ThisWorldMusic: Traveling - Study in Ghana: Music, Arts, Culture
Study Abroad Rankings Winner
- Location(s): Traveling in Ghana, Ghana
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad, Graduate Program, Research
ThisWorldMusic
148 reviews
for
2 programs
Most Popular Program:
ThisWorldMusic: Music and Dance Programs in Cuba
ThisWorldMusic: Music and Dance Programs in Cuba
Request Info
(For American Students)
ThisWorldMusic's Study in Ghana program offers academic or professional credit from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Participants live at the world renowned Dagbe Cultural Institute in the village of Kopeyia, studying traditional West Afri... read more
All Reviews
One of the biggest things I really took from my experience in Ghana with ThisWorldMusic is that your "normal" is just cultural. I knew this before the trip, but only on the most basic level. Being in Ghana showed me not only what the culture there is, but that I really do love cultures that aren't my home culture. It was amazing... Reed H - University of Hartford View Entire Review
Yes. tina.cornwell.3 - University of Massachusetts Amherst View Entire Review
I definitely learned more about who I was as a traveler, as a person and as an American. Through this trip I better understand how to move through spaces that I may or may not know and how to go with the flow, be comfortable with the uncomfortable and how to always find a way to share laughter with others. Sophia P - Hampshire College View Entire Review
Everyone who wants to call themselves an artist should go on this trip in order to be flung so far outside of their artistic box that you cannot help but be reborn as a student and as an artist. Eric B - University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse View Entire Review
The world is a wonderful place, and we as Americans must really learn to be thankful for the comforts we have. Complaining not allowed! Alan B - Midwestern State University View Entire Review
I gained an experience with and some competence in the basics of Ewe drumming and dancing. I meet any Africans and observed their life in the village. It was extremely worthwhile. Holly S - University of Massachusetts Amherst View Entire Review
Too much to sum up. There were music lessons that I'll hold on to forever, but also cultural experiences that taught me more than I thought possible. A student - Butler University View Entire Review
I was able to take private lessons from Ghanaian drummers in their village. This allowed me to more fully understand the significance of music within their culture and apply the correct techniques. Yes, it was worthwhile! Lindsey S - Idaho State University View Entire Review
I am an elementary general music teacher and have already begun teaching my students the drumming, singing and dancing that I learned on this trip. And they are LOVING it! Definitely a worthwhile experience. Dan K - University of Massachusetts Amherst View Entire Review
I enjoyed the drumming very much and I missed it a lot when I came home. It encourages me to quit my job and do music instead... Yes, definitely worthwhile. A student - University of Zagreb View Entire Review
yes, it was worthwhile Tayla B - University of Massachusetts Amherst View Entire Review
Too much to put into words here... it was absolutely worthwhile! Laura A - University of Massachusetts Amherst View Entire Review
I can't truly express the many life-enhancing things I learned during my experience abroad. But one major thing that stands out to me is the ability to meet people from all walks of life and find common ground and develop a respect for one another's differences. Malaika S - University of Maryland - College Park View Entire Review
More than worthwhile. scott.buck.9 - Manhattan School of Music View Entire Review
This was one of the greatest experiences of my life! Not only was I able to gain more knowledge in both dancing and drumming, but I was able to connect with people in a way I never thought possible, both the group and the people of Ghana. I would do this program again in a heartbeat. Yvonne G - Emerson College View Entire Review
I learned that immersing yourself in another culture is a life-changing experience. I learned to live with students who had many different abilities and talents. I was able to learn from teachers I would have never had the opportunity to work with anywhere else. karen.schweighardt.1 - University of Massachusetts Amherst View Entire Review
I developed a more complete and well rounded relationship with my studies. It was absolutely worthwhile. Frances C - Hampshire College View Entire Review
A greater knowledge of another culture, understanding that though the Ghanaian people are pooir compared to Americans, they are rich in spirit, in culture, in music and in Community. I gained greater drumming and dancing skills. greater confidence of trying new things, going to new places having more worldly adventures. Andy H - Lesley College View Entire Review
