Life Changing - Field Study in Wiamoase Past Review
By Natalie B (Athletic Training/Trainer., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 04/28/0012 to 07/28/2012 with
Study Abroad Programs in Ghana
I learned how to understand myself and others better. I had the best time in Ghana and it changed my life forever. I am more grateful for the friends and family I have around me. I have learned to appreciate the simple things in life. When I was in Ghana I wanted to talk to my family more and often wished I had appliances that make our life so much easier. I realized what the most important to me once it was taken.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This experience expanded my mind in ways I didn't know existed. I learned about myself and cultures across the world. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
The food probably the worst part of the abroad program for me. I am part of a big family where we eat my mom's home cooked meals every night. I have been spoiled living here in america where I am able to access every type of food I want. In Ghana the food is very limited and you find yourself eating the same starchy and carb full food for EVERY meal. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The small village in WIamoase is so enriched with their culture and the people are so entirely friendly. We couldn't even walk outside of our house without having to stop and talk to someone. Whether it was a little kid or elderly person, they were constantly wanting to talk to us and ask us questions. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Malaria is a big threat in Ghana so make sure not to drink tap water, put bug spray on when you go outside at night, and always sleep under a mosquito net. I was required to get more shots than I can remember for the trip which I'm sure protected me in every way possible. |
| * Safety: |
Ghana is an extremely safety country as long as you use your common sense. When traveling to bigger cities I advise bringing someone along who can speak the language and help you navigate through the city. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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 spent close to 800 USD in 13 weeks there which included rent of 60 USD, traveling costs, presents for my family and friends, and food. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | No |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around 40 USD a week. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
The language was hard to learn and pick up but we used it at every possible chance. We quickly learned the greetings and simple phrases to ask the villagers when walking by them each day. |
| 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? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Going into the program I had no idea what to expect so it's hard to say that I wished I knew anything before I went because the best part was learning as I went along. However, I wish I would have done a little bit of the preparation work for my research before I left. |
