Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Very Worthwhile Past Review

By (Teachers College, Columbia University) - abroad from 07/06/2016 to 07/27/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was very worthwile! It was great for students interested in music, arts, drama, dance, etc. It is also great for teachers of any sort.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Super intense summer cultural study. Great for in service teachers or anyone with an interest in Africa, the arts, music dance, theatre, and village life.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very well organized.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Hotels were great. Village accomidation was basic by western standards, but luxury based on village standards- thus a good compromise for participants.

* Food:

Very authentic food from the village.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was great to be part of a group that was very well accepted into the local community. The connections that This World Music has in Ghana made all the difference.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Immediatly and knowledgably dealt with.

* Safety:

Felt safer than I expected

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

This is a great experience for people who have never been abroad and people who have extensive travel experience. I learned as much as possible in 3 weeks and made lasting friendships.

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)

Spent most of my money buying optional souvenirs and private lessons.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring extra for souvenirs!

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
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 relationships
  • The dancing
  • The music
* What could be improved?
  • not much
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The teaching and learning style is very different than in North America. Perhaps some of us could have been better mentally prepared for that.

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.