Amman Arabic Study Abroad Past Review

By (Arabic, Brigham Young University) - abroad from 08/24/2012 to 12/22/2012 with

Brigham Young University: Amman - Jordan Study Abroad Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to speak and read Arabic fluently.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Mmm chicken shwarma

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

-Wear sunglasses and pout -Don't talk to guys ever -If a guy gropes you, carry a hat pin or needle to stick him. That will teach the SOB a lesson.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

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

Using the language was the whole point of the program

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 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? Just learn as much vocabulary as you can possibly stuff into your brain. And don't forget everything you ever learned over the summer. Make sure to practice speaking to yourself and remembering vocab at least once or twice a week.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Newspaper reading
  • Roomies
  • Jerusalem Center
* What could be improved?
  • Opportunities to meet locals
  • Being in Cairo instead of Amman
  • More help with aamiya vocab and phrases
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't listen to Dil. Bring your attractive clothing. Also, bring your makeup. And if you have any room at all in your luggage, please, please bring your blow dryer and hair straightener. You will instantly attain the level of popularity you had only dreamed of before.

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!