I already miss this experience (especially the people)! Past Review
By A student (University of Massachusetts Amherst / UMass) - abroad from 07/01/2015 to 07/23/2015 with
ThisWorldMusic: Traveling - Study in Ghana: Music, Arts, Culture
A broader world perspective. Yes, it was absolutely worthwhile. It's amazing to think about the stereotypes we (Americans) have of Africa. I really appreciate the fact that I can accurately speak to those now.
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. |
I like that it isn't extremely rigorous, because I considered this trip to be kind of a vacation as well. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very well organized. It is clear that relationships have been formed with people in Ghana that benefit the program greatly. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
A little rustic, but clean. If your expectations are accurate, it's no big deal. |
| * Food: |
Some food was awesome, some needed an acquired taste. It became a little monotonous. I'm glad I brought some tastes of home with me. It seemed that a lot of the other students ran out of snacks/alternative meals, so don't be afraid to bring a good amount. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
One of the best experiences I've had where you actually get to regularly socialize with the locals. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The trip leaders seemed to be prepared for ANY kind of health situation! Nothing major happened to any of us, but they were there for us when the minor stuff happened. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe. Be smart, and you'll be totally fine. |
| 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) |
I chose to spend a lot of money at the markets and on gifts, so this response is a bit skewed. If you watch your spending, you can get by on very little there. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $250, but that was a choice. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You can save a lot of money at the hotels if you are smart about what you order. |
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? | I would have brought a second suitcase filled with books for the school and clothes for the kids and families in the village. |
