Ghana: The 5 Best Months of My Life Past Review
By Jason W (Jazz Studies & Digital Media Production, Tulane University) for
CIEE: Legon - Arts + Sciences
This was the best decision I've made in my life. It turned my world view upside-down, shook my roots in the best way possible, improved my musicianship, broadened my horizon in every sense, and set the course of my future straight.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was minimal, the grading was too forgiving, the teaching methods were ineffective, and the educational system as a whole just seemed to not be taken seriously. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very available but too profit hungry and not focussed on the students enough. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Very safe neighborhood that was as close to classes as any other living option. Nightlife was as readily available as possible anywhere else. It was great to be immersed in the Ghanaian dorm with locals and have a Ghanaian roommate (who was great) as opposed to just other program members. |
| * Food: |
Tough for vegetarians and anyone who has difficulty with spicy food. Takes an acquired taste, but absolutely amazing. Be prepared to eat with your hands. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Independent travel outside of the program is the most rewarding. Also, take private instrument lessons outside of the school. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
unvelievably safe |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | no more than $100 are really necessary each week. Food is extremely cheap. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save money for individual travel and souvenirs. Everything is so cheap that you will travel so much and buy so many things for great prices. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| 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?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A drummer or dancer with a work ethic would benefit the most. |
