Ghana: An Exceptional, Challenging, Invaluable, Growing, Non-traditional Study Abroad Experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Ghanaian approach to education greatly varies from the approach taken by many American universities. Classes ranging in size up to 700+ students lack discussion and interaction as the professor dictates notes to the students who eagerly write down EVERY word. Most classes meet once a week for two hours and have a one hour recitation led by a TA. Evaluation also greatly differs from the American style. In the majority of classes, 100% of students grade is the final exam. Granted, though the academic experience greatly varies from most students' home university experience, this should not deter students from applying and going as what this program lacks in academic enrichment, it more than makes up for in cultural experience.

On-site administration of your program

The program adviser and staff were incredibly helpful, supportive, knowledgeable, and fun. I greatly appreciated their efforts to make me feel at ease and at home. I always felt comfortable going to the program staff with any concern or question I had. They were completely wonderful greatly contributed to the unforgettable experience I had in Ghana.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was incredibly wonderful in accepting me into their family as one of their own children. I even called my host parents "Daddy" and "Mommy" at their request. I was given my own room, and they provided the majority of my meals (I provided my own lunch throughout the week). They took me to their village several times on the weekends. I lived about a 30 minute commute from school, most of which I walked. One aspect of a home stay that was challenging to adjust to was the use of house help. Two orphaned distant relatives in my host family did the majority of cleaning, cooking, and laundry. They were expected to serve me and my needs as well as the other family members. This was difficult to accept at first, but as I developed a relationship with them and grew to better understand the culture, I was able to learn a great deal from them as I joined them in the tasks they performed. Also, living with a host family limited my independence as I had to come home at a reasonable hour and keep my family informed about my whereabouts.

I truly grew to love the local food which is very different from American cuisine. Many meals consist of a starch (rice, or various gooey masses of starch made from corn and kassava) that is torn off in small pieces with your hand and dipped in a stew or sauce. Most meals are eaten with your hands, though you can ask for silverware most places. Ghanaians love spicy food though dishes can be made less spicy. Meals are very large (huge portions), but most people do not snack at all throughout the day. Ghana also has incredible fruit such as pineapple, mango, and banana.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The CIEE program takes students on a number of fantastic excursions to learn more about Ghanaian history, see sites, and get away from the university atmosphere. There is also opportunity to make your own travel plans, should you wish to.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a small infection and was able to go to an on campus clinic that helped me. It was somewhat of a hassle and time consuming but I got the treatment I needed. As for safety, I never felt unsafe or had any safety related issues. I know of some students that had belongings stolen, which was the most common complaint regarding safety, but I did not face any issues.

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

There is no language prerequisites for entering this program. However, this program has a mandatory 6-week intensive language program to introduce students to the most widely spoken language in Ghana, Twi. I found this course enjoyable and extremely helpful for my interaction with locals. I greatly valued this course and learned a significant amount in the short 6 weeks. I used Twi everyday in my interactions in the market, at my host family's home, as well as on the public transportation system.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Local Students