Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great life changing experience! Past Review

By (Liberal Arts, Saint Mary's College of California) - abroad from 01/31/2016 to 01/11/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so many skills I never would of had to chance to encounter at home. I was so inspired by West African style of dancing and their lifestyle that I came back with such a different perspective with not taking our resources for granted and settling for one type of passion. There is a purpose and meaning behind everything which most importantly should always be shared with one another.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Vaccines were needed and I'd prepare yourself ahead of time for this as traveling and shots have a great impact on well being. Physical participation and good energy is needed for this trip.

* Safety:

There is little to worry about when staying with the group and our host Jeremy made sure we were always buckled in on road trips and excursions.

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? Once at the institute food and water was taken care of. Few days at the resort prior and at the end amounted to $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Check your medical vaccinations history prior to avoid vaccinations costs you may or may not need.

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

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The schedule was well planned and not too much to handle and was flexible to individual interests.
  • I loved the food and learning how to cook it and share it at home!
  • I loved that everyone flocked to the sound of the drumming and how music was such a huge part of their culture and brought everyone together.
* What could be improved?
  • I'd say to add more excursions they were the best!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I connected with the students going on the trip sooner!

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.