Jordan: Arabic, Fun, Hospitality and Adventure Past Review
By Adam L (International Affairs, George Washington University) for
AMIDEAST: Amman - Intensive Arabic, Summer
It helped my language skills and I learned a lot about the region I couldn't in books. Made me more interested in the Levant area in general.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Workload was similar to that of my Arabic courses at GW. Grading system differed. I did slightly worse in my Arabic classes at AMIDEAST then GW, but also got the impression that what I thought were bad grades in Jordan were respectable according to my professors in the program. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff is always working for you. They had great tips on how to adjust to life in Amman. Program size was big enough to make many friends and small enough to manage. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was put with a host family in the city. Cab ride away from the program and most sites, nightlife areas etc in what seemed to me a very safe neighborhood. They were extremely nice and willing to help me learn Arabic. They had extensive experience hosting other students which helped. Was treated as a family member. Had to insist often they speak Arabic to me, not English. But when I asked they spoke Arabic. |
| * Food: |
I was very surprised by the culinary scene in Jordan! You can't get a bad falafel or shwarma in Amman. Also plenty of fast food for when you snap and need a taste of home (and you will). |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
So many. Discussing politics with my teachers was eye opening and informative. I also had the chance to meet and see some Jordanian musicians, as did many of my classmates. I also recommend Dana Nature Reserve, for an off the path experience if you're into hiking. It's beautiful terrain and a hidden gem of Jordan. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The staff was available for us to contact 24/7 and warned us of safety issues that may surface, none of which did for me. Amman is a safe city by American standards, at least from my perspective as a male American tourist. I went to many areas of the city. Cabs will try and rip you off sometimes. I remember a few vaccines begin necessary but had no health problems. You are advised to not drink the water though, as you are in many parts of the world. |
| 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Insist that people speak Arabic to you, as they will try to speak English. Many Jordanians speak English, but many don't. Also take advantage of the language partners AMIDEAST assigns to you. Mine helped me a lot and a year later we are still in touch. |
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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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? | If you want to learn the language this is a great program. You'll also experience the culture of a safe, modern yet truly Arab city. |
