Jordan was a great opportunity Past Review
By A student (International Relations and Affairs., Michigan State University) - abroad from 06/15/2013 to 08/07/2013 with
AMIDEAST: Amman - Intensive Arabic, Summer
Definitely worthwhile. As one of the students evacuated from Egypt, I learned to appreciate a country that I didn't originally pick.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Professors were great, learned a large amount of material, but very difficult and stressful, not conducive to really enjoying the culture and city |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Usually students are in homestays, which I am under the impression is the best way to experience Jordan and get an "in" with Jordanians. Avoid living in apartments, especially in rich areas. It is much harder to get to know people. |
| * Food: |
Jordanian food is awesome! (Especially if you like hummus, falafel, and kinafa) |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The class schedule and academic demands made it very difficult to spend time meeting people, and success with a language buddy was dependent on how dedicated you were to contact them, meet them, and find another one if the first didn't commit. But once you found a Jordanian to take you under their wing, the culture was great! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The program was more than willing to take sick students to the doctor and make sure they were comfortable. |
| * Safety: |
The orientation was very helpful with outlining basic safety, so pay attention during orientation. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If going to Jordan, budget in advance for must-see tourist attractions (if not part of program excursions) such as Wadi Rum and Petra |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | 302 |
| 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? | If you have a roommate, try to agree to only speak Arabic together. Minimize English. |
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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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | How expensive Jordan is (was budgeting for Egypt) |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
