Navigating Amman, East to West Past Review

By (Near and Middle Eastern Studies., Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/30/2013 to 05/16/2014 with

AMIDEAST: Amman - Area & Arabic Language Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about the people and the local experience of life in the Middle East, (from anecdotes and friends), that I could not have possibly gained in the US. Also, in terms of the people, I more than once learned about the differences in social interaction and how to adapt to fit it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Arabic classes were extremely rigorous, and much more intense than anything you can get in the US. The area studies courses are slightly less reading than I am used to, but the discussion in more in depth and I think the understanding gained over the semester is fantastic.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

It depends whether you are staying with a host family (and then between host family) or in an apartment.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program creates many avenues to make friends with Jordanians (ie. Cultural Dialogue discussions, language partners, host families), and then one has to take it upon themselves to see how integrated they become.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Just use your common sense.

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)

My expenses were much less than $100/week, but this is because I live in an apartment and am buying my own food and such. When I was living in a host family, I think it was maybe $30/week or less because of taxis/cafes/snacks.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We have language pledge days (Every Tuesday), and after the first month students can chose to take a three day/week language pledge. Also, we have language partners who we see every week, and the arabic classes are taught mostly in Arabic.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced MSA 302; Colloquial 2 332
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make friends with the people here! They will want to help.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Arabic Classes
  • Content course professors
  • the people I met (staff and local friends)
* What could be improved?
  • More intense language commitment (but this varies because of the students)
  • More study space
  • --
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Your abroad experience really is what you make of it, and it is your responsibility to put yourself in those uncomfortable situations, because that is the only way you will learn.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'