The best decision I made in Undergrad Past Review

By (Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida) - abroad from 06/11/2012 to 07/22/2012 with

USAC Ghana: Accra - African Studies, International Development Studies, and courses offered directly by the University of Ghana

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I have the ability to move into a new country and develop a new way of life with new people from around the world. Knowing this, is comforting because as I continue to travel abroad I know that I have what it takes to be independent and assimilate into a new culture and surroundings. And have fun doing it!

Review Photos

USAC: Accra - University of Ghana Undergraduate and Graduate Courses Photo USAC: Accra - University of Ghana Undergraduate and Graduate Courses Photo USAC: Accra - University of Ghana Undergraduate and Graduate Courses 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?

* Safety:

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100GHC ~ 50 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up at least a semester or two before going abroad. Create an estimated budget of expenses before you go so that you know your limits.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • 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 blend of academics and exploring the country. During the week we attended class and a few class trips. On the weekends we went to a new city or village or interesting location.
  • The hostel was mixed with Ghanaian and other international students. Which made our living experience great.
  • The director and student assistance were very accessible and supportive throughout the entire program.
* What could be improved?
  • Class demographics. We had class with only our group members, not local students.
  • More volunteer and service opportunities outside of class.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I learned the language. Otherwise, I felt very prepared when I went thanks to my research, my universities study abroad resources and USAC program. I was not