Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Super Mega Awesome Past Review

By (University of Massachusetts Amherst) - abroad from 07/29/2011 to 08/19/2011 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have transfered some of my knowledge of Ghanaian drumming and dance on to my students. They love it as much as I do. I would love to do this trip again to continue my learning and knowledge base. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who asked.

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.

This trip allowed me to experience and participate in the Ghanian culture in a way that provided me the abilities to teach what I have learned to my students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff at Dagbe was incredible. I would go back to work with them again!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We got the chance to attend local markets, a funeral, and many other activities.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe throughout the trip. Jeremy put any worries I had at ease by being a very visible and open leader.

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)

I would recommend bring extra money to take private lessons and anticipate spending more on food, just in case.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? On average throughout the trip, I would say close to $150, less during the week spent at Dagbe..
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Anticipate bringing extra, especially if you plan on taking lessons. You are better off having the funds so you can take all of the classes you want as well as eat, drink, and purchase local goods.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • I loved the interactions with the staff at Dagbe, seeing how each instructor taught differently.
  • I enjoyed the chance to work in group classes as well as individual ones.
  • Jeremy was very clear about expectations, and there were few surprises. This kept me at ease in the preparation phase which carried into my comfort level on the trip.
* What could be improved?
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring Febreze!