Ghana, I can't wait to go back! Past Review

By (Childhood Education, SUNY - College at Geneseo) for

SUNY Geneseo: Traveling - Student Teaching in Ghana

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was definitely a worthwhile program. This program proved to me that I absolutely want to be a teacher and has helped me to become a better and more versatile teacher. I learned that I absolutely want to travel again in the near and far future.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Caning was the biggest difference in the classroom but we did not participate in any classes taught by foreign professor's at the University

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Two of three professors were very helpful and knowledgeable. One professor was extremely unhelpful, demeaning, and rude. The program was the perfect size and extremely worth it. Only the last professor who came for only one week did not meet expectations.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I have a severe tree nut allergy but felt very comfortable and did not have a single reaction while on the trip.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I have made lifelong friends from this program. Mole park was the best excursion we could go on.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe during my entire stay in Ghana. I was smart and did not show off or throw money around but I never felt threatened in any way. I was healthy while in Ghana but we all had to be vaccinated for yellow fever, typhoid, and take malaria medication while abroad. One student did get malaria but was immediately tended to and taken care of very well. No one else on the trip was sick at all.

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? Food was paid for by the program. We were given 15 Ghana Cedis per day each week. I only spent approximately $250 of American money on personal expenses in the entire 8 weeks.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Some travel expenses were unexpected but nothing too much to pay.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
  • Hotel
  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The friends I made
  • The overall cultural immersion and experiences
  • The teaching experience
* What could be improved?
  • The preparation
  • One professor for the whole trip
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Students who know they want to teach and love teaching would benefit most from this program. Be prepared to be extremely creative and work very hard.