Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I don't regret going at all, but I am so thankful I'm ome Past Review

By (International/Global Studies., American University) - abroad from 08/26/2012 to 12/21/2012 with

AMIDEAST: Amman - Area & Arabic Language Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a great deal about myself and what I am interested in, what I want to do in my career and what I don't want to do. This was not a fun semester, there were a lot of parts that were difficult but I am glad that I did 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.

I learned things from the courses I took that I never would have gotten at my home institution because I was in Jordan and because my professors had experiences that were very localized. I did about as much work as I do at my university but it was not as difficult, or it was not graded as harshly. With the exception of Arabic.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

On-site administration were very supportive and worked to ensure that we enjoyed our semester

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I chose to live in a host family because I wanted to learn Arabic, but my host family spoke almost fluent English, which made it very difficult to practice my language skills

* Food:

The humos and bread were great, everything else I won't miss.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75-$100

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? Beginner
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? 202
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Everybody in Amman speaks English, getting people to talk to you in Arabic is really difficult.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • ?
* What could be improved?
  • ?
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I don't think there was anything I would have liked to know, but I also had very realistic, almost pessimistic expectations for the semester.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!