Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Ghanaian Musical Adventure Past Review

By (Music Education, Rider University) - abroad from 07/30/2011 to 08/20/2011 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a greater desire to integrate music and art into my everyday life for the sake of happiness and building community. This course made me question my place in the world woke me up from my cultural naiveté. It has impassioned me to further pursue both world travel and music and enthusiastic about sharing my experiences with others.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

* 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? 150-200

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
* 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?
  • The music and dance we learned
  • The amount of time we spent in our host village
  • The cultural excursions we had
* What could be improved?
  • The amount of pre-departure communication/conversation
  • The cost
  • Different level group classes for students with different levels of musical understanding
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The program may focus on music and dance, but the takeaways for me had much more to do with contemplating life in a foreign country, life back home and how music and art can help build cultural bridges.