The best time of my life! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Although this was a short term program, I learned a great deal. I learned various bits of information regarding traditional Ghanaian song, dance & drumming, and they're role in historical Ghanaian culture. I learned a handful of conversational Ewe language. I learned and was exposed to various other Ghanaian arts such as bakti printmaking, basket-weaving, kente cloth-weaving, cooking, and more. Finally, I learned about the history and culture of the general area we resided in such as the role of the chief of the land and the existence of slavery.

On-site administration of your program

This was one of the most well-organized programs I've ever participated in. At no point while in Ghana did I ever feel lost, doubtful, endangered, or worried. I was never wanting of activities, and I felt prepared and looked after at all times. Any questions that did arise from the group while abroad, Jeremy Cohen and his program assistant were able to answer quickly and clearly.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The hotel we stayed at for the first few days was beautiful, and the Dagbe Cultural Centre truly felt like a home away from home. By the end of the trip I could easily have found myself spending a year or more there.

The food was delicious and plentiful. I was never waiting for a meal, and I never felt as though there wasn't enough for all the program participants. One of the best aspects of experiencing a new culture.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt more at home than I had anticipated. I enjoyed going to the local markets and restaurants, and the people were so incredibly nice and conversational. It was very refreshing. The staff at the Dagbe Cultural Centre specifically, treated us like family, and I have in fact kept in contact with multiple staff members ever since returning.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues while abroad other than being exhausted from dance class. Nevertheless my program leader and his assistant both checked-in with frequently to ensure that I was staying hydrated, eating a little something at least, feeling comfortable enough to skip out on certain planned activities if I preferred to simply rest. Others program participants had some more concerning health issues which the leaders handled very well. Not only did the leader and assistant have resources such as medicine to offer participants, they also stayed up late with those who were sick until they were able to sleep. Janna Behrens, the program assistant, even stayed behind with anyone who was sick while the rest of the group participated in other activities. Janna and Jeremy also kept calm whenever someone was sick which made the rest of the group feel safe and taken care of.

I felt safe the entire time abroad. I don't think Accra or Denu are any less safe than New York City. The only concern I can think of is that there is not as much street lighting there as in the U.S. obviously, so traveling around at night requires a bit more cautiousness.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It was very easy to live of the student budget, so much so that most of my remaining money went towards souvenir shopping!

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• Dorm

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• Americans
• International Students
• Host Family

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• Americans
• International Students
• Host Family

• The people, living with the staff/family
• The planned activities
• The food and shopping

• It might be a nice idea to make "photographer" a position for past participants to apply for in addition to program leader and assistant
• Provide an example budget participants can refer when considering all that's offered to them

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