Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Immersion is what you make it Past Review

By (Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 05/25/2014 to 12/18/2013 with

CIEE: Amman - Diplomacy and Policy Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
One of the best things I learned was the abstract idea of how to be comfortable travelling on my own and living abroad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Arabic was good, the other classes. I wouldn't exactly call them rigorous.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments were awesome. They were big than I expected, nicer than I expected, and I honestly don't have any complaints. If we ran out of water or gas we were able to get it fixed really quickly.

* Food:

There was no food provided with the program, but Jordanian food is pretty tasty.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Honestly, we lived in a pretty american bubble. Immersion was definitely available, but you really need to take your own initiative.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had an issue, so with no personal experience I give it a theoretical 5 stars. This website won't allow me to not rate a category.

* Safety:

I never once felt unsafe. However, girls don't really walk outside after dark. So I can't speak for how the girls on the program felt.

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)

You can live very cheaply, but you will sacrifice a lot of what makes studying abroad worth it....

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Purchasing alcohol in the Middle East will, in general, bleed you dry. Do with that information what you will.

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

Outside of class, there wasn't really any encouragement to speak in Arabic.

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? Arabic 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? Get a conversation partner!!

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Instructors
  • Other Students
  • Opportunity to Travel
* What could be improved?
  • Class rigor
  • Guest Speakers
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That their recommended budget is kind of a lowball estimate.

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 Adventurer
The 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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Arabic 301
Course Department: Arabic
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Arabic
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: