Ghana! An experience I will never forget. Past Review

By (Performing Arts, Saint Mary's College of California) - abroad from 01/01/2014 to 01/13/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became more confidant in my abilities to speak up for myself, and to push myself to try new things. The trip was truly worthwhile.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Jeremy has extensive knowledge of Ghana, and is on top of any issue that might be presented.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Try everything!!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

One person became very ill. There was always someone there with her to help her through the sickness.

* Safety:

Pay attention when you cross the street, pedestrians mean nothing to them. Try and get a vehicle with seat belts, and keep an eye out for pickpockets. Basically the same things you would do at home.

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)

While Ghana was very inexpensive, the airfare and paying for the credits were not cheap.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250.00

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

Mostly English was spoken. There were some native languages, but for the most part it was all performed in English

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? One semester of Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
  • The weather
  • The expense once in Ghana
* What could be improved?
  • Communication between the locals and the students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to bargain better. If you go, you will understand.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'