Unique Time in a Ghanaian Village Past Review
By Holly S (Creative Arts in Learning, None) for
ThisWorldMusic: Traveling - Study in Ghana: Music, Arts, Culture
I learned experientially about Ghanaian village life, which gave me a new perspective for understanding the people of the world. As a teacher, I was able to bring my experiences into the classroom and provide for my students a much richer and more authentic curriculum.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Learning drumming and dancing with African teachers was very different from learning these subjects from American teachers. This, in fact, was one reason I choose the trip to Ghana. I wished to learn from Africans in Africa. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Jeremy Cohen's leadership of the trip was vital to its success. We students needed his expertise in coordinating with the African staff to provide us with the best possible experience. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We lived in a dorm as a group of Americans but this dorm was one compound in the African village. |
| * Food: |
The meals prepared for us in the village were somewhat repetitive. However, out cooks were gracious in providing for special requirements. We always had plenty of food and it was tasty. Food in hotels was excellent. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Although not academic, the experiences we had in addition to our classes were very educational. They included participation in a village funeral, visits to a local market, attendance at a local soccer game, visit to a slave castle, and visit to a rainforest. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Most students, including myself, had some digestive issues at some time during the trip. These were short-lived. Staff and students cared for each other. We had been well-prepared about needed shots and medicines to take on the trip. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | During our stay in the village, I spent between $50-$100 a week, mostly on extra lessons, phone cards and purchases at the market. Food was provided. The last week of traveling was more expensive--closer to $150 with additional moeny for purchases to bring home to family. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It is hard to resist buying many of the unique and relatively inexpensive items that are available. I would suggest taking extra money if this is possible. If this trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, buying special items seems sensible. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | I strongly encourage students to consider this program. In addition to the music and dance aspects of the program, our time was an immersion in the Ghanaian village culture and immensely valuable. |
