The most amazing experience of my life! Past Review

By (Political Science And International Studies, Clark University - Worcester) - abroad from 01/23/2012 to 05/11/2012 with

CIEE: Amman - Language and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained irreplaceable experiences, life long friends and the ability to speak an insanely cool language. It was the most worthwhile thing I have ever done.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Cab fare and food each week took about 100$ each week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't go shopping for your family until the END of the semester, because you'll pile up so much stuff over the semester that you won't even need. Try to control your urge to splurge especially in the first month of being there!

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

The language component was the MOST successful part of my program. It was amazing!

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
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? none
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? speak with locals! constantly! Especially with your host family, regardless of if they speak english well or not!

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?
  • Language
  • Location
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • The elective courses could be a little bit more rigorous
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to stress about not knowing the language.