It had its bad and good moments Past Review

By (Government, Saint Lawrence University) - abroad from 01/17/2014 to 05/16/2014 with

AMIDEAST: Amman - Area & Arabic Language Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learned mainly about the middle east.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Not good enough resources. Small study space. Limited internet.

* 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?

Because I looked Filipino plenty of people treated me poorly.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Yes needed to see a dentist. Saw one the next day. If anything it was better than home.

* Safety:

I guess we were safe in the wealthy areas but the harassment was bad.

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)

If we didn't have to a cafe everyday for internet, it would be very affordable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 75 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at your homestay when you can.

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? None
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?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Try to use it with as many people as possible.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Interesting classes
  • Excursions
  • Help of staff
* What could be improved?
  • Internet
  • Orientatio
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? No matter how much you try you are always the foreigner.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.