Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Integration into how music is life in Ghanaian culture Past Review

By (BA-MU, University of Nevada - Reno) - abroad from 01/01/2014 to 01/12/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained more than I can put into words. Drumming instruction from masterful drummers some of whom are younger than 21, dance instruction in traditional and authentic fashion, better understanding on how life is for Ghanaians and what the problems are. The people are so helpful and want to teach their amazing crafts to pass down their legacy. Whatever you want to learn, they will teach you with a smile, patience, and at a greater depth then ever expected. Worthwhile is an understatement. This program is highly recommended for everybody because of the mind opening experiences you will gain. Not just for musicians and dancers but for all who are willing to embrace the rich traditions and culture first hand.

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.

I am still trying to process all that I learned. There is an amazing amount that Ghana has to give to the world and they want nothing more than to teach whomever is interested.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The best of the best. Jeremy and Janna went above and beyond their duties as administrators unlike any other program I have been on.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Basic yet we had everything we needed at all times which made everyone appreciate running water from now on..

* Food:

The food was great other than the super fishy tasting Palava sauce

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We are now part of a family who have become our life long friends. The people are most welcoming and extremely special in the amount that they can teach and how open they are about what life is like in Ghana. I was almost overwhelmed with how much exposure I got to the local culture and I am still trying to process it all.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

A few people threw up and had stomach related issues but nothing too serious. The program leaders stayed up late helping out students and took great care of everyone by reminding them to wash their hands constantly and to drink plenty of water. Fantastic effort was put into their students health!

* Safety:

Never once felt unsafe. Hats off to the program leaders!

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)

Only for the first few day in Accra but there is no need to spend any extra money once in the village.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 100 dollars average
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bargain hard!!

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?
  • The leadership (Jeremy and Janna)
  • The participants and staff
  • The diversity of activities
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing comes to mind
  • Thought long and hard about this
  • Yep, still nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how amazing this program was so I could have been even more excited than I already was! Also that I can order drums from the website and do not need to carry 2 drums back with me. (But, I would not have been able to pick out the ones I like...)

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.