Exploring the diversity of Ghana Past Review

By (Development And Cultural Change, Applied Economics, University of the Pacific) - abroad from 08/24/2012 to 12/13/2012 with

Study Abroad Programs in Ghana

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a wide understanding of Ghana as a whole country and how to conduct fieldwork.

Personal Information

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* 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?

Healthcare was accessible and the program was very nice, but I had malaria twice and typhoid fever once and the hospitals were not a pleasant experience.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take public transportation and do not go out to eat a lot.

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Two semesters
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Do your own independent study and get a language partner.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Cultural Opportunity
  • Fieldwork
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • Academics
  • Language Component
  • Administration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you want more academic rigor, you will have to do your own study.