Ghana, the Land of the Black Stars, an unforgettable experience! Past Review
By Abigail B (English Literature, SUNY - College at Geneseo) for
SUNY Geneseo: Kumasi - Global Health in Ghana
This program was excellent and I can't emphasize it enough. I learned so much things pertaining to culture, the health care system, family,history, the education system, and most important general things about the land itself. This has furthered my passion to become a medical doctor because there are so many children and adults who need help. Ghana needs more doctors, more money, and more education. Despite all the problems they may have they continue to smile and live everyday because life itself is a blessing to them!
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Kwame Nkrumah Univerisity of Science and Technology |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This was a fantastic program! We (13 students from Geneseo) studied Global Health and development at KNUST along with 6 other students who were bio chemistry majors at the University. Our lectures were given by our Prof. here at Geneseo, Susan Bandoni and a couple of times we also had guest lecturers from the University. Both groups of students were receiving credit for taking this course. Our grade consisted of attending lectures, participation, writing papers on topics covered in class,and going on all site visits to different hospitals and institutions after out lectures. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
We were only 13 students and 2 prof. so it was a relatively small program. Prof' knew a lot about the country. They were always there to help us. Excellent! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We lived in the Engineering Guest House which was on campus at the KNUST! It was beautiful guest house. We had our rooms and private bathrooms cleaned every morning as soon as we went to class and by the time we came back it was done. Everything we needed was provided. The guest house excellent staff who all speak English well! At night it was relatively quiet if it weren't that's because we were making the noise by laughing and just having a good time. A very safe environment with people on duty 24/7. |
| * Food: |
If students stay at KNUST, stay at the Engineering Guest House, they have their own restaurant! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Excellent! Kakum National Park where they have seven rope bridges that take you across the park, Elmina Slave Castle showing history of slaves and the Europenas, Different dance performances showing the rich culture of Ghana, Kente village where the cloth is made, Adinkra Symbol village how it is made and what all the symbols mean. Africa Cup of Nations- Ghana's Black Stars 3-Congo Devils-1! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Malaria Vaccine is the most important vaccine you need because there are mosquitoes. You also need medicine just in case you get travelers diarrhea. Ghana is a very safe place! Nothing was ever lost or stolen. |
| 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) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A student who is open minded and wants to learn about the cultural, history, and social aspects is one that needs to go on this trip. Have fun and enjoy the food and culture while you can because you will never experience something like that in the United States. |
