A Whole New World Past Review

By (Truman State University) - abroad from 08/02/2012 to 12/20/2012 with

ISEP Exchange: Accra - Exchange Program at University of Ghana

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how other people live, what is important in life. The importance of relationships, politeness, taking your time, food, culture. It was VERY worthwhile. The lessons are hard to put into words but are very worth learning.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes meet only once a week for 2 hours each time. Professors show up late basically every single time and you really don't learn much in class. Sometimes you are assigned good readings and learn things from that.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There is no toilet paper and the showers are cold, but besides that everything is perfect!

* Food:

Very spicy, but tasty.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues, so I can't really say.

* Safety:

Ghana is actually pretty safe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $80/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out so much.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People
  • Culture
  • Travel
* What could be improved?
  • Classes
  • Organization
  • Volunteer Opportunities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about the culture so it wasn't so shocking.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.