Lots of Arabic studying in a beautiful city Past Review
By Rachel D (Political Science, University of Pennsylvania) - abroad from 07/08/2013 to 08/09/2013 with
AMIDEAST: Amman - Intensive Arabic, Summer
I gained so much in terms of my Arabic language learning.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
VERY academically rigorous. It was an excellent program. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
AMIDEAST staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and very approachable. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a shared apartment with other AMIDEAST students and it was a lot of fun. |
| * Food: |
Delicious! So much good hummus and falafel. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I wish I had lived with a host family... I mostly hung out with my American roommates. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
n/a |
| * Safety: |
Amman is a perfectly safe city, especially when you are dressed conservatively and are respectful of the local customs. |
| 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) |
Things seem expensive at first because of the exchange rate--watch out for cab rides, they can add up--but once you settle in, it's very manageable. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Cab rides and meals. |
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 |
When they say intensive Arabic, they mean it. So much Arabic! |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 301 |
| 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? | Meet up with your language partner! and speak Arabic with them, not just English. |
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? | Bring your textbook |
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. |
