An Often Overlooked Opportunity Past Review
By Heather H (HISTORY., Saint Lawrence University) - abroad from 01/14/2012 to 05/11/2012 with
AMIDEAST: Amman - Area & Arabic Language Studies
Arabic is a language best learned by practice, and studying abroad is the best way to practice.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There was approximately 20 hours of classtime per week. While this allowed for a rigorous semester, it took away from time that could be better spent experiencing the culture and area. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
You have to purchase any food you do not get from your host family, so budget accordingly. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I got most of my cultural experiences with my host family. The AMIDeast building is set a little ways apart from the city center, making it hard to get out between classes. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had a UTI during my semester, and was taken right away to a doctor. He was educated in America, spoke fluent English, and my prescription was free. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safer in Amman than I have in many American cities. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Amman is relatively cheap, but your daily habits ad up over time. If you're really pinching pennies, choose the bus over taxis, try and find cheap falafel and shwarma stands, and pay attention to how much you spend at cafes. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We spent three hours, four days a week learning both Ammiya and Foosha Arabic. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Arabic 101 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It will rain in Amman! Pack rain boots, a heavy coat, and maybe an umbrella. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Islamic Art |
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| Credit Transfer Issues: |
