World@VCU: Abigail Adade from Ghana

By Amelia Heymann

World@VCU is a VCU News feature, in partnership with the Global Education Office, that

highlights students from around the world who enrich the VCU community. Abigail Adade is pursuing a PhD. in clinical psychology with a concentration in behavioral medicine in the College of Humanities and Sciences.

What should we know about your home country?

Ghana is a place where community is central to everyday life. People look out for one another, and there’s a deep sense of warmth, resilience and cultural pride. It’s a country where hospitality and connection shape how we grow up and how we see the world.

What inspired you to study at VCU?

As someone passionate about improving access to mental health care in Ghana and other low-resource settings, I sought a program where research could translate into real-world impact. I was drawn to VCU’s commitment to community-engaged research and its support for diverse student populations. The mentorship and training I’ve received at VCU have deepened my commitment to culturally responsive mental health research and helped me grow as both a scholar and a practitioner.

Tell us about a favorite memory or experience so far here in America.

Some of my favorite moments outside the classroom have come from the community I’ve found in Richmond. Friends from my church often invite me over for dinner, and those evenings – sharing meals, laughing and feeling welcome – have meant so much to me. I’m also grateful for a family I was introduced to when I first arrived, whose kindness made Richmond feel less unfamiliar. Events like the international dinner held off campus have helped me connect with people from different cultures and feel at home in a new place.

Has there been a surprise during your time studying abroad?

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how open people are to learning about different cultures. Simple conversations, such as explaining a Ghanaian dish or sharing traditions from home, often turn into meaningful exchanges. Those moments remind me of how powerful cultural curiosity and connection can be.

Share something about a significant achievement or project.

One meaningful achievement for me has been mentoring undergraduate students at VCU. I currently work with two students as they navigate their academic journeys. Together, we developed an abstract that they presented at the Honors College and will soon present at NCUR, a national undergraduate research conference. Seeing them grow in confidence as emerging scholars has been incredibly rewarding. Mentorship matters to me because I understand how transformative guidance can be.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love to cook, especially meals that remind me of home. There’s something grounding about preparing familiar dishes. I also enjoy journaling, which helps me reflect, process experiences and stay centered.

Give us a glimpse into your future.

I hope to complete a postdoctoral fellowship and continue advancing mental health research and practice. My long-term goal is to help build systems that make mental health care more accessible, culturally grounded and responsive to the communities they serve, particularly in Ghana and similar low-resource settings. I aim to build bridges between U.S. research and mental health systems in these contexts.

Any advice for international students just starting their journeys?

Give yourself grace. Studying abroad is exciting, but it also comes with real challenges. Seek support early, build community intentionally, and remember that your background is a strength. Your perspective adds value wherever you go.