Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best experience of my life so far. Honestly! Past Review

By (Musicand Media and TEFL, Mary Immaculate College) - abroad from 07/02/2015 to 07/23/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I never danced before and discovered an absolute love for it. I learned so many songs, dances and drum rhythms and still feel like there's so much there to learn. I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to get so close to traditional Ewe music, culture and life. It was one of the most worthwhile experiences of my life and I wish I discovered the program sooner. I didn't know anyone on the program and it was my first big trip outside of Ireland by myself, so that in itself was an eye-opening and exciting adventure for me to have personally. Any nervousness I had before or during the trip was always immediately taken care of by either Jeremy (via E-mail, conference call and Skype), Leah or Kate (whilst in Ghana). They took such great care of us all. I originally joined the program to learn more about West African music in general for my 4th year project in college. Now, I want go back not only to learn more for my project, but for so many other reasons. I've also learned so many things about myself personally and I am so grateful to have been welcomed into the program.

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.

Priceless and life-changing

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Leah lead our group and Kate assisted her. They were absolutely amazing and were always there for all of us. All of Dagbe's staff are so welcoming, helpful, knowledgeable and the teachers are exceptionally talented musicians, singers and dancers. Our entire program was very well structured and planned out.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Extremely Satisfied! We stayed at the Afia Hotel and the Anomabo Beach Resort for a total of around one week. For two weeks or so, we lived in the Dagbe Institute - I stayed in a large dorm-style room with 6 beds and the other rooms have 2 beds each. Every bed has a mosquito net and every room has fans and lighting. The dining room is always super clean with its own fan as well. The showers are also extremely clean.

* Food:

The food is amazing!! Dagbe takes great care to accommodate vegetarians and those with food allergies. Sometimes it can be a bit spicy, but there's always another option available if you don't like a particular dish. Fried plantains, black-eyed beans, spaghetti, rice, fufu, chicken, fish, avocado salad sandwiches are just a few examples of lunches and dinners. For breakfast, there is bread, fruit, peanut butter, low-fat spread, hot chocolate/tea/coffee, sometimes eggs, and lots of hot water available for porridge if you bring some packets with you. We made the odd stop to petrol stations to get some snacks but it could be a good idea to bring some snacks/dried fruit&nuts/muesli just in case you get peckish or want something from home. Breakfast starts at 7am, lunch at 12pm and dinner is at 6pm.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt so welcomed and safe throughout my entire stay. Even in the capital city, everybody loves chatting and are so nice. At Dagbe, I felt it even more so when we went to the Church, played with the kids, walked around the village or had a drink there in the evenings. Also, when we were asked to perform at the first dig of a new secondary school building - so many things! Learning a little bit of Ewe also helped me to feel this, especially when I could speak a little with people in the market.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • 2 weeks at Dagbe
  • Having so many teachers there for you and having the opportunity to learn so much
  • Kakum National Park
* What could be improved?
  • I would love to have spent longer in Dagbe. But that's just my opinion and the only improvement I can think of!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would bring more insect aerosol spray rather than lotion. Mosquitoes like to go through clothes - but then again they just love my blood so this is a personal lesson. Having more spray would help to put the repellent on my clothes. Also, I would definitely use permethrin on my clothes.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!