Eye-opening Past Review
By Kelly L (Foreign Affairs and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Virginia) - abroad from 06/12/2013 to 08/08/2013 with
AMIDEAST: Amman - Intensive Arabic, Summer
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was completely worthwhile. The first month was very difficult for me. I struggled with learning the spoken dialect and didn't know how to interact with my host family. But, after a month, I loved everything about Amman. I really miss the city and the connections I made there. My professors, friends, and language partner made the trip incredible. I would love nothing more than to go back, despite its challenges.
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. |
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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? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
It was difficult to keep a budget because I was only there for two months and wanted to experience everything - traveling, food, ect. However, I don't regret how much money I spent. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $250 because of traveling |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Split taxis and try not to buy so much food. |
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? | 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? | ARAB 202 |
| 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? | Language partners are key. Also forcing yourself to speak with your host family extensively - I didn't do this enough. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | I wish I knew how much I would miss it when I came back to the U.S. When it got hard in Amman, I immediately wanted to go home and I wish I had pushed those emotions aside. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
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