Sometimes You Have to Go Somewhere New to Appreciate What You Have January 13, 2025

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Coming from Brandeis, the program wasn't as academically challenging in the traditional sense. There wasn't much in-class work or work that you have to take home. The program is primarily experiential based so there is a lot of time spent outside and engaging with the community and culture. While engaging, the staff encourage you to ask questions and draw connections between this one and your own culture. Through these experiences, it requires you to use a critical lens while engaging.

On-site administration of your program

The staff was very kind and understanding of how exciting, stressful, and overwhelming this experience can be all at once. If a student(s) weren't feeling well, they were quick to get them the proper medical attention.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The hotels that you stay in throughout the program are not to the same quality as the hotels back at home. Most hotels and homestays don't have hot water but they have the necessities. Definitely makes you more appreciative for the resources we have back at home and the things we take for granted.

The food is amazing! Most dishes are very spicy and tend to be very oily but you will never go hungry. Nana Ama is the cook for the program and cooks all the meals for the students. She is amazing and cooks everything with love <3

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was very integrated into Ghanaian culture. I was taking public transportation to class and learned a few phrases to communicate with the local folk. I feel confident that if I was to go back I'd be able to navigate the lands like a local.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was unlucky and got sick frequently during my trip. Sometimes your body struggles adjusting to a new environment. I got a cold on my second week in Ghana but the staff took me to a pharmacy where I was able to get cold medicine to help. I also got Typhoid that first month. Because of the environment, typhoid is easy to contract due to the lack of clean water or food. When I started feeling sick, the staff took me to a hospital immediately where they ran some tests and prescribed me medication to treat me. Make sure to speak up and let the staff know if you are not feeling well. They are very attentive and can't help if they don't know. Going to the hospital was an interesting experience. Depending on where you are, some hospitals are better funded than others. Some doctors are also unprofessional and are quick to throw medication at you to get you our of their office. Make sure to speak up and ask questions if you have any.

Until you get comfortable navigating the city on your own, I wouldn't travel alone for the first month. For women or femme presenting people, it can be more dangerous because men are eager to make advancements at you. They are relentless and sometimes don't take no for an answer. I advise to ignore and not engage with them because they'll take that as a sign to continue. There can also be a concern of safety for queer people because social attitudes are unfriendly of LGBTQIA+, especially gay men and trans women. Overall, always be aware of your surroundings and let someone know if you're somewhere alone.

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

I saved a lot of money during the summer in preparation for the trip and got a refund to help me during my time there. But not working the entire semester definitely set me back a lot.

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

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Apartment
• Hotel

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans

• Experiential learning

• Communication about schedule

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