The Best Semester of my Life Past Review
By Rachel A (International Development, Clark University - Worcester) - abroad from 01/18/2012 to 05/27/2012 with
CIEE: Legon - Arts + Sciences
I learned a lot about myself, I learned how to be more relaxed and to just take life one day at a time. I think this was one of the best experiences I have ever had abroad!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
THEY WERE AMAZING and super supportive- best support staff Ive had |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Not a ton of veggies in the typical Ghanaian diet- so I cooked for myself a lot in order to get the food I wanted, but at the same time, the food was delicious |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I could have been more integrated but I did what I was comfortable with |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Just don't walk alone at night, be smart |
| 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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| * 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? | depended on if I was traveling- probably about $100 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Some Ghanaians, especially those who work at the night market love practicing Twi with you, many times though people would rather practice their english with you |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Use it! Especially if you are in a home stay or have a ghanaian roommate who speaks Twi (which not all do) |
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?
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| 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? |
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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? | Exactly how our Health Insurance worked/covered |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
