An absolutely wonderful & unique experience! Past Review

By (Music Teacher, Lesley College) - abroad from 07/31/2009 to 08/21/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A greater knowledge of another culture, understanding that though the Ghanaian people are pooir compared to Americans, they are rich in spirit, in culture, in music and in Community. I gained greater drumming and dancing skills. greater confidence of trying new things, going to new places having more worldly adventures.

Review Photos

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

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.

Drumming, dancing and singing were challenging but the teachers were very skilled in their art as well as their art of teaching

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Host were warm and accommodating. They made us feel welcome and were gracious about sharing their culture & traditions as well as their music skills

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Definitely adequate - simple & clean

* Food:

Food was very good - Lots of scrumptious meals with fish, rice and beans. Fresh coconut. It's good to bring some snacks along with you because you burn a lot of energy drumming and dancing

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We got to experience fascinating cultural events with This World Music that we wouldn't have experienced on our own . A funeral and a Spirit gathering - both of which went on for days, though we only stayed a few hours. But in that time we got to hear some incredibly hot, spirited music, and dance like crazy. The Ghanaians were so welcoming and gracious about sharing their traditions, often beckoning us to come dance with them. We got to see how Djembes were made by master drum builders and we had our own private workshop with the National Ballet of Ghana. First the company did an amazing performance for us. Then the workshop offered us the opportunity to drum and dance with the Masters. What an experience!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare felt adequate - There were no real health issues. After I tripped over a log, cutting my leg while filming local kids dancing, I got immediate first aid and follow-up and I healed fine.

* Safety:

I always felt safe, no matter where we were on the trip. Safety was the highest priority with This World Music and we were never in situations that were unsafe

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)

The trip was very affordable for what we got. $50 a day at Dagbe Cultural Center covered lodging, 3 meals and 4 hours of classes.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? On the Contrary, I'd say bring extra money so you can buy some great hand- carved drums for 1/4 of what you'd pay for them in the states.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

All our teachers & hosts spoke English but we were encourage to learn Ghana is an English speaking country so we spoke mostly English but we learned some of the local dialect through conversation and songs

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? College Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
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?
  • Learning Ewe drumming and dancing from master teachers
  • Being part of "This World Music" community, getting tio share the music and new places with good folks who were interested and open to learning about the culture as well as the music
  • Great combination of challenging musical studies and getting to enjoy beautiful and interesting places., such as Cape Coast and the Kakum Rainforest
* What could be improved?
  • I thought it was pretty awesome as it was
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would build in a few more days to go up to Mole National park

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.