Amazing, Incredible, Jaw Dropping Experience in Ghana! February 07, 2025

By (Sociology, Occidental College) - abroad from 08/21/2024 to 12/12/2024 with

SIT Study Abroad: Ghana: Globalization, Cultural Legacies & the Afro-Chic

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was incredibly worthwhile, as I got to experience traveling, a homestay, and independent living within three months. The staff is incredibly supportive and kind, contributing to mine and my friend's amazing semester.

Review Photos

SIT Study Abroad: Ghana: Globalization, Cultural Legacies & the Afro-Chic Photo

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.

The academic aspect of the program was experiential, meaning our classrooms were museums, tours, restaurants, and even a safari. I personally learned so much through these experiences, though not in a traditional academic setting.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff was plentiful, with different positions tailored to different aspects of the program. There was a staff members designated for health and wellbeing, academics, and even nightlife. Everyone was accessible 24/7 and offered a lot of support.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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)

Everything in the program was provided, including a $1,000 stipend for our independent research or internship period.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Language classes were minimal, but English is widely spoken so we mostly communicated with locals in English.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Staff
  • Experiential learning
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Communication
  • Organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I went into the program not knowing what to expect or much about Ghanaian culture. I wish I had done a bit more research to feel more prepared about cultural differences between the US and Ghana, simply to feel more comfortable and make the transition into the program easier.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.