Study Abroad in Ghana is very worthwhile Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., SUNY Purchase) for

University of Ghana: Accra - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My study abroad experience was great. I had an opportunity to go back to Ghana after seven years. As a senior in college and looking back I have grown, learned about myself, and lived more in those six months than I ever had. The experience was a lot more than I expected and that only made it better. I am more outgoing and involved both academically and socially. This new found way of living is teaching me to live by the moment and still plan for the future. I find it hard to describe my experience, but my biggest recommendation is for every student to study abroad in order to both learn about themselves and see how others live. It only makes one aware, strong and well rounded mentally, socially and academically. What I found was incredible because the people were very friendly and both the environment and lifestyle are different. I yearn to have such an opportunity again in the future and I am very excited because I am more enthusiastic about finding more in the world and not being content with where I am.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Summer 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academia was very challenging and different done in the U.S. It was really interesting and fun at the same time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Communication was constant and they were really helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing facility was great. The rooms were huge and had a balcony. In addition, the place was very nice, great people etc.

* Food:

The food was GREAT!!!!!!! I loved every bit of it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We travelled and mingled with the local students and t was just fun to have similarities and differencies which I respeced. Wonderful people and fun times. I want to repeat every momentof it but I cannot and that is very sad when I think about it. Photographs help but it is not enough to the real experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? For students to go in with no expectation but open mindeness. Accept everything as it is because they cannot chnage it and most importantly to RESPECT the culture. Also be ready to have fun, learn and grow for your well being.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Africa and the Global System

Course Department: Poli 305
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English and Twi
Comments: A lot of theries introduced and I simply loved the topics and what I was exposed to in the class.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Comparative Isuues of Politics

Course Department: Poli 312
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English and Twi
Comments: The best course I have taken in my live inpart due to the Professors great enthusiasm and making the topic fun, interesting and appealing. Theories introduced and topic was very interesting and I always looked forward to the next class session. He is the best Professor I have ever had and I am very lucky to have been in his class.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Conflict and Society in Africa

Course Department: Poli 316
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Understood the underpinnings of conflicts in Africa to some extent and the exposer to the topic. The Professor explained theories that can be identified as causes of and/or effects of the ivil wars and the nature of civil wars in African.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Social Welfare and Social Poliy

Course Department: SOWK304
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It explained the fundamentals of social work and societal structres by government to improve the lives of its citizens.
Credit Transfer Issues: No