Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Absolutely inspirational and transformative! Past Review

By (Multidisciplinary Arts Management, University of Massachusetts Amherst) for

ThisWorldMusic: Traveling - Study in Ghana: Music, Arts, Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely. I gained a true awareness of living more "minimally" and experienced such depths of joy, I truly would have staid for an entire month if not longer. I don't know if this would be true for every one, but I know for me that the trip reminded me of what is truly important: connection with others, music, dance, and being close to the earth.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Workload was very reasonable and fun! Grading system absolutely fair. Teaching methods were great, as we had support from our trip leader in addition to the dagbe cultural center staff. This is a fabulous trip!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Yes, my expectations were met. I went on this trip twice, and both experiences were wonderful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We were treated very well both in the hotel in Accra and at the Cultural Center. Air conditioning was provided at the hotel and ceiling fans at the cultural center. We were provided with what we needed for bedding. Again, a wonderful experience.

* Food:

I am a vegan and do not eat flour and sweeteners, and I was able to fair just fine. The food was great!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The funeral celebrations are phenomenal, and the Bor Bor Bor festival so fantastic and fun!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe and well taken care of.

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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The drumming
  • The bonding with other students
  • The dancing
* What could be improved?
  • The selection of food at the cultural center, more vegetables.
  • Longer time at the Dagbe Cultural Center
  • More time to spend with the Ghana Dance Ensemble, learning dances.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be open to meeting new people and feel open to share about your experience with the other students if you are going through any "culture shock" as other students are probably wanting to discuss similar things. And, it makes the whole experience that much more rich and meaningful.