On Monday, November 27th, students from Georgetown University – McDonough School of Business and Walsh School of Foreign Service, embarked on an enriching pre-departure orientation at the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC, in preparation for their upcoming short-term experiential learning trip to Ghana.

The 43 students, accompanied by 7 faculty members were warmly received by Her Excellency Hajia Alima Mahama, the Ambassador of Ghana to the United States. Other Embassy staff present were Mr. Francis Gborglah, Head of Chancery, Ninette Danquah Ivo from the Diaspora Office, and George K. Bright, Social Secretary.

Among the Georgetown faculty members in attendance were Mario Ramirez – Professor of the Practice at Georgetown McDonough School of Business & Walsh School of Foreign Service and Managing Director of the BSBGA Program, Nick Lovegrove – Professor of the Practice at Georgetown McDonough School of Business, and Wilbert Hidalgo – Director of Global Operations at Georgetown McDonough School of Business.



Hilltop CEO (right) with Georgetown Professors and during the Embassy’s pre-departure orientation / ©️ Afrikan Post

During their insightful session, the students gained comprehensive insights into Ghana’s multifaceted cultural, historical, economic, and social landscapes. The diplomats also provided invaluable information on entry requirements, recommended must-visit attractions, and more, fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge in the process for all parties.



Her Excellency Hajia Mahama (with mic) during the Embassy’s pre-departure orientation / © Afrikan Post

Hilltop Global Group, a Washington DC-based organization with a dedicated focus on Africa, facilitated the program. Phil Agbeko, Hilltop’s CEO, who led the delegation revealed in an interview with TheAfricanDream.net that his organization was founded nearly 8 years ago when he and fellow classmates from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business thought of the need for it.

“Hilltop was established to address the educational disparity prevalent in global study-abroad experiences in Africa,” he said.

In his address to the students, Mr. Agbeko emphasized their role as global citizens in positively shaping the African narrative. He encouraged them to share their “experiences in Ghana upon returning, underscoring your important contributions in fostering cross-cultural understanding and challenging negative stereotypes.”



Hilltop Global Group’s CEO (right) in conversation with Georgetown University’s faculty members / © Afrikan Post

Hilltop specializes in strategic education consulting, offering tailored in-person and virtual study abroad programs and internships focused on Africa for universities in the US, UK, and other international destinations.

Through these partnerships, Hilltop extends academic programming into Africa, catering to diverse academic disciplines and industries.

Their efforts contribute significantly to shaping the African narrative through experiential learning, creating impactful avenues for students to engage with the continent on a deeper level.