Ghana: Forever In My Heart Past Review
By Dana M (Music Education, Temple University) - abroad from 07/09/2014 to 07/30/2014 with
ThisWorldMusic: Traveling - Study in Ghana: Music, Arts, Culture
This is the most rewarding experience of my life to date. I will never forget the people I met and the art I created while in Ghana. This program is one of the best around not only because the experiences provided by you but because it is a chance to fully immerse yourself in a culture and live as a Ghanian not just a tourist. My heart is so full with the music of Ghana that I carry it with me daily. This program will open your eyes to a new world you never thought possible and have you never looking back.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I found myself in Ghana while on the ThisWorldMusic summer program. This is truely the trip of a lifetime not just for musicians and educators, but for those looking to fully live in the incredible culture of the Dagbe Arts center and the surrounding village of Kopeyia. This program is packed with thrilling experiences, incredible academic challenges, and music unlike anything you've heard before. While the work is demanding, I couldn't imagine anything more rewarding than the entire concert and celebration at the end of your stay at Dagbe. I would highly recommend this program to anyone no matter their skill level or age. You will learn to experience life and the arts in an enthralling setting and create friendships that will last a lifetime with both Americans and Africans. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff at Dagbe treats you as another member of their family. They are all incredibly accommodating whether you have visited Africa many times or this is your first time abroad. You truly learn not just about drumming and dance from the teaching artists, but about life and how to see the world as a Ghanaian. Everyone involved with Dagbe is genuinely so happy to share their world with you allow you to see everything Kopeyia has to offer. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing is very comfortable and amenable. The entire compound is very tidy and orderly. There are many sleeping options to accommodate any needs which are always kept very nice and are well cooled with fans in the summer. Running water and electricity is always readily available and any of the kitchen staff can help you with anything you may need. |
| * Food: |
After a month back in the United States I'm still craving Ghanaian food. The food at Dagbe is incredibly delicious. There is a great mix of local African food and a few home amenities to make even the newest traveler not miss the comforts of home. Three awesome meals were served a day and always with new and exciting things to try. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
This is where this program stands a cut above the rest. Dagbe isn't simply about travel or acting as an observer of African culture. You are fully immersed in Ewe drumming and dance from the minute you come to Dagbe to the minute you leave. You eat, sleep, and breath the rhythms of the Ewe people until your heart can sing no other song. I am still in awe of the incredible experience I received and am ready to go back to learn more. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Health Care was never an issue. The ThisWorldMusic staff is very well trained to accomidate any health issues that should arise and are very caring when it comes to taking care of things like stomach issues or muscle strains. Any medical issue that would be considered outside of the norm of basic travel was quickly addressed by a medical professional in a nearby town. |
| * Safety: |
Both in Accra and in Kopeyia safter was never issue. The ThisWorldMusic staff is very well organized and has any saftey concern thought out well before you arrive. The village of Kopeyia is especially welcoming to foreign visitors. All of the staff for the program live in the village and are welcoming enough to invite you into their homes and village to make a true connection with you and help you experience how they live. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Packing long pants isn't a suggestion its a necessity. The mosquitoes can be pretty relentless in the rainy season. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
