Past Review
By Leah G (Global Studies, Providence College) for
CIEE: Legon - Arts + Sciences
It was one of the best times of my life. I learned so much about Ghanaian culture and how so many different things influence their lives in comparison with mine. I also learned a lot about different education systems and what I feel works better for me. I also learned about my capacity for stepping outside my comfort zone and really trying something new.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Because Ghanaians follow the british system of academics it was very different and not as challenging throughout the entire semester. Only when exams came did the American students work. Also, there was no way to gauge your progress over the course of the semester because there were hardly any other grades. Most courses were comprised of lectures and a final exam. This was nerve wracking because we had no idea what to expect come exam time. Despite the discrepancies, I still value the experience I had there because it gave me a chance to compare and contrast education in the United States. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program director was rarely around for help. Most of the work was done by his assistants who were great and very helpful. The program should be more well versed in American personal and psychological issues (such as eating disorders) to avoid further injury to some students. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a small compound with a Ghanaian family. I had a mother, father, and several brothers and sisters. It was a very busy home life and there were always people out and about. It was overall, clean but there were cockroaches and rats from time to time. <br /><br /> I was located not far from the university and my family was very welcoming and kind. |
| * Food: |
The food was tasty and spicy, but it did get a little redundant over the course of the semester. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I learned so much about the culture and had an amazing time. The academic aspect of my program was the least important to me so I really focused on getting the most out of being in such a different country and learning as much as I could about its rich history and culture. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Health issues were a hassle to deal with mainly because of the lack of organization in hospitals. Students were treated, it just took a long time. There were times when I was a little nervous because I had heard of people being robbed at machete point or gun point. This never happened to me, but it was around. However, Accra is like any other big city in the world, so I knew that if I was smart about things, I would be okay. |
| 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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Keep track of your money. It can go fast if you don't budget. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It's a great opportunity and anyone should jump at the chance to go. You just have to understand that even though it is a stable country, it still is third world and isn't as organized and you may be used to. It still functions, but is very chaotic and disorganized. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
The Black Diaspora |
| Course Department: | HIST305 |
| Instructor: | Professor Baku |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This was a very organized and well taught course. I learned a lot about the history of the black diaspora in a very concise manner. The professor kept the lectures interesting and followed the syllabus closely |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Literature of the African Diaspora |
| Course Department: | ENGL375 |
| Instructor: | Professor Ann Adams |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | The professor was almost never prepared for class. Sometimes she relied on us for discussion questions. She also wasn't within the English field, rather had her PhD in German. We read interesting books, but the discussions that followed were disappointing. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
