Wonderful Trip to Africa Past Review

By (St Mary's University) - abroad from 12/29/2016 to 01/08/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about the culture, especially the spirituality of Africa. I was educated on the traditions that still exist, while seeing the progression of the people and society. I gained enlightenment on inner strength and the ability to endure through hot weather! I know how to drum, sing, and dance in the West African forms. I realize there are many different dialects and English is a common language among the various regions. It was worthwhile.

Review Photos

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

I had no health issues until I purchased a water bottle that was different then the ones the staff had provided for us.

* Safety:

Sometimes there were no seatbelt in the cars.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I developed friendship with the community and staff there. It was like becoming family with everyone. I want to gain more knowledge of the culture and advance in the West African dance/drum training.

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? I spent three days on food and water that was about $10 a day.

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

  • Local Students
  • 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 realness of it all.
  • The lessons we retrieved.
  • The people I met.
* What could be improved?
  • Prepare everyone on the different lessons they can choose from each staff member at Dagbe Institute prior to arrival.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew which language to study out of the different dialects in Ghana. I wish I knew which lessons were available so that I could prepare my budget and time better.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

This World Music

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: Yes, yet in a positive uplifting way. Yes, we interacted with the community and its leaders along with emerging and engaging with the culture. The two American staff members did a great job on site. The founder and director was impeccable at his job, his communication skills were flawless. I participated equally yet in a different form as I would have at my home institution. We received pre-reading assignments and course readings during or after the trip. This allowed us to understand the culture prior to entering and to reflect after leaving. We have an essay assignment afterwards.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

This World Music

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: