Ghana: So Much Fun, It's Like You're Not In School Past Review
By Rachel B (Psychology/Urban Development, Clark University) for
Amizade: Ghana
For the future, I gained a whole new international understanding on racial perspectives. Ghana doesn't view race like America does, and it was interesting to take that perspective home with me.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The experience in Jukwa was amazing. I really had the ability to apply the lessons being learned in the classroom to my daily activities in the community. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Because we were in a rural setting there was plenty of time to complete the work. You had to schedule yourself a little bit. For example, you could not sleep the whole day and fritter away all your time instead of doing your homework assignment. But it was no more rigorous planning than one would do for a regular class. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was good. The bathrooms were overall the most off-setting, but that was to be expected in West Africa. Bring a pair of sandals and make sure you have bottled water and everything is fine. We slept in bug nets, which were a little difficult to set up, but perfectly comfortable once arranged. Also, after seeing the community, sleeping under a bug net made me realize that I was living much closer to the lives of those who I was staying with... Instead of staying in some fancy hotel. |
| * Food: |
The food was great. It wasn't American food 100% of the time, but they did go out of their way to accomandate us (and our weak stomachs). We ate at a "fancy" (read: American) restaurant a few times, and had a blast. But the woman who made the food in Jukwa was wonderful and caring, and would make whatever we asked-within reason. Just a heads up: There is no milk in Ghana because there are no cows. There is lots and lots of chicken and a little bit of fish. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
What wasn't memorable? To be honest, I woke up early every morning just to look around. I took in every moment of just BEING IN GHANA. I loved the people. Especially where we stayed, the families are so welcoming. Talk to them, get to know them. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Much of the safety concerns should be expected. We were doing construction. But, it's not working in your regular city. They cut down trees with machetes. And the health risks are a little different. As in Mexico, you can't go drinking the water straight from the tap, because it will make you sick. It's not that I (or anyone in my group) were ever worried for our health, it is just that it is a different level of awareness when you are abroad. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Have fun, listen to your program director, and remember that you're not at home. Ghana has a different set of rules- both health wise and culturally. Take a day to observe and then jump in. The people are friendly, especially in Jukwa, and they would love to teach you. All you have to do is ask. Oh, and if anyone asks, you're married. |
