Ghana - a different world with so much to offer Past Review
By Katherine B (Music Performance, New York University) for
ThisWorldMusic: Traveling - Study in Ghana: Music, Arts, Culture
Musically the Ewe traditions of drumming and dancing are at the core of music in its oldest form. On a experiential level this 3-weeks of immersion will change you deeply and open your eyes.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The intensity of daily study was both challenging and very rewarding. The required readings enhanced the experience. The assigned paper upon return to the States was a great culminating experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our leader traveled with us and arranged all accommodations and travel. Once at Dagbe the center's host Emmanuel worked with him to arrange all group lessons, community events that we attended, and day-trips. In Accra and on Cape Coast our leader made all arrangements. He was readily available and as well organized as one can be in Ghana where things are very loosely scheduled. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I was primarily a vegetarian while there as the proteins did not agree with me. For the most part there was a reasonably satisfying meal 3 times a day - though I was glad I brought some supplies from home like peanut butter, granola, and emergen-c to replace the electrolytes. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Being able to attend the 3-day celebration in the village as a local funeral were exceptional experiences. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
It was important not to be naive about where we were. Security in Accra was provided by the hotel when we were on site. When walking through the city and the Art Market one needed to have street-smarts and keep some distance between yourself and the inquisitive locals. In the small village, it was important to stay with the group and on the grounds of the center. I felt the men in our group were "safer" than the women. When we traveled into the local market it was important to be respectful of traditions such as not photographing without permission. The biggest issue was malaria prevention including meds and use of netting and insect repellent. Also, we were supplied with bottled water which is an absolute necessity. |
| 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
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
English was spoken most everywhere as it is the official language. We could learn the Ewe language through casual conversation and there was one teacher who offered a basic Ewe language introduction. |
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 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? | The cultural immersion can't be beat. Through the study of music and dance and life in a small village your travels will take you far from what you know and teach you much that you didn't know. |
