Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Akwaaba! (Welcome!) Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 05/19/2019 to 06/05/2019 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Assessing the Impact of Social Policies in Communities in Ghana

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to interact with people who's culture and way of life is different from my own and how to be understanding of others and why it is they think or do the things that they do.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We were taught by both SFA ans Ghanaian professors and they all brought academic and personal insight that provided for a great learning experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

It was fun to try new foods. I liked a lot of the dishes I tried. Most to all of the food there is prepared and made fresh. A huge part of gaining the cultural experience is tasting the food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

9 times out of 10 we always traveled in a group. I always felt safe. We had an excellent Ghanaian bus driver and tour guide who accompanied us on most of our outings into the cities. They really made the transition from American to African (Ghanaian) culture smooth and comfortable. The people were friendly for the most part as well.

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

I can't wait to go back to Ghana one day! I learned a lot about their culture and met some amazing people along the way!

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 budgeted $240 for this trip and that's all I spent while I was there over the course of two weeks. Depending on how many souvenirs you want to bring back is really going to be the deciding factor in how much many you bring. I'd say $300 is an ideal amount for Maymester abroad.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't exchange all of your money at once. Wait a couple of days before you buy anything from the markets because you'll probably find it cheaper at another market or you'll learn how to bargain for what you want.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The bond with the students I met from SFA
  • Meeting and interacting with people from Ghana
  • Seeing part of the world and way of life I've never seen before
* What could be improved?
  • If at all possible, for students to be able to explore London during the six hour layover
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? make sure you buy a converter! You won't really have access to washing machines and dryers.

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.