Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Self Discovery in Ghana! Past Review

By (Political Science and Government, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/30/2015 to 05/14/2015 with

Study Abroad Programs in Ghana

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself and became a person I am really proud to be. Ghana is such a special place, the people are kind, hospitable, and free. I love Ghana!

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

Most of the staff was awesome, but our Academic Director wasn't. However, he is no longer with the program so that could change! When tackling some sensitive issues, there were definitely some misunderstandings that were negative. But most of the staff was amazing!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host families made the experience for me!

* Food:

There were some dishes I loved and my host moms were great cooks, but there were many things I couldn't eat which was tough! Good if you have a bottomless pit for a stomach - portion sizes are HUGE!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made amazing connections with some Ghanaian peers and my families. However, no matter how long I spent in Ghana, I would never fully and truly understand their culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I actually had a few health problems and the staff was so supportive! Super easy to get medicine. The hospital I went to in Kumasi was not a great experience though, so avoid the university hospital! Get all of your vaccines and take your malaria pills! No guarantee you won't get malaria, but if you do, your symptoms will be much less.

* Safety:

I never really felt unsafe, but be cautious. If you're a female, you will get a lot of unwanted attention so just be cognizant of that. If you let it get to you, it will ruin your time. So just try to appreciate it and accept comments as compliments! Be smart but be free!

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)

Ghana is very inexpensive, my mom even called me and asked "are you okay??" because my bank account hadn't been touched!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Barely any! Tops maybe $10 a week. My host families cooked a lot! With gifts, I spent more money.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do whatever makes you feel comfortable. Don't be afraid to splurge every once in a while if you need some American food when you're feeling homesick, nothing is very expensive!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* 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?
  • Host families
  • Travel
  • Freedom
* What could be improved?
  • Academic Director
  • Transparency
  • Communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known about some things that were going on with staff before I went on this program and that there wasn't as much drumming and dancing as promised. Hopefully that will change!

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.