The Jordanian Frown Upside Down! Past Review

By (Arabic Language and Literature, International studies, University of Richmond) - abroad from 08/23/2014 to 05/15/2015 with

AMIDEAST: Amman - Area & Arabic Language Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Life. Direction. Passion. It was beyond worthwhile. I wish I maximized my time while I was there in terms of language usage and learning and relationships with locals, but I loved what I had and I wouldn't give that up.

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.

The Arabic courses were rigorous and demanding- many a times so demanding that it took away from experiencing culture and activities in the host country. Ustezza Wafa was exceptional- no one has ever taught Arabic grammar as simply as she has and her command of the English language allowed her to communicate with and teach her students in a greatly beneficial way. In comparison, ustezza Do'a oftentimes would not understand students' questions and make lessons confusing. People had mixed experiences regarding the professors- either beyond expectations or frustrating (such as with Wafa and Do'a).

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was amazing! They felt more like friends than administrators; it went to show the hospitality of Jordanian culture. You could trust them and count on them to help you when you're in a hot spot. With that being said, it is needless to say that a certain level of professionalism was left absent and appropriate discretion was not always in play.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my apartment experience! Since it was right across the U.S. embassy I felt safe and I had a nice quiet study and relaxation place. My host family was also wonderful, but being that they were so modern/westernized it didn't feel like I was in a different country- which was a good thing! But they were also homebodies and didn't like exploring and sometimes disdained Jordanians/culture so it was hard to attain/experience that aspect of living with a host family.

* Food:

Jordanian food was something that had to grow on me being a girl who comes from a background of spices! I personally did not have any encounters of traumatizing food poisoning and mansaf got slightly better with each attempt!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I got a hang of the language tone and picking up on when to use certain phrases or sounds (it was amazing!) as well as little things like how to hail taxis and use the city's shuttle vans. I got to the point where saying "inshallah" was natural and I became integrated with the gestures.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Alhamdulillah, I experienced no health troubles!

* Safety:

Mea bil mea, Amman was safe during my overall stay.

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)

Amman was SO much more expensive than I anticipated, especially living in an apartment.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50 or more.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use buses to go places like downtown or places on university street! Carpool as much as possible and walk whenever you can! But also don't be that person who doesn't take a taxi for a matter of 50 cents. Order food in bulk if you're ordering (as in, order with a lot of other people) to curb delivery fees. Don't eat out every day, that way you can treat yourself to something nice on the weekends and more activities for you!

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

TLC Tuesdays! Didn't quite work out, but the enthusiasm was there.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
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? 301
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? Do not be afraid to engage in conversations and try to not have your conversations JUST in taxis. I told myself this at the start of the year and I still didn't keep to it. It's harder for girls and I still haven't figured out a way to get around the gender issue in terms of that, but keep trying!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people and friends I made
  • Cabs- ambivalent relationship, but convenient!
* What could be improved?
  • Boundaries between students and program officers
  • More resources to meet up with local students aside from cultural dialogues
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Jordan gets cold. Freezing. Bring coats and socks. Lots of socks.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.