Music and Dance in Ghana: The Time of My Life! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The subject of this course is outside my primary area of specialty; it is an African drum/dance/cultural immersion course and I am a classical piano player. So, not having taken many other courses in this area I cannot comment on its comparative merit within that specific field. However, I can say that the classes were fun, challenging yet not overwhelming, and I still remember much of what I was taught. They were a major boon to me in acclimatizing myself to the host culture, and in opening my eyes to new ways of understanding life and art. As a cultural vehicle, the classes were excellent. I can also say that those of my peers who do specialize in African drumming/dancing seemed to find the information extremely helpful, and found ample opportunity to use what they learned in Ghana once they were back in the U.S. The course is a great experience for anyone who is interested, whether they are a specialist or simply curious.

On-site administration of your program

For the purposes of this section, I consider the host institution to be the Dagbe Cultural Center, headed by Emanuel Agbeli. All said, I doubt there are many programs of comparable quality to that offered at Dagbe. The instruction is very good, and most of the teachers are highly personable. Since studying at Dagbe involves living in the host village, opportunities to experience life in the community firsthand are endless. We met the villagers, performed for them, participated in their ceremonies and festivities, visited their church, homes, etc. The programs two greatest strengths are its excellent instruction and opportunities for community immersion. As for weaknesses, few come to mind, and most of the ones that do are part and parcel with any trip to Africa; people expecting to stay in a five star hotel will be disappointed. (Come to think of it, although we slept in a dorm while in the village itself, the hotels we stayed in at the beginning and end of the trip were actually excellent.)

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was able to be a happy vegetarian for the duration. Another student maintained a vegan diet. The food is simple, but good. No major complaints, but a indigestion and food poisoning are occasional issues, as in any foreign country.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The introduction to African culture was, to me, the best part of this trip. The cultural events and attractions are too many to mention; every day was an event and every thing an attraction. Some of the most memorable items include going to the local markets to buy hand-printed cloth and other sundries, attending and participating in a local funeral ceremony, visiting a master drum-maker's workshop, taking cheap! private lessons in weaving/basket-making/drumming/dancing/singing/language, singing in the local church, having a guided tour through a historic slave-trading castle, seeing the national dance company in a very intimate performance, and simply being in the village. I made friends among the locals and my fellow tourists. It's a wonderful social environment.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Mosquitos abound and you need to take meds for malaria. The village is very safe, and even Accra did not seem dangerous, especially since we stuck together as a large group most of the time. Indigestion can be a problem in any foreign country. I only got sick from food once, and the group leader, Jeremy Cohen, was super attentive and made sure I got better.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Dorm

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• Americans

• Cultural Experiences
• Fascinating Classes
• Great Social Environment

• More scholarship money/financial assistance