Past Review

By (Social Work., The University of Texas at Austin) for

University of Texas - Austin: Accra - Social Work Maymester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was the most incredible journey of my life. Learning and interacting with Ghanaians has greatly increased my cultural awareness of Ghana and West Africa. Conversations with other students about race enhanced understanding between black, white and brown students - I don't think we would be having those discussions in a regular classroom in Texas. As a social worker, it made me more flexible and creative when working with limited resources.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of Ghana in Legon
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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Dr. Gilbert's network of Ghanaian professors and other professionals and officials is extensive and she creates unique experiences through all of her previous connections in Ghana.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Catter's Hostel in Accra Sonant Court Hotel in Accra Coconut Grove Resort in Elmina Golden Tulip Hotel in Kumasi <br /><br /> We stayed in a hostel at first but moved due to lack of hot water. All of the other facilities we stayed in were very nice.

* Food:

Lots of chicken, fish and rice. You couldn't always have lots of fresh vegetables or salad, but there was usually plenty of fresh fruit available. I think the program should have provided more than 2 bottles of water per day since we couldn't use the tap water for anything but washing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Visit to WEB DuBois museum, visits with the chiefs of Patrensa and Agogo, dinner with Morehouse students in Ghana, trips to the slave fortresses in Cape Coast and Elmina, reforestation project

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Had to get plenty of vaccines before traveling. All health issues were dealt with seriously and promptly

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? no

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans