Semester in Ghana Past Review
By Chelsea R (Winona State University) - abroad from 01/20/2014 to 05/24/2014 with
University of Cape Coast: Cape Coast - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned so much about myself and about the world while I was in Ghana. I wouldn't trade my experiences for the world.
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. |
The academic system itself was frustrating sometimes because of the huge differences between their system and the US system, but it taught me patience and flexibility. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Kwasi, our on-site coordinator, was great. He brought us all around Ghana during orientation, and he even let us all stay at his house so that we could experience a traditional Ghanaian homestay. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a chalet, which was basically just a bedroom with two beds, two desks, a closet, a bathroom, and a hotplate that sat on our porch. I loved it! I never felt unsafe. |
* Food: |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We made a lot of friends within the community. Everyone in Ghana is so friendly and wants to get to know you. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I was sick a few times and had to spend some time at the hospital. It was nice that I had health insurance through CISabroad, so I didn't have to worry about the doctor visits. I still had to pay for the prescriptions out of my own pocket, though, but it didn't amount to a whole lot of money. |
* Safety: |
I never felt unsafe during my time in Ghana. Like I said before, everyone is so friendly and welcoming. That being said, the same rules apply as everywhere else though, especially don't walk alone at night. |
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) |
|
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Maybe around $100 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | N/A |
Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
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? |
|
* What could be improved? |
|
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish we had been better prepared for the academic system in general - how registration works, how the classes are run, how different it is, etc. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |