Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

American style program with Middle Eastern flare Past Review

By (COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES., Villanova) - abroad from 01/10/2013 to 05/03/2013 with

American University in Dubai: Study Abroad in the Middle East

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much from my roomate and friends as to what it is like to live in the Middle East and the surrounding region.

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

The Administration is ver slow with getting things done. It takes a lot of phone calls and emails in order to get what you need.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My roommate was from Afghanistan and she was wonderful!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was more integrated with the cultures surrounding the Middle East rather than Emirati culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Security on campus is extremely strict with many students having a midnight curfew. The grounds were completely enclosed with gurads at all entrances.

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? $100 - $125

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

Everyone in the United Arab Emirates speak English, Arabic is never necessary.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? No language Courses
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Living with International Students
  • Was able to join the school's clubs and sports team
  • Attending classes with a mixture of nationalities
* What could be improved?
  • School's administration
  • Plan more events to attend
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The exact people to contact when I had a problem

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.