A unique, in-depth Ghanaian experience Past Review

By (Social Work., University of Saint Thomas) - abroad from 06/18/2014 to 07/10/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This trip was definitely worthwhile! I learned so much about Ewe and Ghanaian culture, I learned more about the diversity and disparity of our world, and a lot about myself and where I see my life going.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This was quality education from local professionals - can't get much better!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

With usual difficulties of traveling abroad considered, the on-site administration was great.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Again, very good for being in Africa!

* Food:

Accommodating for special diets and requests!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved getting to know locals in the village!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Jeremy was very knowledgable about all health questions we had and did his best to solve them. I did not have to visit any sort of health facility while abroad. I felt taken care of! I did need a typhoid vaccine and yellow fever vaccine before traveling, as well as malaria prevention medication.

* Safety:

I would not travel alone while in Ghana, but luckily we never had to.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We did not have an official language class, however we learned basic Ewe phrases and were encouraged to use them.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? No Ewe
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Use it with the locals, and ask questions!

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Very well-organized
  • Our group was cohesive
  • Cultural activities
* What could be improved?
  • Possibly a home-stay
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It takes about a week to get used to the food!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.