Country called Ghana. I have been living in America since I began my doctoral studies at this great university, two years ago. I am the second born in a middle class family of five children born and raised in the capital city of Ghana. I am also a family person, with one wife and a three-year-old daughter.

 

4.      How often do you communicate with your family back at home?

 

I communicate with my family back in Africa, an average of three times a week.

 

5.      What is the biggest holiday in your country? Please explain about the holiday.

 

The biggest holiday in Ghana is the Independence Day, celebrated on 6 March every year. The annual event happens as a commemoration of the country’s anniversary for attaining full independence. Ghana was the first African country to gain full independence, when it freed itself from the rule of the United Kingdom in 1957. This is the only holiday that brings all citizens together regardless of their religion, cultural background, social status, skin color or ethnicity. The main activities of this event include a national address from the President, listening to patriotic songs, remembering the country’s founding fathers, as well as people, not reporting to their usual places of work.

 

6.      In what ways might it be difficult to practice your religion here in the U.S?

 

I do not think it would be very challenging to practice Christianity in America. I believe that the American constitution provides enough freedom and protection for any religious group to practice within the American borders. However, the only anticipated challenges could arise from various stereotypes developed about Christianity all over the world. Certain people may shy away from associating with me because of these misguided stereotypes.

 

7.      Tell me some things from your culture.

 

Ghana has very friendly people, who are hospitable and ready to interact with others. English is the official language used for communication and the preferred one for learning. The main cultural elements are development of indigenous music and cuisine. The indigenous language for Ghanaians is Akan.  The main characteristic feature of the language is the use of proverbs, which is a sign of wisdom according to culture. Women in Ghana play a crucial role in society as homemakers, as well as professional people. Ghanaians hold their women in high esteem. Musical culture in Ghana has three genres namely traditional music, highlife music and choral music.

 

Dancing is also an integral part of the culture of people in Ghana. Dancing styles and themes vary with the occasion and the type of music played. The culinary culture of people in Ghana is very rich. Food served in Ghana mostly has fish, mushrooms, seafood, soup, sauce or meat. People in Ghana are very passionate about sports. The common sport associated with is football, with there being fully active men’s football teams at all levels. Ghana’s football teams have played in two of the world’s greatest sporting events namely the FIFA football world cup, and the Olympic Games. There is also an established women’s national football team.         

 

8.      What is the biggest difference between American culture and your culture?

 

The biggest difference in the two cultures is diversity. Ghana has very many ethnic groups compared to America, which has very few ethnic groupings. This makes the culture of Ghana richer than that of America because of the variety.

 

9.      What are your goals for the future when you graduate?

 

When I graduate, I intend to go back to my country and help develop the local economy. With the skills acquired here at the university, I can help develop the human resource capacity in my country through research and development programs.

 

10.  Did you face any racism since you came here/

 

No. I think people have become more human and accommodating to the human diversity.

 

11.  If you are an international student, how long have you been here? Are you feeling homesick?

 

I have been in America for two years. At times, I do feel homesick, but I have learnt to deal with it since there are other students from Ghana here, with whom we interact and share our experiences.

 

12.  What is your favorite sport?

 

I am highly passionate about hockey. I would do anything to get a chance to play professionally one day.

 

13.  Why did you choose your major?

 

Both my parents are business personalities in Ghana, running a multinational business corporation. I grew up helping my parents in their company during my school holidays. Through this, I slowly developed a passion for business, hence the reason I chose to major in Business Management Science. I also hope to help my parents in running the company when they start aging.

 

14.  Do you have any questions for me? I have asked you many.

 

No thanks. I appreciate for having me in this interview.