Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Adventure in Amman Past Review

By (Arabic, Ohio State University - Columbus) - abroad from 06/13/2013 to 07/12/2013 with

AMIDEAST: Amman - Intensive Arabic, Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned the cultural nuances of Jordan, which will work wonders in allowing me to forge forward in Arabic to the highest degree. I learned the cultural diversity within the Arab World. It was completely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I found the education to be great in terms of exposure to both Modern Arabic and the dialect. Additionally, I feel as though the conducting of the classes almost exclusively in Arabic was vital in cultivating proficient abilities. Whenever I had questions my instructors were very helpful, even through e-mail while on the weekends. Also, the homework allotment was effective and fostered furthering abilities in the Arabic language.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I found AMIDEAST administration to be very efficient in the coordination of events, the answering of questions, and general assistance in acclimating to Jordanian culture. The program was run effectively with wonderful people to help at every turn.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I enjoyed my host family very much. Connecting with them each night and conversing in Arabic was particularly enriching. I do wish that my host sibling would had been more outgoing, as we never really hung out outside of the home. Regardless of this, our discussions on relevant world topics is something I'll remember forever.

* Food:

The food in Jordan isn't bad, its just not my cup of tea. I think if you enjoy middle eastern food, you will enjoy Jordanian food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very in-tune with the culture, as I did what I could to use exclusively Arabic and explore the city everyday. I had many conversations with random people on the street, went all throughout the city, and tried to eat and study at Arabic style cafes. I would suggest meeting Arab friends and do what you can to NOT go to Starbucks lol

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues, so I can speak upon the health care

* Safety:

Amman felt much safer than any city in the United States. I never felt uneasy walking at night. Also, due in part to the lack of firearms and other weaponry, there is really no crime on the streets.

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)

I would say around $60/week. I indulged from time to time at cafes and buying gifts, but all my meals were provided by my host family.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Nothing in particular, just abstain from an expensive coffee every morning and haggle for the gifts you buy :D

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

In the classroom, the language was exclusively Arabic. During the breaks we generally spoke with our peers in English.

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? 1102
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? There are great resources for improving dialect through Youtube, as well as Modern Arabic

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?
  • Meeting Arabs
  • Utilizing Arabic nearly all day
  • Exploring Amman
* What could be improved?
  • A trip to Petra should be every summer, IMO
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The lack of water in the country and how it affects the lifestyle we are used to in the US

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!