Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Intensive Past Review

By (Religion / Religious Studies, Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge) - abroad from 06/11/2015 to 07/09/2015 with

AMIDEAST: Amman - Intensive Arabic, Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the Jordanian culture and people. There love of the king, God, and country seem to play an important role in their everyday lives. The trip was worth every penny.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were very intensive. I know I have learned a lot.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Phenomenal. Always there when I needed them

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was amazing.

* Food:

Food was delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I love Jordanian culture. My host family and professors taught us proper etiquette and appropriate Arabic phrases to make the time abroad more authentic.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Felt very safe in Amman. I was not nervous shopping by myself, exploring the nearby areas, or asking directions from strangers. Only advice is do not be disrespectful to cab drivers if they are being obnoxious.

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)

Food was covered in the costs of the program which was great. Taxi drives were cheap as long as the drivers did not try to scam us. Overall, Amman did not seem to expensive to live in as long as I didn't buy expensive, unnecessary stuff.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20

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

Amman is definitely one of the best places to learn Arabic. Program was very encouraging and life outside school forced me to use what I had learned in class.

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? Arabic 2102
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? Use Arabic as much and as often as possible in order to maximize the experience. Don't be scared or worried.

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?
  • Arab culture
  • host family
  • Arabic classes
* What could be improved?
  • Free time - the program expects us to learn Arabic in a classroom setting, explore the city, and experience people who actually speak Arabic. Balancing of the three is almost impossible. I purposely did not choose to do certain language resources or adventures because I was worried about falling behind in class. I guess the program should just emphasize how the Arabic classes are number 1 over other learning opportunities if one wishes to succeed.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The program adequately stated everything that needed to be said in the handbook. I knew what i was getting into, and I really enjoyed that time.

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!