Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Most Incredible Time, Place, and People! Past Review

By (Bfa Acting, Oklahoma City University) - abroad from 06/18/2014 to 07/09/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself. My view of the world changed. I am much more aware of things now, such as what I have, what I don't have, what I need, and what I want. Understanding these things about yourself changes who you will be to the rest of the world and what you will do with the rest of your life.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We covered a ton of info in very little time. Since it was entirely hands-on, this was not an issue. It just made for very busy days and very tired brains!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Jeremy is amazing. He is incredibly knowledgeable and resourceful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Compared to everyone in Ghana, we were living like royalty. In the hotels we had AC, but in Kopeyia it was open windows with fans and mosquito nets. It took a little getting used to, but upon my return to the US, I kept asking my parents if we could just open the windows. Toilets in the village are outhouse style, but WE HAD TOILETS. It's all about perspective. I miss it.

* Food:

Again, we were treated like royalty. It doesn't serve you well to be a picky eater as you eat what there is to eat, but after trying all the dishes once, we got to put in requests. I brought snacks and small meals (Cup O Noodles, Easy Mac) that could be made with boiling water and was occasionally very thankful for the processed American food. I miss all of the fresh fruit and spiciness!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt as culturally integrated as I possibly could after only three weeks. Amazing..

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Yellow fever and typhoid vaccines, Malaria and traveller's diarrhea antibiotics. I got traveller's diarrhea. Not a big deal, just unpleasant. I was taken care of completely by Jeremy and couldn't have asked for a better nurse.

* Safety:

Just use your brain! Buckle your seatbelts, watch out for cars, don't go anywhere alone. I felt safe the whole time!

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)

Ghana is SO CHEAP. Everything is so inexpensive!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? The whole three weeks, I spent no more than $100 on food/water.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring more than you think you'll need and change less than you think you'll need. Just in case.

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
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
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?
  • music
  • dancing
  • friends
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pepto Bismol cancels out traveller's diarrhea antibiotics... for six hours. And those six hours will be hell.

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.