Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

ARABIC December 19, 2022

By (Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/05/2022 to 12/14/2022 with

CET Jordan

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned Arabic of course especially the Jordanian dialect which I couldn't have learned at my home university. I also learned to be more independent and navigate living in a foreign country.

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.

A very difficult program but definitely worth it if your goal is to learn Arabic.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was super helpful and supportive. They were available to talk any time of day.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

They were extremely nice, the equivalent of an apartment that costs around 1,000 dollars/month near my university

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This program places university students or others in their early 20s in the same building so we can learn more about Jordanian culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It was pretty safe as long as you were vigilant and kept aware of your surroundings at all times, similar to many major cities

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

This was my second semester at CET Jordan so I did pick the same program twice. I probably would not do it a third semester just because it was extremely difficult but I did learn a lot.

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)

Like anywhere, it really depends on personal lifestyle choices. I will say, quality food at restaurants in Jordan is way cheaper than in the US.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? maybe 70 US dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy lots of groceries if you know you don't have the time or experience to cook! It ends up being cheaper to just eat out than buy ingredients each week to cook and then eat out anyways.

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

There was a language pledge that meant using English was not allowed.

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? 8 semesters or Arabic or Advanced low
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? Talk to locals

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?
  • The support from Professors and Staff
  • The kindness of the Arabic Professors
  • The opportunities the program provided
* What could be improved?
  • The communication, at times the schedule was very unclear.
  • Less homework. I had so much homework some weekends that I didn't have time to leave my room and see Jordan and even with two semesters there are some cities I regret not seeing.
  • Maybe adding an additional day or two off during the semester, I could have really used a minor break so I didn't get burnt out.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is difficult to participate in CET to the fullest if you have any other commitments either from university or even the internship they provide. This program is intense, and even if at the beginning all of the work and an honors thesis from university seems manageable, your Arabic may suffer.

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!