AMIDEAST- a great introduction to Jordan Past Review

By (Mathematics and Economics, Grinnell College) for

AMIDEAST: Amman - Area & Arabic Language Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, study abroad was certainly worthwhile! I feel like I have expanded my understanding of the world around me, particularly the ways in which we are all similar. As a math and econ major, the chance to go on a program that was not particularly closely related to my main interests was particularly valuable.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The educational level was intense and rigorous.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

the program managers made sure that everyone was comfortable and secure, and utilized their personal and professional connections to give us the best experience they could.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The food was good, the family did their best to make sure that we felt like a part of the family, but it was sometimes difficult since everyone's schedules were so busy

* Food:

loved the food! all the time!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

we went on several program-organized excursions, and they were certainly a highlight, very enjoyable and fun!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The program made sure that everyone was safe and well prepared for any emergencies, and everyone seemed to feel safe.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Many people speak English, but it was always fun to keep speaking in Arabic after people starting speaking in English. It would have been better if I had had the motivation to get out and speak to people more.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • security and comfort. Also, the food was very good
  • I feel like my Arabic expanded so much over 4 months
  • the trips! sooo much fun, soooo interesting!
* What could be improved?
  • push us to talk to our host families or other Jordanians more
  • the content courses were in English, and not as useful for learning Arabic
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Make every effort to talk to people and get out of the house. Ask your host family to talk to you in Arabic or to introduce you to Amman