A true cultural immersion Past Review
By Leigh L (Music Education, University of Massachusetts - Lowell) for
ThisWorldMusic: Traveling - Study in Ghana: Music, Arts, Culture
it inspired me to travel more
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
the workload while abroad was balanced; we had requirements but could also opt in or out of additional activities including private music or dance instruction and excursions. Upon returning to the states, we had some additional work to complete that was appropriate. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The trip leader was very knowledgable, supportive, understanding, open and honest from trip planning through present day. He took the time to review 'what to expect' and answered all of my questions from which shots to get to how can I make what I learned work for my students. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
sheets, food, transportation, clean water was provided. |
| * Food: |
I am a picky eater and still was satisfied with the culinary offerings. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The other Americans in my groups are wonderful people who shared a love for music and culture. We all enjoyed one another's company and there were no "cliques". We all got along and spent time getting to know everyone. I remain in touch with several people from my trip 2 years ago. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
vaccines were needed, and our trip leader was very thoughtful about this. He gave malaria pill reminders each day at breakfast and would gently remind us to stay hydrated and take it easy if we weren't feeling 100%. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | any student who enjoys new experiences and is curious to be immersed in another culture would benefit from this program. |
