Jordan is boring, but Middlebury is wonderful! Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/01/2013 to 12/17/2013 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury In Amman

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned the limitations of my interests in the Arabic language itself. My love of the culture and history took a backseat to the language pledge, which I knew going into the program, but had not fully thought through.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think the language pledge ended up holding me back from making friends with more Jordanians, just because SO many people and students in Amman spoke English and so many activities at the University of Jordan were conducted in English. In terms of social integration, the language pledge was actually a huge hindrance.

* 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? No

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)

I was unaware of how bad the exchange rate was (my previous experiences in the Middle East had shown me that the rates tend to favor the dollar and that locally-made goods are quite cheap). Furthermore, I had to pay for cabs everywhere, which REALLY added up.

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? PACK WINTER CLOTHES BEFORE YOU LEAVE SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO BUY THEM AT RIDICULOUS PRICES IN AMMAN. Also, bring at least one pair of weather-proof shoes. I got caught in a freak snow storm and only had leather booties.

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

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? Intermediate Arabic
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? The language pledge is tough but pays off.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • People (staff, administration)
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing about the program--I just personally hated Amman (this is not how everyone feels, and I am aware of my strong opinion).
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That Jordan is a country where a visitor (someone without existing family/friends) should spend no more than 2 weeks.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.