I am the luckiest girl in the world! Past Review

By (American/United States Studies/Civilization., Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/01/2013 to 05/15/2013 with

Study Abroad Programs in Ghana

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I could not even begin to sum up what I learned. I never believed that my mind could be challenged like it would be in Ghana. I was taught about myself through others. For me, it was a revolutionary experience that I want to keep all to myself because I cannot begin to explain it so other people could understand.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Wonderful!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Better than I could have imagined

* Food:

Good!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

As much as a white person could hope to feel in an African Country

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Wonderful! Had malaria and was treated with great care. Had no effect on my experience.

* Safety:

Very safe but I never went out after dark

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)

So easily! SIT did a great job giving allowances.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I spent less than a $1000 for 4 months........ and I bought a TON of souvenirs

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

A lot of encouragement- it was the easiest way to communicate with host families.

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? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Realize the benefit of language knowledge and don't be afraid to try and make mistakes...its how you learn!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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 travel
  • The people
  • The homestays
* What could be improved?
  • More books
  • More lessons about the places we would be traveling to
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing! They do a great job with all the preparations

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Independent Study

Course Department: Ghana Culture
Instructor: Kwabena Danso
Instruction Language: Twi
Comments: Because it was an independent study it was as rigorous as I chose to make it.
Credit Transfer Issues: Not sure yet! Hopefully not........