Evolutionary Past Review

By (BFA Dance, University of Massachusetts Amherst) - abroad from 07/26/2012 to 08/19/2012 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I am a better learner, dancer and artist than I was before. I am feeling the differences now that I am home!

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.

I was delighted to be learning in a new way and was fascinated by the content of the course as a whole.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I appreciated the vegetarian, pescatarian and red meatless options.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I always felt engaged, inspired and safe.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally stayed healthy, but was impressed by the wonderful bedside manners of both trip advisors.

* Safety:

I never felt at risk and was always very comportable and cared for.

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 did not exceed my budget, but I came very close.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Approximately $200 when we were not living at Dagbe.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring more money than you think you need.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Dance
  • Music
  • Company
* What could be improved?
  • More female staff members at Dagbe!
  • More accurate budget sheet
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Life will never be the same once you return.