Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Excellent Experience in Ghanaian Drumming and Dance Past Review

By (University of Massachusetts Amherst) - abroad from 07/27/2012 to 08/19/2012 with

ThisWorldMusic: Traveling - Study in Ghana: Music, Arts, Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Too much to put into words here... it was absolutely worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Both the material we studied and the experiences we had in Ghana were very educational. The private lesson option at the Dagbe Cultural Centre allows students to personally tailor the program to meet their specific interests and needs.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our accommodations in Accra and Cape Coast were both excellent beach front hotels. At the Dagbe Cultural Centre I would describe the accommodations as luxury summer camp, which for being in a rural Ghana was great.

* Food:

All the food was clean and delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

At the Dagbe Cultural Centre, I felt like I was able to experience village life. I especially enjoyed interacting with the village children during our free time.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Our trip leaders were always watching out for us. Reminding us to take care of ourselves.

* Safety:

I always felt comfortable and safe.

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)

Enterance fees at the end of the trip were not anticipated.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250 on food; $200 on souvenirs
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Follow the estimated budget given in the trip information and then give yourself some extra margin just in case.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

It would have been nice to have been encouraged to learn some general Ewe phrases.

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? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Language was not the focus of this trip.
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Language is not the focus of this trip; however, it would be good to learn some phrases.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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 dance and drumming
  • the teaching at Dagbe
  • the community
* What could be improved?
  • Entrance fees included in cost
  • A list of Ewe phrases given to participants
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Some of the language

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.