Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Exploring Ghanaian Culture Past Review

By (English, Psychology, Clark University - Worcester) - abroad from 01/17/2012 to 05/20/2012 with

CIEE: Legon - Arts + Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The most important thing that you can learn from CIEE Ghana is the culture of Ghana. Come in ready to experience and be part of something completely different than what you are used to. You will be eating different food, talking to people with really different perspectives and experiences, traveling to really different places and participating in a culture that is both welcoming and full of life and excitement. If you are looking for a program that will allow you to explore a totally different culture on your own in a really hands on way than this is the program for you. Completely worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes once at week at the University of Ghana at Legon with no homework required.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program did a great job of taking care of the students on the program and the staff in Ghana really cared about our well being.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had an awesome home stay experience and made some great friends as a result.

* Food:

Being a vegetarian was at times difficult but the food is full of lots of fresh and delicious vegetables.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Being in a homestay really helped!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

You had to be careful but if you were smart you were safe and people were quick to step in and help you out of compromising situations

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)

Food and transport in Ghana is very cheap!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50 without travel
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out or buy food from grocery stores because they can get really pricey really quick!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The coordinators and Ghanaian student ambassadors talked to us using some of the language we learned and our host families and friends spoke Twi to each other.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Talk to friends and do a homestay

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • My host family
  • Ghanaian Culture
  • The welcome I received
* What could be improved?
  • Easy to coordinate volunteer programs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How enriching a home stay could be!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.