Great language instruction in Jordan! Past Review
By Chris R (HISTORY., CUNY - Queens College) for
AMIDEAST: Amman - Intensive Arabic, Summer
Great language instruction, friendly and organized program staff and instructors, and a great host family. I got a good feel for Jordanian culture, and wish I could have stayed longer.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It depended on what level you were, but generally classes were small and the professors were all great. Lots of attention to detail, they push you hard to really learn and use the language. Rigorous testing and homework, but I saw a lot of improvement in a very short time. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very organized program, from the orientation to the homestays. Program staff were always helpful and friendly, and could always find a way to help you work through any issues. Organized trips around Jordan were great too! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing with a host family was great... great food, comfortable accomodations, decent location. Most of all, the family was REALLY nice, they treat you like family! Make sure you force them to speak in Arabic with you, rather than English - even if it's tough at first, it works wonders for your speaking and listening ability. |
| * Food: |
My host family cooked home-cooked meals every day, and it was SO good. I can't speak for other people's host families but mine was great! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Program-organized trips were nice, we hit all the big sites in and around the capital. But make sure to organize your own trips to Wadi Rum, Aqaba and Jerusalem - the staff will help you, but you have to ask! Amman itself can be a bit boring after a month or so, but make sure to try to enjoy some of the night life with fellow students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
No safety concerns at all - Amman was very safe and stable, and the program staff did a good job of telling us the general do's and don't's. |
| 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
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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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? | Speak only in Arabic as much as you can, and you'll be surprised how quickly you learn! |
