Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best trip organized by the best taught by the best. Past Review

By (University of Massachusetts Amherst) - abroad from 07/24/2013 to 08/14/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that immersing yourself in another culture is a life-changing experience. I learned to live with students who had many different abilities and talents. I was able to learn from teachers I would have never had the opportunity to work with anywhere else.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Better than I assumed.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This was the best part. We had access to a funeral, a baby naming ceremony, traditional arts, and of course, traditional drumming. The staff at Dagbe Cultural Institute are fantastic.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent @250 american total on sourveirs, etc.

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

In Ghana, they speak English, but we were speaking also the Ewe language of the people.

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
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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 staff at Dagbe Cultural Institute
  • The learning of drumming and dance
  • The outings to the market and the beach
* What could be improved?
  • The breakfast food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have brought things to help with their school.

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!