I'm Ghana Remember It for the Rest of My Life Past Review

By (History, New York University) for

New York University: Accra - NYU in Ghana

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was by far the most formative part of my undergraduate experience. I made the best friends, learned the most, and realized a vocational interest in international economics. I cannot recommend this program enough.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of Ghana at Lagone, Asheshi University
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Our time at Ashesi was the most enlightening, as the university was part of a very new program in West Africa specifically designed to train leaders for a new generation of Africans. The larger university classes at Lagone were hard for students accustomed to individualized study and smaller classes, even large lectures as the one we took.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived in a compound-like structure owned and operated by our home university, NYU. The accommodations were excellent though the security staff failed on more than one ocassion to prevent our group members' from being crime victims.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Ghanaian coastline was amazing, as were trips to an ecolodge in Western Ghana, I think it was called the Turtle lodge.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Whenever you feel tempted to stay at home in the compound, DON'T. Even though I did a lot of wonderful and memorable things in Ghana, I feel I could have gotten so much more out of it if I had traveled more in the region.