Amazing, insightful and once in a lifetime kind of experience! Past Review
By Alexandra L (Dance., Hampshire College) - abroad from 01/01/2014 to 01/12/2014 with
ThisWorldMusic: Traveling - Study in Ghana: Music, Arts, Culture
I learned so many things on this program about culture, food, DANCE! music, shopping, customs and I learned a lot about myself.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This trip was all about education in many different senses: culturally, physically and traditionally as in learning a language or skill (cooking/craft making) if you chose to do so. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We had wonderful accommodations in Accra as well as Kopeyia. We had most western comforts and were made to feel at home. We always had mosquito nets! |
| * Food: |
The food was very good! Lots of rice, stews and starch. Some spicy food and everything was very flavorful. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We as a group were completely honored and amazed at how the local community accepted and involved us not only in everyday activities but also in local festivals, religious ceremonies and recreational events! It was the absolute best way for us to learn about the culture first hand. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did re-injure myself in dance class and the group was so accommodating. I was able to have ice made (it usually isn't) and the professors even gave me some balm that they use whenever they are injured. I was really well taken care of! |
| * Safety: |
In the village of Kopeyia I felt absolutely 100% safe I never thought twice about anything. In the city of Accra, like in any city I would advise students to be aware of their surroundings and be careful. Our group always stuck together and watched out for each other as i'm sure future groups will! |
| 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) |
Not including souviner shopping, this trip (once there) was super affordable! You only have to pay for food and water at the Hotel, most of the time you food and water is paid for. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent less then $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The dollar is doubled in Ghana so a little can take you a long way. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | The weather is very hot! I would have packed better and lighter! |
