Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Ghanaian trip a once in a lifetime experience for learning drumming/dance. Past Review

By (Music Education, Midwestern State University) - abroad from 01/03/2013 to 01/14/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The world is a wonderful place, and we as Americans must really learn to be thankful for the comforts we have. Complaining not allowed!

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.

Excellent experience all around.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Trip leader was knowledgeable, informative and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Compared to what we saw around us, our arrangments were very nice.

* Food:

Interesting new foods. I wasn't as adventurous as some of the younger members.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The cultural immersion was great in all aspects.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Trip leader made sure that we were on top of medications, drinking plenty of water, etc.

* Safety:

We had no particular problems. The country could present problems, but we didn't personally run into anything threatening.

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)

No problems in our case. Told upfront about needed funds.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Have plenty and then be wise on how you spend. However, take advantage of the wonderful opportunities to get "once in a lifetime" things to take home.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • 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?
  • People
  • Opportunity to learn new things
  • Travel opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • Small group was fun, larger group would have been even better.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Take advantage of every opportunity in a situation like this.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!