Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Semester in Ghana Past Review

By (Winona State University) - abroad from 01/20/2014 to 05/24/2014 with

University of Cape Coast: Cape Coast - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself and about the world while I was in Ghana. I wouldn't trade my experiences for the world.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic system itself was frustrating sometimes because of the huge differences between their system and the US system, but it taught me patience and flexibility.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Kwasi, our on-site coordinator, was great. He brought us all around Ghana during orientation, and he even let us all stay at his house so that we could experience a traditional Ghanaian homestay.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a chalet, which was basically just a bedroom with two beds, two desks, a closet, a bathroom, and a hotplate that sat on our porch. I loved it! I never felt unsafe.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We made a lot of friends within the community. Everyone in Ghana is so friendly and wants to get to know you.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was sick a few times and had to spend some time at the hospital. It was nice that I had health insurance through CISabroad, so I didn't have to worry about the doctor visits. I still had to pay for the prescriptions out of my own pocket, though, but it didn't amount to a whole lot of money.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe during my time in Ghana. Like I said before, everyone is so friendly and welcoming. That being said, the same rules apply as everywhere else though, especially don't walk alone at night.

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? Maybe around $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? N/A

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Traveling around Ghana
  • The location (Cape Coast)
  • The administrative support of the CISabroad staff
* What could be improved?
  • The price
  • Get transcripts sooner
  • Better preparation for academic system
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish we had been better prepared for the academic system in general - how registration works, how the classes are run, how different it is, etc.

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 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.