Living abroad, even for a short while, is eye opening and mind expanding. It is very, very valuable to see life from a different cultural perspective; it causes you to reexamine many assumptions, ideas, practices, attitudes. . . A student - Mount Holyoke College View Entire Review
It was absolutely worthwhile. I learned about traveling with strangers, how to live in a much poorer environment, how to connect with people from a completely different society, and some very fun drumming and dancing. A student - University of Maryland - College Park View Entire Review
I grew as an artitst and as an educator A student - University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee View Entire Review
More than worthwhile! Learned all about the Ewe culture and can't wait to continue drumming and dancing. Megan D - Quinnipiac University View Entire Review
I learned the music, dance, and history of both Gahu and Atsiabegkor. I also gained a rather thorough understanding of Ghanaian, and more specifically, both traditional and current Ewe culture. I also gained an understanding of what it means for music (and dance) to truly be your life, rather than your career. The experience was... Michael M - University of Kentucky View Entire Review
I gained a greater desire to integrate music and art into my everyday life for the sake of happiness and building community. This course made me question my place in the world woke me up from my cultural naiveté. It has impassioned me to further pursue both world travel and music and enthusiastic about sharing my experiences wit... Ryan_9043 - Rider University View Entire Review
I learned so much about music, dance, culture, humanity and myself. It was definitely worthwhile and I wish I was back there right now! Lisa M - Hofstra University View Entire Review
About
ThisWorldMusic's Study in Ghana program offers academic or professional credit from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Participants live at the world renowned Dagbe Cultural Institute in the village of Kopeyia, studying traditional West African music, dance and craft making with the Dagbe Institute’s highly trained staff of local artists. Intense periods of study are interspersed with excursions to nearby beaches and open-air markets, as well as participation in and observation of local festivals.
Next, the Study in Ghana group travels to historic Cape Coast Castle, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its prominent role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. We also visit Kakum National Park Rainforest Preserve, where participants take a tour of the rainforest and go on a “Canopy Walkway,” a series of steel cable reinforced footbridges strung between the treetops. We then explore the capital city of Accra, where students take an exclusive tour of a master drum maker’s workshop, visit one of Ghana’s famous live music clubs and sample Ghanaian cuisine. While in Accra, participants shop at the National Arts Centre and are treated to a private performance and workshop with the acclaimed Ghana National Dance Ensemble.
Participants in the 3-week summer study abroad program in Ghana earn 6 credits (undergraduate or graduate) or equivalent professional development credits (PDP/CRU/PLU/CEU) from the UMass Department of Music & Dance; those taking the 12-day winter study abroad course earn 3 credits. Enrollment is open to students and professionals worldwide.
Next, the Study in Ghana group travels to historic Cape Coast Castle, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its prominent role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. We also visit Kakum National Park Rainforest Preserve, where participants take a tour of the rainforest and go on a “Canopy Walkway,” a series of steel cable reinforced footbridges strung between the treetops. We then explore the capital city of Accra, where students take an exclusive tour of a master drum maker’s workshop, visit one of Ghana’s famous live music clubs and sample Ghanaian cuisine. While in Accra, participants shop at the National Arts Centre and are treated to a private performance and workshop with the acclaimed Ghana National Dance Ensemble.
Participants in the 3-week summer study abroad program in Ghana earn 6 credits (undergraduate or graduate) or equivalent professional development credits (PDP/CRU/PLU/CEU) from the UMass Department of Music & Dance; those taking the 12-day winter study abroad course earn 3 credits. Enrollment is open to students and professionals worldwide.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadGraduate Program
Research
Program Length(s):
- Summer
- January Term
- Custom
- Short Term
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- African Studies
- English Language and Literature
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Fine Arts, Studio Arts
- Music
Minimum GPA:
2.5Website
Take me there!Statistics
Videos
.
Featured Program Providers
ThisWorldMusic: Traveling - Study in Ghana: Music, Arts, Culture: Abroad101 Study Abroad Rankings Winner
