CIEE Legon: Life Changing! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classroom experiences were not very valuable. I definitely learned things, but not nearly as much as I would expect from a course at Grinnell. It was very easy to skip class (though less so if you were one of only a few foreign students in the class. We were pretty noticeable), and the classes were typically taught in a manner that indicated the professor was always right. This was even true in my African Literature course. One of the important things about being in courses with Ghanaian students, however, was that it was a really good way to meet them. On a campus of 35,000, it can be difficult to meet the students (especially because I was living off-campus).

On-site administration of your program

I thought the program administration was pretty phenomenal. They were extremely helpful with everyone on our program and provided us with the information we needed to do well and have a good trip. Having U-Pals is an incredibly brilliant idea and I wish more study abroad programs utilized it. I also appreciated the trips that CIEE took us on throughout the country. It's fun to travel as a group and get to see some local things and some touristy things.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had an absolutely amazing host family experience. My host parents have been hosting international students for longer than I have been alive, and they are spectacular at it. We also had a lot of "kids" in the house (ages 12-32), which was fun. It was within walking distance to campus, the family helped me in every way possible, and I still keep in touch with them today, a year later.

I ate really, really well with my host family. I sometimes ate non-kosher foods (mostly crab) that I would not have eaten at home, as it was mixed into soup, but I just dealt with it because I didn't want to cause a fuss. The campus also has good and very cheap options for students, but it was difficult for vegetarians, I believe. There are also a number of options for getting American food, when we needed a quick taste of home!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The field trips that CIEE arranged for us were pretty cool. I think they did a pretty good job when they had to accommodate 50+ people. I was glad, however, that I could also travel on my own and with friends, because this enabled me to have a more cultural experience, and a more personal experience. It would have been cool if CIEE had organized a trip to/with a festival, but this might require too much organization. One of my favorite experiences was being with my host family in their village. They took my roommate and I for a weekend and we had a blast!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The program director was extremely forthright about the possible health and safety issues that we faced, though I often thought that he was a little over protective. I don't think that many people listened, but it was clear that the directors and U-pals were aware of the possible concerns.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Everyone with whom it was imperative we interact spoke English. We took a foreign language just to be more familiar with the country, and I think this is very valuable. However, my host family spoke a different local language, which made it difficult and somewhat confusing to pick up on Twi (what we were learning in class). It was also nice to have a class with the other students on my program.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family

• The people: family, friends, program directors, U-pals
• Traveling
• Home stay!

• More diversity in the travel options provided by CIEE