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
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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
I am a better learner, dancer and artist than I was before. I am feeling the differences now that I am home! Leah M - University of Massachusetts Amherst View Entire Review
This was, hands down, the best study abroad trip I have been on. The immersion in a very different culture is an enlightening, fantastic experience that opened our eyes, minds, and hearts. I would do it again in a heartbeat. In fact, I probably will!!! Katie N - Hofstra University View Entire Review
A greater appreciation for the culture of many of my students who are from West Africa, and their experiences. A deeper understanding of the slave trade. An understanding of Ewe dance, music, and song. I will teach this to my students. A student - University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign View Entire Review
Very worthwhile! Learned a lot about the culture and people of Ghana. A student - University of Massachusetts Amherst View Entire Review
Pivotal experience. No other classroom experience could replace the education this program provides. Rebecca_7936 - University of Southern Maine View Entire Review
This experience completely changed how I view music and music education. Absolutely life changing and worth while. Tara S - University of Florida View Entire Review
Life-changing experience. Miriam A - University of New Hampshire View Entire Review
rudolfo f - University of Massachusetts Amherst View Entire Review
It's hard to describe, but this course changed my life in a major way. It made me reconsider cultural norms; compared to the easy sociability in Ghana, American interactions seem stiff. It fueled new interests; I never danced much before the course, but now I am always enrolled in dance classes. It broadened my academic and pers... Nathaniel B - City College of San Francisco View Entire Review
Musically the Ewe traditions of drumming and dancing are at the core of music in its oldest form. On a experiential level this 3-weeks of immersion will change you deeply and open your eyes. Katherine B - New York University View Entire Review
Yes! It reminded me how important community, drumming, and dancing are in my life. It helped me to see what is of utmost value - people over things. Both times I traveled to Ghana with This World Music I experienced a sense of home - particularly in the village. The experiences in Ghana will be with me always, and they continue... FemmAesthetik J - University of Massachusetts Amherst View Entire Review
I received a first-hand look at how the Ghanians lived. It made me more grateful for what I have in the US. Andrew S - University of Massachusetts Amherst View Entire Review
Absolutely. This is something I will draw on for teaching and my own music as well for the rest of my life. Benjamin D - University of Massachusetts Amherst View Entire Review
That I love dance, which is not in my professional sphere usually. Elizabeth G - University of Massachusetts Amherst View Entire Review
I learned how important community is, loving one another is, and how important it is to travel and experience new cultures in order to gain a greater perspective on not only my life but the world. A student - University of Massachusetts Amherst View Entire Review
Memories that will last a lifetime, and music and cultural experiences to share with my students. Amanda W - University of Massachusetts Amherst View Entire Review
It totally changed my perspective on the world, on charitable causes, on study abroad programs, and on Africa in general. It was totally worthwhile, and I'm very glad I went on this trip! A student - University of Massachusetts Amherst View Entire Review
I gained a level of understanding of how I move through space and interact with folks. I learned that I do not want to be a tourist in the sense of looking on to the way people live but rather prefer to participate actively. I learned that the learning can be hard and patience with self can be the hardest part of it. This progra... Trenda L - Smith College View Entire Review
I have transfered some of my knowledge of Ghanaian drumming and dance on to my students. They love it as much as I do. I would love to do this trip again to continue my learning and knowledge base. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who asked. Linda Rae K - University of Massachusetts Amherst View Entire Review
I learned experientially about Ghanaian village life, which gave me a new perspective for understanding the people of the world. As a teacher, I was able to bring my experiences into the classroom and provide for my students a much richer and more authentic curriculum. Holly S - None View Entire Review
I am a far better teacher, musician and ethnomusicologist because of this trip. The study abroad was excellent and I see how it impacts my students on a daily basis. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I have taken a much deeper interest in ethnomusicology and African drumming and culture. I have a much deeper understanding of pol... Jared A - University of Tampa View Entire Review
This program was more than anything I could have imagined. You will learn so much from this trip, not only about Ewe music and culture, but also about yourself and how our world is so different from theirs. Bryan B - Gordon College View Entire Review
My cultural awareness was vastly broadened. This experience was one I enjoyed sharing with my students. I am now motivated to pursue other similar experiences all over the globe. Allison L - Western Connecticut State University View Entire Review
Past Review
Ghana: A Cultural Immersion Study That Opened My Eyes To A Different And Unique Cultural Experience
My abroad experience absolutely impacted my cultural awareness, it really made me appreciate and value the life i have and the educational opportunities that have been awarded to me. Mike39 View Entire Review
Yea. Its hard to explain in words, but everything is in a different perspective once you go to Africa. Africa has such a reputation, so it puts things together when you actually go there and interact with the people. Jacob B - University of Massachusetts Amherst 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
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ThisWorldMusic: Traveling - Study in Ghana: Music, Arts, Culture: Abroad101 Study Abroad Rankings Winner
