Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Inspiring January 22, 2022

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/08/2021 to 12/05/2022 with

CIEE: Legon - Arts + Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned what I would to do in the future. Being abroad allowed me to really reflect on my calling. Furthermore, I was able to I feel a lot more independent and responsible.

Review Photos

CIEE: Legon - Arts + Sciences Photo CIEE: Legon - Arts + Sciences Photo CIEE: Legon - Arts + Sciences Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Due to a strike on the University of Ghana's campus, there was a change in the structure of the school's curriculum.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were supportive, and they planned great activities for the cohort of students that I spent my time with.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I felt safe where I lived.

* Food:

Food was accessible; however, the program did not make any arrangements for us to receive meals. I had to take care of my own meals.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt pretty integrated because I was able to make connections with many of the locals in Accra.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My program director addressed health issues that could come up the first day of orientation, so it was great to receive that information.

* Safety:

I felt safe; however, I lived in a gated community with security. I believe it's important to keep your guard up when living abroad.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved Accra, and I made great connections while I was there. The country and study abroad program allowed me to really step outside of my comfort zone.

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)

I was able to budget well. In addition to that, the currency is different so everything was a little bit more affordable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 usd
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take out enough money for a four week period and go from there.

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

We were all required to take Twi.

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? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Take classes or buy books relating to the language before you set off to go abroad.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Student mentors
  • The Director
  • the program space
* What could be improved?
  • Access to Food
  • More info regarding class registration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about the history of Ghana.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.